Dark & Gritty

Dark: visuals, monsters, mature themes, violence, tone (creepy, ominous, suspenseful, etc)
Gritty: harsh realities, violence, poverty, social injustice, morally ambiguity, gray areas, emotionally challenging topics

kirstiexrose Jul 6, 2025

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1. Mouse

Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes

8.0

Dark & Gritty
Morals & ethics of psychopathy, psychologically intense, unsettling content
MDL 8.9
2. Kingdom Season 2

Korean Drama - 2020, 6 episodes

9.5

Dark & Gritty
Atmospheric, monsters, action, historical realism against dark & obscure palettes and low lighting
MDL 8.9
3. Signal

Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes

Dark & Gritty
Realistic depiction of crime (some real-life unsolved cases from SK), imperfections in the justice system, murder, corruption, SA, brief violence, emotional impact
Tone is described as dark, heavy & dreary
MDL 8.9
4. D.P.

Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

8.5

Gritty
Realities & darker aspects of mandatory military service in SK
Bullying, abuse, systemic issues
MDL 8.8
5. Alice in Borderland

Japanese Drama - 2020, 8 episodes

Dark Visuals & Themes
Dystopian, creative, deserted & decaying Tokyo
Visuals: high contrast color palette highlighting starkness of the environment vs the bright elements of the game
MDL 8.8
6. Kingdom

Korean Drama - 2019, 6 episodes

9.0

Dark & Gritty
Atmospheric, monsters, action, historical realism against dark & obscure palettes and low lighting
MDL 8.8
7. Beyond Evil

Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

9.0

Dark & Gritty
Murder, dark facets of humanity, complex characters, murky town history
MDL 8.7
8. Sweet Home

Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes

7.5

Dark Visuals & Themes
monsters, apocalyptic, ominous shadows, cramped spaces, grotesque & humanoid creatures
MDL 8.7
9. Six Flying Dragons

Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes

Gritty & Realistic Portrayal
Striking cinematography, brutal action, political intrigue, moral ambiguity
MDL 8.7
10. The Devil Judge

Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

Dark Themes
Dystopian, suspenseful, social inequality, media manipulation, moral ambiguity
MDL 8.7
11. Strangers from Hell

Korean Drama - 2019, 10 episodes

Dark & Gritty
Psychological thriller, creepy tone, strange & unsettling neighbors, tension, paranoia, run down apartment building, violence, disturbing themes
MDL 8.6
12. My Journey to You

Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes

5.5

Dark Visuals & Themes
Dark aesthetic, shadowy visuals, espionage, martial arts, mystery
MDL 8.6
13. The Tale of Lady Ok

Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes

Somewhat Gritty
Social inequality, mistreatment, corruption, violence, hardship, moral dilemmas
Light: Resilience, romance, family, justice
MDL 8.6
14. Save Me

Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes

Dark & Gritty
Religious cults, abuse, corruption, uncomfortable & intense, critical look at societal issues
MDL 8.5
15. The Longest Day in Chang'an

Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes

Gritty & Realistic
Includes darker aspects & complexities of the Tang Dynasty
Political intrigue, moral ambiguity, the underside of society, action & violence
MDL 8.5
16. Gyeongseong Creature

Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes

6.5

Dark Themes
War, human brutality & experimentation, moral ambiguity, monsters, suspense
MDL 8.4
17. Psychopath Diary

Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

Dark Comedy
Suspense, themes of violence & murder, dark humor
MDL 8.3
18. Extracurricular

Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes

Dark & Gritty
Mature themes, bullying, violence, academic pressure in SK, criminal behavior, consequences, moral ambiguity
MDL 8.3
19. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls

Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes

Dark Fantasy
Monsters, curses, revenge, tragedy, loss
MDL 8.2
20. Black Knight

Korean Drama - 2023, 6 episodes

Dark Themes
Dystopian, violence, social inequality
MDL 8.1
21. The Night Owl

Korean Movie - 2022

Dark
Thrilling, suspenseful, dark atmosphere
MDL 8.0
22. The Trunk

Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes

Dark
Psychological drama/thriller: complex themes of relationships, trauma, and manipulation
Stalking, death, self-harm
MDL 7.9
23. Joseon Exorcist

Korean Drama - 2021, 2 episodes

Dark Supernatural Horror
Zombie like vampires, dark & creepy atmosphere
*Cancelled after only 2 episodes due to it's depiction of real historical figures & Chinese-style props
MDL 7.8
24. Hellbound

Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

6.5

Dark Fantasy
Religious fanaticism, moral dilemmas, society's reaction to fear, oppressive atmosphere
MDL 7.5