The 5 Best Dramas of 2025 (May – December)

After a rather chaotic start to the year that prevented me from fully dedicating myself to watching new dramas, from May onward my watchlist filled up surprisingly quickly. From that moment on, I re-immersed myself in the world of Chinese series, watching a wide variety of titles—historical, modern, wuxia, xianxia—allowing myself to be guided by current curiosity, new releases, and suggestions from the internet.

In this article, I’ve collected the five dramas that positively impacted my second half of the year: not necessarily the most acclaimed, nor the technically “best,” but those that engaged, moved, and entertained me the most. I’ve chosen to list them in chronological order of release without making a formal ranking: each title I mention is worth watching for a different reason, be it a well-crafted plot, memorable characters, a well-crafted script, or simply that “je ne sais quoi” that keeps it with you even after the last episode.

In short, these are, in my opinion, the 5 best dramas of the second half of 2025 — series that made my viewing year special, even if it started a few months late.

Flourished Peony / In the Name of Blossom (2025)

Genre: Classical Historical Romance

Rating: (8/10)

Why did I choose it? I was curious to see Yang Zi in a historical but not fantasy role, and knowing Yang Zi, I expected a high-quality production (as it actually turned out).

What’s it about? It’s the story of a girl forced into marriage, who manages to free herself from the marital bond and start over as a peony grower, thanks in part to the help of an eccentric court official.

What did I like? The characterization, the focus on women’s status in the Tang Dynasty, the relationship between the protagonists, and the evolution of their love story.

Why would I recommend it? Yang Zi and Li Xian are truly excellent actors, the drama has excellent visuals and deals with interesting themes.

This drama is perfect for those who… Love historical dramas (especially those set in the Tang Dynasty), prefer independent and courageous protagonists, appreciate slow-burn romances and don’t mind the presence of a few clichés.

A Dream Within a Dream (2025)

Genre: Historical Romance / Transmigration

Rating: (8.5/10)

Why did I choose it? It starred two of C-Dramaland’s best actors, Liu Yu Ning and Li Yi Tong: need I say more?

What’s it about? An actress gets sucked into the script and tries everything she can to change the plot and prevent her character from being killed by the ruthless male lead.

What did I like? The comically absurd situations, the original narrative dynamics, the ridicule of the main clichés of historical-romantic series, the evolution of the love story between the protagonists.

Why would I recommend it? I’m probably a little biased, but I loved the Liu Yu Ning and Li Yi Tong couple, and the series cleverly alternates drama, comedy, and romance.

This drama is perfect for those who… Are fans of Liu Yu Ning and Li Yi Tong, prefers comic dramas with situations bordering on the absurd, and can no longer stand the clichés of romantic dramas used in serious contexts.

Twelve Letters (2025)

Genre: Modern Romance / Drama / Sci-Fi

Rating: (9/10)

Why did I choose it? Coincidentally, while browsing the catalog of my usual streaming platform I noticed it and decided to give it a chance to see Wang Ying Lu in a modern role (paired with the adorable Zhou Yi Ran).

What’s it about? In 1991, a boy and a girl from provincial China discover that they can communicate with the future through a mysterious mailbox and decide to use this to change their future.

What did I like? The touching story of the lives of two teenagers in a poor Chinese province in the 1990s, the touchingly delicate relationship between the two protagonists, the original element of communication with the future via mail, the realism of the interactions between the protagonists, both those from the past and those from the future.

Why would I recommend it? Because in just a few episodes it manages to create such emotional involvement that it brings you to tears.

This drama is perfect for those who… Don’t like fake love stories and predictable twists, want to see a drama they can truly identify with, and appreciate the addition of a sci-fi element to a terribly realistic story.

Mobius (2025)

Genre: Thriller / Sci-Fi

Rating: (8/10)

Why did I choose it? I wanted to watch a modern action series and what better occasion than a thriller starring Bai Jing Ting?

What’s it about? A cop with the ability to perceive time loops uses this ability to try to arrest a dangerous killer and put an end to a dangerous illegal genetic drug trial.

What did I like? The high-quality visuals, the engaging action scenes, the cunning and elusive antagonist.

Why would I recommend it? Because of the interesting plot and the mystery that slowly unfolds thanks to the clever use of flashbacks.

This drama is perfect for those who… Prefer action to romance, love mysteries and detective stories, and appreciate series with interesting direction and sci-fi elements.

Love on the Turquoise Land (2025)

Genre: Horror / Sci-Fi

Rating: (8.5/10)

Why did I choose it? I absolutely couldn’t miss a Dilraba drama!

What’s it about? A self-taught sculptor, descendant of an ancient line of warriors, team up with a wealthy scion to face a dark threat and overcome the death of her parents.

What did I like? The originality of the story, the action scenes, the thoughtfulness of the plot, the characters of Dilraba and Chen Xing Xu and the relationship that develops between them.

Why would I recommend it? Because of the psychological and philosophical reasoning, the subtle horror element, and the main love story.

This drama is perfect for those who… Love thoughtful characters who also prove to be skilled fighters, don’t disdain horror elements, favor slow-burn romance and the emotional dimension over the passionate one.

Final Thoughts on the 5 Best Dramas of 2025

One of the aspects that struck me most about this drama season was the series’ ability to move effortlessly on a psychological and introspective level. Many of the titles I watched give ample space to the characters’ emotions, internal conflicts, and personal experiences, integrating them into the plot in a way that’s organic and never superficial. This approach fosters deep emotional engagement and allows the viewer to connect with the protagonists, following their journey from the inside rather than simply observing them from the outside.

Added to this is a remarkable ability to blend comedy and drama within the same narrative. Lighter and more ironic moments coexist with emotionally charged passages without disrupting the story’s tone, helping to create a coherent and natural balance. This fusion makes the dramas not only more enjoyable, but also more authentic, capable of alternating introspection and lightheartedness without losing narrative power.

Conclusion

These five titles represent, in short, the pleasant discoveries that brightened my second half of the year: a journey that began late but was marked by unexpected revelations and stories that stole my heart. If the long initial hiatus had slowed my viewing pace, the quality of these dramas brought it back into gear, reminding me how varied and interesting the Chinese series landscape is, and how Asian productions are always committed to continuous innovation and surprising with original plots and increasingly realistic special effects.

So, I’ll close this brief review by thanking everyone who supported me by reading my reviews here on the blog and leaving me a comment or a like on social media. I’ll conclude with an invitation: tell me which titles you considered essential and absolutely worth catching up on. Because, even when you start late, a good story always finds a way and a time to be watched.