My All-Time Favourite C-Dramas
The list of my absolute favourite C-dramas that I could watch again and again.
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1. Nirvana in Fire
Chinese Drama - 2015, 54 episodes
The absolute best C-drama of all time. No matter how many times I have watched it the engaging plot, layered tactics and chemistry between the characters win me over everytime.
Established Hu Ge and Wang Kai is my two favourite Chinese Actors :)
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2. The Disguiser
Chinese Drama - 2015, 48 episodes
A thrilling espionage spy storyline with very interesting and properly planned twists kept me hooked throughout the entire drama. Often overshadowed by NIF which aired in the same year but was just as amazing.
Felt so invested in the male lead's journey and the plot twist at the end was definitely unexpected.
Two of my favourite C-Dramas starring both Hu Ge and Wang Kai :)
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3. O Avanço da Fênix
Chinese Drama - 2018, 70 episodes
The Rise of the Phoenix has an uncanny similarity in terms of plot to Nirvana in Fire and maybe that's why I was so intrigued to watch it. It does not hit on the same level as Nirvana in Fire but the reason it gets a 9 is because of Ni Ni.
Ni Ni who plays the role of the female lead was incredibly stunning with her realistic expressions and acting, she fully embodies the character of Feng Zhi Wei. A girl who has the boyish characteristics that make her believable, smart and strong-willed but at the same time sweet and charming lady qualities. Her crying scenes are so natural and gut-wrenching and she pulls it off effortlessly.
Bonus, the OST she sang matches the tone of the drama so well and her voice - love.
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4. Last Romance
Chinese Drama - 2020, 38 episodes
My best friend's story is not your typical drama and you might feel like you want to just skip it altogether because it seems so mundane. BUT THINK AGAIN.
Who needs anyone else when you have a friendship as outstanding as NanSun and SuoSuo.
Following them through their individual challenges so they support each other throughout it all. Definitely worth your time to check it out.
Note: Where in this world can I find a friend like Suo Suo? She is such an amazing character and friend that you rarely see in the drama world. Played by Ni Ni - love her even more.
The story is sweet and really tugs the heartstrings as they share the lows of lows and highs of highs.
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5. Coração Escarlate
Chinese Drama - 2011, 35 episodes
The original Scarlet Heart is freaking amazing and the characters are much better - developed and their actions make much more sense.
If you thought the Korean Remake was sad, you haven't been here yet. The acting was amazing by all the characters and the final arc was absolutely tragic and tear-jerking.
This OG has more of an older and realistic depiction of the story compared to the fluffy - eye candy the Korean remake was. Making it much suited to more mature audiences who can look past the bald hairstyle. As I'm sure my teenage self would have also preferred the remake but not anymore in my early 20s.
RUO Xi >>>>>>> Hae Soo - no competition at all.
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6. O Grande Soberano
Chinese Drama - 2020, 48 episodes
The Great Ruler is not a mind-blowing' I have never seen this before' drama. It does have a repetitive, a little draggy and somewhat predictable plot. I still enjoyed watching the drama because its main leads were Roy Wang (TFBOYS) and Nana Ouyang (My Talented Aesthetic Girl Crush). Their love storyline was sweet to watch.
Nana's voice matches her character and the theme song sung by her perfectly matched their love story.
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7. Ashes of Love
Chinese Drama - 2018, 63 episodes
There are so many C-Dramas to choose from when it comes to Gods and Immortals falling in love but this one is my favourite of this genre. Despite not being a fan of any of the leads and randomly watching it one day on Netflix.
I became fully invested in watching the main leads find and fall in love over multiple timelines and lives. From the lighthearted, fluffy and comedic romance parts which I don't really watch to the angst near the end. Thank God I binged it.
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8. Hino à Alegria
Chinese Drama - 2016, 42 episodes
Most of the C-dramas that I watch are typically not the modern kind. This was the first C-Drama that I watched that was modern and it is a very nice chill watch. Following the lives of 5 women through their challenges and love lives - relaxing compared to the complex, layered plots of other C-Dramas.
Apparently, it was rather popular in China, not surprised as to why.
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9. Amor e Destino
Chinese Drama - 2019, 60 episodes
I never knew that this drama even existed until 2022. Unfortunately, it was released at a time when people started to get bored of watching gods falling in love and the Untamed was everywhere.
The actual drama was actually very good and enjoyable to watch and the chemistry and acting of the two main leads make the whole drama worth watching. They both stole the scenes.
It's a shame that it didn't get the attraction and viewership ratings that it deserved.