Asian dramas (mostly Korean), popularly known as "Doramas", have won over a legion of fans around the world. With their captivating, sometimes cheesy, stories, emotional acting and (almost always) impeccable production, these shows have become indispensable for those who enjoy a little soap opera.
Whether you're a fan of romance, comedy or drama, there's always a drama that seems tailor-made for you. And to help you find the next great title to binge-watch, here's a list of the highest-rated dramas on the internet!
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Rating Criteria
To ensure that our list reflects the favorites of the public and critics, we used ratings from three major platforms: IMDb, MyDramaList and Rotten Tomatoes. Each dorama had its rating from each site converted to a scale of 0 to 10 and, from that, we calculated the final average. So you can trust that these doramas were chosen by passionate fans and discerning critics.
Crash Landing on You
Synopsis: This romance drama tells the story of Yoon Se-ri, a South Korean heiress, who accidentally parachutes into North Korea during a paragliding flight. There, she is discovered by Ri Jeong-hyeok, an officer in the North Korean military.
From there, the two become involved in a plot full of danger and romance, while Se-ri tries to return to her life in South Korea. Crash Landing on You is a perfect mix of action, comedy and romance, with charismatic characters and an engaging story.
Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)
Synopsis: In Goblin, we follow the story of Kim Shin, an immortal warrior who searches for his destined bride, the only person who can free him from immortality. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Ji Eun-tak, a young woman who may be the key to ending his curse.
This drama combines fantasy, romance, and humor in a story that explores mortality and love in a unique and captivating way.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Synopsis: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay addresses themes of mental health, love, and emotional healing. The plot revolves around Moon Kang-tae, a caretaker at a psychiatric institution, and Ko Moon-young, a children’s book author with sociopathic traits.
Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. This drama has been praised for the depth of its characters and the sensitivity with which it addresses sensitive issues.
Reply 1988
Synopsis: Set in the 1980s, Reply 1988 follows a group of five friends from a neighborhood in Seoul as they deal with the challenges of adolescence, family, and friendship. This drama is known for its nostalgic portrayal of a simpler time, with characters that are easily recognizable and lovable.
The series features a mix of humor, romance, and life lessons, making it a fan favorite.
My Mister
Synopsis: My Mister tells the story of Park Dong-hoon, a middle-aged man facing difficulties in his personal and professional life. He meets Lee Ji-an, a young woman with an equally complicated life.
Despite their differences, they create a deep and unexpected connection that helps them overcome their respective pains. With a slow and melancholic narrative, My Mister is a drama that explores the complexity of human relationships and empathy.
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Hotel Del Luna
Synopsis: Hotel Del Luna is a peculiar hotel that serves spirits before they pass on to the afterlife. Jang Man-wol, the immortal manager of the hotel, has been cursed for centuries due to a great sin committed in her past life.
With the arrival of a new human manager, Gu Chan-sung, both begin to deal with issues from their past while helping the spirits resolve their issues. The series is a mix of fantasy, mystery and romance, with stunning cinematography.
Stranger (Secret Forest)
Synopsis: This mystery and suspense drama follows Hwang Si-mok, a prosecutor who lost the ability to feel emotions after brain surgery, and Han Yeo-jin, a courageous detective. Together, they work to unravel a conspiracy involving corruption in the prosecutor's office and large companies.
Stranger is a drama that combines political intrigue with criminal investigations and has won praise for its well-crafted plot.
Mr. Mr. Sunshine
Synopsis: Set in the late 19th century, Mr. Sunshine tells the story of Eugene Choi, a man who returns to Korea as a U.S. officer after fleeing as a slave.
Wrapped in a plot of romance and politics, the drama explores questions of loyalty, love, and national identity during a critical period in Korean history. High-quality production and strong acting make Mr. Sunshine a must-watch series.
Healer
Synopsis: Healer is an action-romance drama that follows Seo Jung-hoo, a night messenger with special abilities, and Chae Young-shin, an investigative journalist. The two end up crossing paths while investigating an ancient conspiracy that links their families.
The drama is full of action, romance and twists, with charismatic characters that captivate the audience from beginning to end.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
Synopsis: Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is a light and fun drama that follows Kim Bok-joo, a young weightlifter who dreams of achieving success in the sport, while dealing with the typical challenges of youth, including first love.
With a light and captivating narrative, the series offers a healthy dose of romance, humor and emotional moments.
A little curiosity
If you notice, most of the dramas mentioned here are quite "cinematic", with a great emphasis on visual production and character development. Despite this, many of the most popular titles on MyDramaList focus on romance or lighter narratives, showing how audiences on different platforms value different aspects.
On IMDb, dramas that involve more drama and complex themes usually gain more prominence, creating a list that is balanced between popularity and depth.
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Conclusion
These dramas are true examples of excellence within the genre, providing fans with a perfect mix of emotion, engaging narrative and memorable performances. By averaging across platforms, we were able to highlight both the audience's favorites and the most praised by critics. Now just choose the next one on the list and enjoy!
Now it's your turn to speak, which of your favorites was missing? Is it on the list? Tell us in the comments!
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