All time best drama
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1. Nirvana in Fire
Chinese Drama - 2015, 54 episodes
A fictional historical drama whose writing is absolute peak. One plot after the other, all connected in one large conspiracy. Worth the watch, and worth the rewatch.
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2. The Qin Empire
Chinese Drama - 2009, 51 episodes
Top-quality story, top-quality cinematic. An ode to the family that paved the way for the first emperor of China, one who standardized the Chinese language/measurements/currency/roads, abolished feudalism (land and occupation cannot be inherited), abolished slavery, and established the world's first modern state.
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3. Fall Of Ming
Chinese Movie - 2013
A very relevant and fantastic depiction of the first large-scale quarantine efforts in human history.
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4. Chinmoku no Kantai: Tokyo Wan Dai Kaisen
Japanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
This one is for all the nationalists out there. I'm surprised Amazon got the pass to produce this show. It is a grand reminder that we have not left colonialism behind, we have only shrouded it in a veil of capitalism and democracy. This show is a reflection of how one country struggles to attain true autonomy, to no avail... in a very entertaining and bitter sweet manner.
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5. Chef: Mitsuboshi no Kyushoku
Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
Amami Yuki's most iconic character has to be from Chef. Her energy turned the mundane task of making lunch for kids into one of the most enjoyable dramas of all time. Though I wish her relationship with her daughter could have been written in a more positive light.
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6. Kiyo in Kyoto
Japanese Drama - 2023, 9 episodes
I love heart-warming dramas, this is another one! This drama is about maikos in training and their amazing little cook.
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7. Otoko Meshi
Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
This was surprisingly good! I didn't expect it to be so good. Despite it being a slice-of-life, its story is smooth and without hitches. The writer knows what they're doing.
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8. Moyashimon
Japanese Drama - 2010, 11 episodes
This show will make you fall in love with fermentation, no joke.
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9. GOLD
Japanese Drama - 2010, 11 episodes
Another one of Amami Yuki's iconic works: passionate, strong, relentless, and tenacious.
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10. Rikuo
Japanese Drama - 2017, 10 episodes
A passionate group of people trying to make the best runners in the world. Another one of Ikeido Jun's masterpieces.
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11. Shitamachi Rocket
Japanese Drama - 2015, 10 episodes
Ikeido Jun + making rockets? Yes please!
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12. Akira to Akira
Japanese Drama - 2017, 9 episodes
Money, family, and friends; shipping has always been Japan's forte. Akira to Akira did an amazing job showing how fast decision-making can change lives in the banking industry. And how one family pivoted their shipping company from a dire situation to riding the 2000s international trading boom.
And it's a double male lead drama :3
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13. Roosevelt Game
Japanese Drama - 2014, 9 episodes
What can I say, sports dramas are always a great watch!
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14. No Side Game
Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
Sports dramas are almost always good, another one of Ikeido Jun's masterpieces.
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15. Gossip
Japanese Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
I love the main character, she seems indifferent, but cares deeply about how her news articles affect society, no matter what platform it is on.
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16. Tamiou
Japanese Drama - 2015, 8 episodes
A funny depiction of a conflicting father and son relationship. Great writing, worth the watch.
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17. Extraordinara Avocată Woo
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
Extraordinary legal drama, 100% must watch. Did I also mention that the main character has ASD and her interaction with her friends is the absolute cutest thing in the world?
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18. Good Partner
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
The most politically correct, morally upright drama about marriage. A must-watch for anyone looking to get into or is already in a relationship. Finally, a drama that discourages adultry.
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19. Shufu Katsu!
Japanese Drama - 2018, 8 episodes
A motivational drama for all the housewives out there.
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20. Legal High
Japanese Drama - 2012, 11 episodes
One of the best legal dramas this world has ever seen.
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21. Ichikei no Karasu
Japanese Drama - 2021, 11 episodes
A heartwarming legal show from the eyes of judges who are almost like attornies! It could have worked that way too!
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22. Legal V
Japanese Drama - 2018, 9 episodes
Another good legal drama.
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23. Shojiki Fudosan
Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
A comedy and satirical show about selling homes. Honesty is a great virtue, this show brings faith in humans to a whole new level.
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24. Ie Uru Onna
Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
The stories are very well written. Each house had its unique purpose and each client's problems would be solved from a fundamental standpoint. The acting could have been a bit better.
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25. Juhan Shuttai!
Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
Kuroki Haru knows how to pick dramas, her dramas are almost always good. This one is no exception. Another sweet slice-of-life drama about editors and manga!
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26. Jimi ni Sugoi! Koetsu Garu Kono Etsuko
Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
Is this a show about proofreading? Yes. Is it about proofreading? Yes, but the characters make it look more like editting --- because when you care about your job, you do everything to make a book fabulous. Love the energy in the show.
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27. Fune wo Amu: Watashi, Jisho Tsukurimasu
Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
A realistic, and very cute slice-of-life drama about how a dictionary is edited and made.
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28. Hope - Kitai Zero no Shinnyu Shain
Japanese Drama - 2016, 9 episodes
Realistic office drama :)
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29. Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai
Japanese Drama - 2014, 10 episodes
One of Ikeido Jun's more relaxing dramas. I have to put it here, because Ikeido Jun's shows never miss!
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30. Innai Keisatsu: Asclepius no Hebi
Japanese Drama - 2024, 11 episodes
Great writing! I wish the ending could be more well-rounded, but gosh, double male lead shows really do hide a lot of gems!
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31. Unnatural
Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes
You might know the song "Lemon", Unnatural's main theme song. What you might also know is how high of a rating Unnatural received. Yes, it is a very good show. A bit moody sometimes, but worth the watch nonetheless.
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32. Taxi Driver 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Nothing feels better than seeing good people kick-ass.
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33. Kurosagi
Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
It feels good to have scammers be scammed. This show delivers the thrill it promises.
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34. Keishicho Ikimono Gakari
Japanese Drama - 2017, 10 episodes
A show about how to solve cases with animals, who would have thought!
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35. Hakozume: Koban Joshi no Gyakushu
Japanese Drama - 2021, 9 episodes
Another sweet slice of life about a rookie police woman.
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36. Doctor X
Japanese Drama - 2012, 8 episodes
This was something special. A bit over the top, but the stories never dissapoint.
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37. Good Doctor
Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes
A remake of Good Doctor --- one of the best ones out there.
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38. The Great Protector
Chinese Drama - 2014, 38 episodes
The cinematics were breath-taking, watch it just for its imagery.
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39. Quill
Japanese Movie - 2004
Quill is just too precious. This show is a reminder of why dogs are a man's best friend.
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40. Special Pardon 1959
Chinese Drama - 2019, 39 episodes
Despite the image western countries have painted of Mao, Mao is one of only two rulers in Chinese history that did not kill any of his comrades after the civil war. Not only that, this show is about a little known fact that Mao also did not kill war prisoners. He simply educated them and gave them jobs in the newly built China. This show is a realistic reflection of how communities functioned inside education facilities and in society in early Communist China.
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41. Ore no Hanashi wa Nagai
Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
I didn't expect a drama about a hikikomori would be this good. The writer has a very fascinating perspective on life. Worth the watch.