7 Binge-Worthy C-Dramas To Watch This Winter
It’s the perfect time of the year to snuggle up with a warm cuppa drink and some good old dramas! The question is… which drama? Do you ever feel like there are just too many to choose from and you don’t know which one to start? We only have so many hours a day. How do you know if they are worth your time?
Fret not, for we’ve rounded up some compelling Chinese dramas that are entertaining and totally worth watching!
Ever Night
“Ever Night” is an epic fantasy period drama that follows our hero Ning Que (Chen Fei Yu) and his handmaiden, Sang Sang (Song Yi Ren), on his journey to becoming a cultivator. As heroes go, Ning Que is a refreshing one. He can be arrogant and cold if he does not think you are worth it, and he will run away from a fight if he knows he cannot win. He’s practical and smart! But at the end of the day, he will always choose to fight for things he cares about.
The drama is cinematic and beautifully shot, so it won’t take long for you to fully immerse yourself in its expansive world. What’s great is that there’s something for everyone. Magic, secret identities, political intrigue, exceptional fight scenes, and romance – fancy stuff that will keep you glued to your screen.
A sequel, premiering in 2020, will pick up from the end of the first series. So catch up on the drama now!
Prepare for the coming of the “Ever Night” now
Love and Destiny
If you enjoyed “Eternal Love,” then you can’t miss “Love and Destiny.” Set in the same fictional fantasy world, the drama was also created by the production team that did “Eternal Love.” Though the two dramas have similar plot structure, “Love and Destiny” has an entirely different storyline. Plus, it is the rare Chinese drama that is not adapted from a novel.
The love story between a seemingly ordinary fairy and the God of War is brought alive by the magnetic acting of Ni Ni and Chang Chen – two powerhouse actors. They have wonderful chemistry together so it doesn’t take long for the audience to be fully invested in them and their journey. In addition to the main leads, the drama has an array of funny and interesting supporting characters who brighten the screen whenever they are around, and they have storylines that are just as engaging.
Give “Love and Destiny” a chance!
Go Go Squid
“Go Go Squid” is the fluffiest and sweetest Chinese rom-com this year. Tong Nian (Yang Zi) is a super smart and adorable computer engineering student who chases after aloof e-sports gamer Han Shang Yan (Li Xian). Shang Yan is a kind and socially awkward gamer underneath his cold exterior so it’s entertaining to watch him be flustered by Tong Nian’s forward pursuit.
The drama, at its core, is about their growth as individuals and as a couple as well as Shang Yan’s relationship with his old and new e-sports team. His teammates are all so lovable, and the drama does an awesome job in portraying their teamwork and the camaraderie they share. They go through some difficult times, but you will find yourself rooting for them to work together to overcome their obstacles and achieve their dreams.
If you are looking for something light-hearted but still entertaining and heartwarming, this drama is perfect for you!
Watch the sweet and squee-worthy moments of the couple here!
Story of Yanxi Palace
The most popular Chinese drama of 2018 is still a perfect drama to binge on. A riveting story on revenge, “Story of Yanxi Palace” centers around the shrewd and feisty Wei Ying Luo (Wu Jin Yan) who enters the palace to uncover the truth behind her sister’s death. Just a word of caution, this is a highly addictive drama because it is fast-paced and a lot happens very quickly, so you can’t help but go, “okay, just one more episode” at the end of every episode. Visually, the drama is great to look at. The grand and exquisite production design and costumes transport you back to the regalness of the Qing Dynasty.
With the upcoming release of the sequel in 2020, which has several of the main cast returning, now is the best time to catch up on this drama if you haven’t already!
Revenge is a dish best served cold. Catch the first episode of the drama below:
Scarlet Heart
I’m happy to say that the oldest drama on this list is still as binge-worthy several years after it aired. The drama had also inspired a Korean remake titled “Scarlet Heart: Goryeo.” And good news, it’s the rare period drama that clocks in at only 34 episodes!
Our time-traveling 21st-century heroine, Zhang Xiao/Maertai Ruo Xi (Liu Shi Shi) wakes up after an accident to find herself in the Qing dynasty during Kangxi Emperor’s reign and caught in the middle of the political action. It’s thrilling to watch how Ruo Xi navigates through the political schemes among the princes because both she and the audience are fully aware of how history unfolds. Unfortunately, she becomes an unwilling participant and gets tangled up in the power struggle because of her relationships with the princes.
Watch for the interesting premise and stay for the well-developed characters, ill-fated romances, and gripping political action.
Travel back in time with “Scarlet Heart”!
Arsenal Military Academy
“Arsenal Military Academy” is set in the early years of the 20th Century when the Chinese military forces have to fight against the invasion by the Japanese military. The drama tells the story of a woman named Xie Xiang (Bai Lu), who assumes her brother’s identity to join the military academy. She becomes friends and comrades with the other male recruits, including the charming and smart Gu Yan Zhen (Xu Kai) who falls for her.
The plot is very Mulan-esque which makes this already worth watching, and Xie Xiang is a worthy modern-day Mulan. She rocks her short hair and adopts the mannerism of a man so well that she is one of the most believable gender bender heroines I’ve seen. Furthermore, she is incredibly brave, loyal, and smart. On the other hand, Yan Zhen provides a little comic relief from the heavy plot. Besides serving looks and winks, he is hilarious, playful, and intelligent. Though the drama is light on romance, Xie Xiang and Yan Zhen have such amazing chemistry together that you can’t help but want more of them.
This is an action-packed drama with intriguing schemes and secret missions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss it!
Get into action now! Catch the first episode below:
The Untamed
No other shows received the hype and love that “The Untamed” got this year. It is most certainly the drama of the year. And for good reasons! The drama is filled with an exciting story, top-notch acting, heartfelt relationships, and excellent character development.
The drama, adapted from a popular novel, is set in the pugilistic society, and chaos happens when the Wen clan tries to exert their power and wreak havoc among the clans. One of the main themes of the drama is the issue of morality and what constitutes good and evil as well as what’s in between. Our greatly misunderstood protagonist, Wei Wuxian (Xiao Zhan), struggles for his perspective and actions to be understood by everyone. Though on the bright side, he strikes up an unlikely relationship with Lan Wangji (Wang Yibo) who stands by him even when everyone condemns him.
Need more convincing? Read “8 Reasons to Watch C-Drama “The Untamed,” A Study in How to Rip Your Heart to Shreds and Mend It Again,” a great article on the drama. If you have already seen the drama and need more Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, there’s also an animated series, novel, and audio drama to delve into. Or you can totally rewatch the drama. I’ve seen it twice and it’s extremely rewatchable!
What are you waiting for? Catch the first episode below:
What do you think of the list, Soompiers? Do you have other binge-worthy Chinese dramas to recommend? Let me know below!
Bellyfull is not over “The Untamed.”
Currently watching: “Joy of Life” and “Bon Voyage 4”
Looking forward to: “Ever Night 2″ and “Legend of Fei”
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