Top Ten Chinese C Dramas To Watch In 2023

1. WELL-INTENDED LOVE – NETFLIX

The lives of two individuals from different origins converge in this amusing rom-com. When a poor actress, Xia Lin, searches for a bone marrow donor for her leukemia and she meets multi-millionaire Ling Yizhou. She gets into a contract marriage with an appealing businessman to preserve her life. When Yizhou's secret and treachery are uncovered, her world turns upside down. The drama has two seasons, with the second bringing a completely different story to the screen but with the principal pair returning their roles. This is one of the most entertaining Chinese dramas and a wonderful introduction to the world of C-drama. 

IMDb score: 7.2

2. HERE to TO HEART – VIKI RAKUTEN, NETFLIX

Wen Nuan leaves her high-paying job in London and returns to China to serve as an assistant to her former boyfriend and billionaire businessman Zhan Nanxian. As the ex-lovers begin working together again, their history catches up with them, and the two slowly understand they continue to remain in love with each other. The story is slow-paced, and with over 40 episodes, there is plenty of the potential for each character to develop. The supporting cast's storylines are just as compelling and will keep you fascinated. The drama allows you to take your time and enjoy each moment without feeling rushed. The conclusion wonderfully ties together all the loose ends. Prepare for a long and exciting trip.

7.4 rating on IMDb

3. FALLING INTO YOUR SMILE – NETFLIX

Tong Yao, an amateur gamer, is navigating a world dominated by men of eSports and attempting to build her own niche. She encounters the difficult-to-please Lu Si Cheng, the captain of a popular eSports team who is seeking for someone to fill in for him while he heals from a hand injury. Cheng cautiously accepts Yao in the hopes of gaining more followers by showcasing their first female player. When Cheng and Yao spend more time together, things become a little too passionate. Sparks fly and attraction deepens as the two learn to accept their feelings for one other.

IMDb score: 8.3

 

4. PUT YOUR HEAD ON MY SHOULDER – VIKI RAKUTEN, NETFLIX

This is one of the most famous Chinese dramas and is ideal for beginners to binge-watch. Si Tu Mo is an accounting student who is unclear of her future plans. Her graduation is approaching, and she is uncertain about what she wishes to do next. She loves her childhood buddy Fu Pei but is disappointed when he can't understand her emotions. With the entrance of the beautiful Gu Wei Yi, a physics student, her boring life takes an exciting turn. Mo's mother forces her to leave her dorm and move into an apartment, which she ends up living with Yi. But the two are unconscious that their moms, who are school friends, have arranged for them to meet. Nonetheless, they fall for each other, much to their mom’ delight. 

IMDb rating: 8.1

5. ARSENAL MILITARY ACADEMY – VIKI RAKUTEN 

The plot follows Xie Xang, who enrols in the world-renowned Arsenal Military Academy disguised as a boy in order to follow in her brother's footsteps. She becomes friends with three other trainees there. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when the four unearth a Japanese conspiracy and learn a stunning truth about the Qing dynasty's royal family. The C-drama manages to keep you interested till the very end.

IMDb rating: 8.3

6. GO GO SQUID –VIKI RAKUTEN , NETFLIX

Tong Nian is having the moment of his life. She's a talented IT employee with a massive social media following due to her Japanese cover songs. She's a social butterfly who likes to meet new people. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Han Shang Yan, a very achieved gamer and well-known figure in the eSports industry. She is taken with him, although Yan appears disinterested in her advances. She pursues him passionately and goes to great lengths to prove her adoration, which Yan dismisses. This adorable love-at-first-sight story has you immersed in the story from the start. It also has a second season, so binge watch away!

IMDb rating: 7.8

7. YOU'RE MY GLORY – VIKI RAKUTEN

Qiao Jingjing is an acclaimed actress with the world at her feet. For the audience, she's a symbol of perfection, a deception that Jingjing revels in. However, an internet video of her enjoying a video game and being bad at it threatens to ruin the audience's perfect impression of her. She, not being one to give up, enters a gaming tournament. Her hunt for a coach brings her to Yu Tu, a former classmate whom she had a crush on. Jingjing must now not only understand the intricacies of online gaming in order to defend her reputation, but she must also retain a firm hold on her love for Yu Tu.

IMDb rating: 8.3

 8. The Romance of Tiger and the Rose – VIKI RAKUTEN 

This period drama follows playwright Chen Xiaoqian, who is transported to the universe she developed via her work. She transforms into the hated third princess Chen Qianqian, who will soon to be killed by Han Shuo. Xiaoqian, on the other hand, knows what takes place next since he wrote the narrative. She takes this information to travel the world and escape alive, all while falling in love with the two heroes. This is one of the most fascinating historical Chinese plays with a compelling narrative. 

IMDb rating: 8

9. GO AHEAD – VIKI RAKUTEN 

Li Jianjian, Ling Xiao, and He Ziqiu, all three characters in the C-drama, find comfort in one another and connect over family issues. These disturbed kids become one other's family and remain together despite life's different curveballs. Their bond grows strained as they age, and they ultimately split. Years afterwards, they rejoin, still dealing with a variety of issues. This coming-of-age movie discusses a variety of problems, including growing up in a troubled home and dealing with an identity crisis. 

IMDb rating: 8.6

10. THE DEFECTED – NETFLIX

Inspector Sheung Sing, a young police officer, embarks on a perilous journey to apprehend the perpetrator of his near-fatal accident. His probe reveals some unexpected truths about his superiors, as well as the police department's endemic corruption. Bingo, his assassin, is discovered to be an undercover officer working with Chief Superintendent Man Hei-wah. The trio goes on a hazardous quest and a fascinating trip that will have you on the edge of your seat as each episode reveals unanticipated twists.  

IMDb rating: 7.3