Role Reversal (RR)
Here I will only include titles I watched (either ongoing, completed, or dropped) and my thoughts on them related to RR. I've often been disappointed by RR representation in RR-tagged/recced dramas so I'm taking the liberty of going through as many as I can (find) and offering my thoughts on them so it'll hopefully save someone some time or expectations. (ツ)
For a complete list of RR dramas, check out This One by Ree. (Also these tags: Gender Role Reversal, Warm Man/Cold Woman, & Matriarchy).
If you have any RR recs feel free to let me know either in a pm or comment!
- Other Lists: Role Reversal MASTERLIST
- SIMKL: RR (Movies), RR (TV Shows),
RR (Anime (wip))
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Role Reversal (RR) meaning: Where the traditional m/w relationship roles are reversed. These can vary greatly in what kinds and to which degrees
Organised from most RR to least (in my opinion). Includes non-romantic RR too (e.g. cool & protective sisters, stay at home fathers, etc)
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️You will probably find some spoilers down below, I'm not holding back :P
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101. Be Crazy About Me
Japanese Movie - 2012
Not really RR. I found this one to be somewhat misleading based on the synopsis. Both mcs act rather traditionally when with each other and only act prince-like (for the FL) or princess-like (for the ML) when with their friends/fans. There is some enjoyable but more subtle RR to the show, like the fact that both MCs are confused as being the opposite gender and that they cross-dress (and generally speaking, dress somewhat androgynous) but yeah, I was expecting (and hoping for) more.
TLDR: Femboy ML, Mascgirl FL
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102. The Kingdom of Women
Chinese Movie - 2021
Not really RR. I... I guess there was an attempt? They tried the whole crossdressing and matriarchy thing but wow did they miss the mark (There's quite a bit of crossdressing though and in the beginning they show a bit of the world which was nice even if played for laughs). Not only is there little to no RR amongst the leads but in the end the role reversal is 'fixed' because it was 'wrong'. Also, very standard characters and a female villain who's entire thing is being wronged by a man. Idk what I was expecting with the censorship but this was definitely disappointing...
TLDR: Matriarchy, crossdressing ML & SML
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103. Destinada a Conhecer Você
Chinese Drama - 2022, 20 episodes
Not really RR. This one was bad even for a noona romance. ML is younger, yes and FL is allegedly a successful businesswoman, but she acts like an immature child (she is somewhat assertive in the beginning but that's about it). Secondary couple aren't much better but SFL does have to carry SML when he's drunk which was endearing and he does end up sleeping on her shoulder <333
TLDR: Older woman/younger man, Businesswoman FL, Tsundere ML, FL chases ML
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104. A Fada do Levantamento de Peso, Kim Bok Joo
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
Not RR. Honestly, only really RR in the sense that FL does weightlifting so she's a bit more tomboyish, strong and rough. Other than that, extremely traditional
TLDR: Strong FL, Tomboy-ish FL
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105. Prince Consort, Please Advise
Chinese Drama - 2021, 39 episodes
Not RR. I don't remember a single RR instance? Idk why it has the Gender Role Reversal tag...
TLDR: FL x Multiple husbands (platonic)
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106. Meu Marido Heroico
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
Not RR. ML marries into FL's home but their dynamic is extremely conventional otherwise. If anything, ML is more insufferably overpowered than other MLs
TLDR: ML marries into FL's family, Strong FL
Dropped halfway through
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107. Unforgettable Love: Extra Story
Chinese Special - 2021, 1 episode
Not RR. Honestly, I have NO idea why this was tagged as 'gender role reversal'. FL is cold, that's literally it. Also it's very much dependent on you watching the OG drama so not worth checking out unless you've done so.
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108. Minha Rainha
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
Not RR. I remember there might've been a slight RR moment (iirc, FL goes 'evil' and gets some concubines?) but I honestly hated the drama so much I can't remember.
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109. O Engenhoso
Chinese Drama - 2023, 36 episodes
So Far so RR. FL is an excellent martial artist. She's a badass who fights like a demon and she's HELLA strong. Meanwhile ML is a weak trickster who can't fight at all and relies on his smarts or others (usually FL) to save/protect him. She saves him multiple times and manhandles him plenty. She teases him and he's both intrigued by her but also scared.
TLDR: Strong FL x Weak ML, Badass FL, Martial Artist FL, Smart ML, Brains ML x Brawns FL, FL saves ML, Flirty/Teasing FL
Still watching... 8/36
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110. Ye Cheng Fu Zhi Li Sheng
Chinese Drama - 2024, 19 episodes
So far... Not too RR. Much like Season 1 it takes place in a matriarchy and we got peacock-core ML slaying as always. Somehow even more lacklustre with the RR than the previous season tho T_T FL is dumber than ever but she's physically strong so yay... ML lost his physical strength so she does end up having to save him sometimes which is something. SML became more puppy-like in this season and his relationship with SFL is giving rich elite woman/devoted guard, lol.
Still watching... 3/19
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111. Sombras do Palácio: Entre Dois Príncipes
Chinese Drama - 2024, 24 episodes
So far... Not too RR.
TLDR: Slight Femdom, coquettish ML, Cold FL
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112. Parallel World
Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes
So Far so RR. FL is this suave, flirty, chill jokester type ML is very bothered, passive and easily flustered. He's the 'looks tough but is very soft' type. He also plays caretaker to her quite often and she saves him pretty much all the time. Both leads kick butt in a power couple kinda way, yes, however FL does way more of it and is way better at it, ML is the designated driver.
TLDR: Strong FL, Badass FL, Stronger FL/Strong ML, Protective FL, Protector FL x Protected ML, Caretaker ML, Babygirl ML, Flirty FL, Shy ML, Princes in Peril