Currently Watching: Mr. Queen
I'll admit it -- I'm obsessed! and I can’t be the only one. While some of us pick up a drama solely because of its cast, others choose based on familiar story lines. Even if we’ve already watched twenty dramas dealing with the same thing. For me it's time travel, I just can't get enough of this theme. Originality? Who cares! Give me more time travel dramas!
I've watched quite a few of these dramas/movies and here are some of my favorites. Whether you're looking for your next time travel-related watch or just wondering if these dramas/movies were worth watching, this article will steer you in the right direction.
Nobunaga Concerto / 信長協奏曲 ( 2014 )
This Japanese drama stars Oguri Shun as Saburo, a high school student that travels back in time to the Sengoku era. And takes the identity of the famous daimyo Oda Nobunaga. Saburo is joined by a number of interesting characters that help him understand the world around him. Despite its short run, of only 11 episodes, the drama manages to develop its story and characters really well. This is definetly a character driven drama that will tug at your heartstrings!
Want more? Similar plots!
► Nobunaga Concerto: The Movie
Splash Splash LOVE / 퐁당퐁당 LOVE ( 2015 )
Before the year 2015 was over MBC released this gem of a drama special. It follows Dan Bi, a high school girl who is about to take the most important exam of her life. It also happens that she has the ability to time travel when it rains. Unable to take the pressure she jumps into a puddle and accidentally travels back to King Se Jong's reign. This drama is a rom-com that doesn't take itself very seriously, it's lighthearted and just plain fun.
Want more? By the same actors!
Queen In Hyun's Man / 인현왕후의 남자 ( 2012 )
One of the best time travel romance dramas out there. It tells the story of a Joseon scholar and a present-day actress who fall in love with each other despite the distance between them. This drama is filled with great acting, fun plot twists, and not to mention great chemistry between the leads ( it helped that they were actually dating during filming ). In the time travel genre, this is a must watch.
Want more? Remake!
Scarlet Heart / 步步惊心 ( 2011 )
The classic story of a woman who travels back in time to the Qing dynasty. She finds herself in the middle of a royal struggle and eventually a love triangle ( sometimes a square ). This drama and its characters are complex. Out of all the dramas in this list, it is the most serious and angsty of them all. The cast is spectacular, and so was the directing. Despite its flaws Scarlet Heart is a masterpiece that should be on your watch list!
Want more? Remake!
Palace: The Lock Heart Jade / 宫 ( 2011 )
The classic story of a woman who travels back in time to the Qing dynasty. She finds herself in the middle of a royal struggle and eventually a love triangle ( sometimes a square)...you aren't seeing double! Both Palace and Scarlet Heart have the very similar story lines. They also happened to come out months apart from each other. However, the dramas do have their differences. In comparison with Scarlet Heart this drama is lighter, and it focuses more on time travel.
Want more? Palace series.
►The Palace 2: The Lock Pearl Screen
►The Palace 3: The Lost Daughter
Faith / 신의 ( 2012 )
One of my all time favorite dramas. Faith does a great job of combining sageuk and supernatural elements. Our leading lady is a plastic surgeon who gets kidnapped by a Goryeo warrior and travels back in time. From then on the drama turns into a medical/court intrigue/super-villain...ish drama. It is a fast-paced drama that has so much going on, but it is never overwhelming.
Want more? Goryeo era!
Time Traveller Tokyo Girl Project Makeover
In all three movies the heroine attempts to change the past. They all have bitter-sweet endings so get your tissues ready.
