The Best of Action/Thriller Dramas
So I've done a list of crime/thriller dramas, but there are also action and thriller-type dramas that aren't really about murder. They may involve guns and lots of fight scenes, but they can also just be thrillers because of how gripping they are.
Here's my list of top action/adventure dramas, in my order of preference. It includes Korean, Taiwanese and Chinese dramas.
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1. Mãe
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
When you read the synopsis of this drama, it doesn't really look like a thriller-type show. And one could argue that it isn't. It's a (melo)drama that is heart wrenching and thought-provoking. But with the lead on the run with a child, it also has so much suspense and give you so much anxiety! Despite having no romance, it's one of the best dramas I've ever watched!
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2. Me Salve
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
I didn't think I'd like this drama and only gave it a try because I was desperate. Hear me out, I binged it in one night! There's too much suspense in this show, and it's equally exciting and distrubing. Even a romance lover such as myself couldn't resist it. Just great!
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3. Curador
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
This is my go-to drama whenever I feel like rewatching something. It has action, romance, good characters and listen, good use of flashbacks (so rare)! I love it!
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4. O Jogo do Mentiroso
Korean Drama - 2014, 12 episodes
This drama is the book they ask you to read at school but you end up loving. It doesn't have romance or action or anything I usually like, but it's the real deal; well-written, with the perfect characters and a great production. I just can't put it on top of the list because I never feel like rewatching it!
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5. Drama Special Series Season 1: White Christmas
Korean Special - 2011, 8 episodes
This drama is the prototype of the thriller. It's so creepy and thought-provoking, it gave me PTSD! I really love it and recommend it, but know that it's not for the faint-hearted!
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6. Os Dois Corações do Rei
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
This drama has a fair deal of flaws and I always skip scenes when I rewatch it, but the bottom line is, I do rewatch it, and regularly too. The romance (of the OTP) isn't always great, but action-wise the show delivers, and the second couple is the best!
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7. Caçador da Cidade
Korean Drama - 2011, 20 episodes
This one is the OG, not Healer, but I'd take Healer ten times over it. Still, it's got some decent action, a nice love story, a strong female lead. Definitely worth a watch!
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8. Duas Semanas
Korean Drama - 2013, 16 episodes
This is another runaway-suspect drama. Romance-wise, it's not the best, but the story has the suspense and excitement to make you rewatch it, again and again. The child actress in this drama is simply the cutest!
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9. Black & White
Taiwanese Drama - 2009, 24 episodes
I was pleasantly surprised with this drama. Not the best out there, but it still had me gripped until the end!
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10. Era das Lendas
Chinese Drama - 2018, 47 episodes
I'm not a fan of amnesia in dramas, but it worked well in this one!