time travel movies chinese drama

7 Time Travel C-Dramas That Will Take You On Epic Adventures

Time traveling C-dramas are quite diverse and are one of the most enjoyable genres to watch! If you’re aching for some recommendations, look no further. Here are seven C-dramas with time traveling leads that you should check out!

Go Princess Go

“Go Princess Go” is one of the most hilarious and enjoyable dramas to watch. It never takes itself seriously and works with its low production budget by making fun of itself. Zhang Tian Ai  plays Zhang Peng, a playboy who gets sent to the past as a woman! Zhang Peng attempts multiple times to return back to his world but quickly adapts when he finds out he can flirt with all the women and even Qi Sheng ( Peter Sheng ), the crown prince to whom he is married to. Peng Peng’s stay gets complicated when he finds himself falling for Qi Sheng. If you’re looking for a zany time traveling drama, this is the one for you, but be on the lookout for the alternate endings as well. This drama deals with bisexuality, and because of the nature of Peng Peng and Qi Sheng’s romance, there were some edits to their storyline, which means that there are multiple endings for fans to piece together.

Scarlet Heart (Bu Bu Jing Xin)

“Scarlet Heart” is one of the most heart-wrenching palace dramas and tells the tale of Zhang Xiao ( Liu Shi Shi ) who transports back to the Qing Dynasty as Maertai Ruo Xi. She gets embroiled in the affairs of the numerous princes as they vie for the throne, all while trying her best not to alter history. It’s hard not to fall in love with a drama that showcases the complexity of brotherhood and love through the careful choices of actions and beautiful dialogue. On top of that, the soundtrack heightens the bitterness and heartbreaking moments of the drama. For fans of angst, betrayal, and epic romances, this drama packs it all.

Catch episode 1 of “Scarlet Heart” below:

Palace (Gong)

In “Palace,” Yang Mi travels as Luo Qingchuan to the Qing Dynasty, where she meets the 4th Prince and 8th Prince and falls in love with them. For viewers that have seen “Scarlet Heart,” this drama also has a very similar story as both leads end up in the Qing Dyansty and become torn in their love for the princes. This drama is not as dark as “Scarlet Heart,” so for fans who want to watch a palace drama that is not as bittersweet, this one fits the checklist!

Cinderella Chef

“Cinderella Chef” serves the perfect combination of food, romance, and humor! On the night of a red moon, Yao Yao ( Zhong Dan Ni ) transports to the past and ends up in a marriage with Chun Yu ( Bie Thassapak Hsu ), who has been sent to spy on a group of bandits. Yao Yao and Chun Yu initially butt heads, and while they end up being unable to be apart from each other, their eventual separation is doomed to happen. This drama is a good show for those that want to laugh every episode as Yao Yao adapts to the new environment and cooks up a storm with her innovative ideas and masterful skills as a chef.

Catch episode 1 of “Cinderella Chef”:

Oh! My Emperor

Oh! My Emperor stars Zhao Lu Si as Luo Fei Fei who transports to a fantasy world in which the ruler is rotated among those who are the owners of a constellation. For those that have seen “Cinderella Chef,” Zhao Lu Si is a familiar face; instead of playing a demure character like Yi Yi in that drama, Lu Si takes on a completely different role in “Oh! My Emperor” as a comedic lead. For those that love fantasy historical dramas with a comedic spin, “Oh! My Emperor” fits the bill. Do beware, though, of the second lead syndrome!

Love Weaves Through a Millennium

“Love Weaves Through a Millenium” also offers a different time traveling story. This time the time traveler is the male lead Gong Ming, a scholar from the past who ends up in the present and meets Lin Xiang Xiang, an actress. The chemistry between the leads is really cute, and having a male lead that travels back and forth from the past to the present is a refreshing idea for this genre. For viewers who want to watch an atypical narrative, give this one a go.

The Eternal Love

“The Eternal Love” stands out in terms of time traveling dramas. Instead of a lead that just transmigrates into the body of a person in the past, the two souls actually inhabit one body. Xiao Tan ( Liang Jie ) enters the body of Qu Tan Er, and they basically switch back and forth whenever one of them lies. Because there are two souls in one, it complicates the romance as the male lead Mo Lian Cheng falls for Xiao Tan’s outgoing and loud personality, which greatly contrasts that of Tan Er’s ladylike disposition. Those interested in a different interpretation and twist to the time traveling genre should give this one a try!

Catch episode 1 of “The Eternal Love”:

Soompiers, what is your favorite time traveling drama? Let us know in the comments below!

isms   is a big fan of Asian dramas and loves watching variety shows.

Currently watching : “Meteor Garden 2018” Looking forward to: “The Rise of Phoenixes” and “Pillow Book”

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7 Absolutely Fun Time Travel Asian Dramas You Should Watch

Time travel stories are universally loved around the world! Hollywood is overflowing with them: the famed Back to the Future series, sci-fi films like Star Trek and X-Men , or rom-coms such as Hugh Jackman’s Kate & Leopold . Time travel Asian dramas have also grown popular.

My favorite aspect of these time-bending tales is the fish-out-of-water fun ensuing when a person deals with the inevitable time-shock from visiting the past or the future.

RELATED: The Scribe of Siena – Outlander Fans Will Enjoy this Time Travel Romance

Time travel stories are especially perfect for the romance genre. After all, it brings out the angsty and heart-rending idea that time is literally opposing two people from being together. Over the years I’ve seen many Korean/Chinese variations of time-travel romances – so now I can share seven exciting, crazy and fun time travel Asian dramas!

Update: We updated streaming availability in July 2019.

7 Fun and Romantic Time Travel Asian Dramas

(in alphabetical order), 1. bu bu jing xin.

Other Titles: Scarlet Heart, Startling by Each Step

Country: China

Synopsis: Zhang Xiao didn’t ask to be transported back to the Xing Dynasty. But after a terrible accident, she awakens in the body of a girl named Ruo Xi.

Set during the 18 th century of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, Ruo Xi becomes entangled in a battle for the throne amongst Kangxi’s many sons. Will Ruo Xi fall for the kind, quiet 8 th prince destined to die early or the enigmatic, intense 4 th Prince who will take his father’s throne no matter the cost?

Why You Should Check It Out: This extremely popular Chinese time travel drama is gorgeously filmed, subtly acted, and epically dramatic.

Ruo Xi is a likable heroine and her struggles feel relatable as she strives to fit in the harsh royal palace. This is definitely more of an angsty drama with a gray storyline that refuses to define any characters as merely good or bad.

The rain scene with Ruo Xi kneeling outside and 4 th prince covering her with his cloak is one of many striking scenes in the drama and my favorite. What’s not to love in this reverse harem drama?

Where You Can Find It: Viki, DVD.

Other Titles: The Great Doctor

Country: Korea

Synopsis: When Queen Noguk is gravely wounded, King Gongmin sends his best warrior, Choi Young, through a mysterious portal into what they believe is “heaven” in search of a heavenly doctor.

Choi Young finds Dr. Yoo Eun-Soo a plastic surgeon and takes her back to the past. Yoo Eun-Soo becomes trapped in the past until the portal opens again. But with a hunky warrior love interest and deadly political enemies after her, will she be able to return?

Why You Should Check It Out: Faith is a super fun, exciting romp set during the 14 th century of Korea with sword fights, intense political intrigue, poisoning baddies, and more.

I loved both of the romantic love stories with spunky Eun-Soo and stoic Choi Young and between the arranged marriage of Queen Noguk and King Gongmin.

I love the acting choices and feel like each actor suited his/her role. My biggest fault with this drama was the baddies could’ve been more menacing. And a few anticlimactic fight scenes left me wanting more.

However, I love the characters and romance in this drama and have re-watched my favorite scenes more times than I will admit!

Where You Can Find It: Viki. You can also buy on Amazon Video or DVD.

3. Jade Palace Lock Heart

Synopsis: Luo Qingchuan is a sweet, history-loving girl who accidentally gets transported in time to the 18 th century during Emperor Kangxi’s reign. She gets caught in a love triangle between the 4 th and 8 th prince. Will she choose the man with all the power or the prince who won’t survive for long?

Why You Should Check It Out: Okay, so yes this is almost the exact same story as Bu Bu Jing Xin. Only Palace feels like night and day difference as it’s a much zanier, light-hearted fare.

This version, though, is pretty manic and exaggerated. And worse there aren’t as many princes who fall for Quingchan! Honestly, I watched this drama for Feng Shaofeng who is adorable even as he plays the often self-centered 8 th Prince.

This one definitely has more laughs and cheerful moments than Bu Bu Jing Xin . And amazingly enough, it does end happily. Now, how did they pull that off?

Where You Can Find It : Currently Unavailable

4. Queen In-Hyun’s Man

Synopsis: Kim Boong-Do is a young nobleman in the 17th century, protecting the deposed Queen In-Hyun. A friend gives Boong-Do a protection charm and Boong-Do is magically transported to modern Korea anytime he’s in life-threatening danger.

There he meets Choi Hee-Jin, a struggling actress, and a relationship starts to blossom. Can they truly be together, though? Or will fate intervene?

Why You Should Check It Out: Oh my goodness, this is probably my number one choice for an entertaining, romantic time travel drama!!

Queen In-Hyun’s Man is a wonderful blend of intense historical drama and light, breezy rom-com. The story bounces back and forth between the 17 th century with the scholar Kim Boong-Do and in modern times with adorable, spunky actress Choi Hee-Jin, yet never feels unbalanced.

The romantic chemistry is absolutely crackling in this drama and leaves us with a PERFECT couple.

Where You Can Find It: DVD

5. Rooftop Prince

Synopsis: The Crown Prince of Joseon desperately searches for his wife’s killer along with three loyal servants and gets transported into the future. He meets Park Ha and ends up staying at her apartment with his three servants.

Things complicate when the Crown Prince is mistaken for a rich business heir and he finds a girl who may be the reincarnation of his wife. Will he be able to untangle this mystery? And before he falls in love with Park Ha?

Why You Should Check It Out: This is a hilarious, off-beat time travel drama that totally won me over with its cute and crazy fish-out-of-water story.

The Crown Prince and his three buddies are absolutely golden, reacting to modern-day wonders such as zippers on jackets and TV.

Sadly, the show turned more melodramatic in the second half almost transforming into an office drama. The super-cute romance between Park Ha and the Crown Prince kept me around even with all the reincarnations going on which left viewers with some ambiguous moments near the end.

I’ve re-watched Episode Two a handful of times and it doesn’t fail to put a smile on my face.

Where You Can Find It: Viki, DVD

6. Splash Splash Love

Other Titles: Splish Splash Love

Synopsis: Dan Bi has been prepping for her college aptitude test but stress forces her to not show up for the test. She ends up slipping through time to the 15 th century where a young King Sejong rules.

She helps the king who has an unquestionable thirst for science and it’s not long before serious romantic feelings start brewing. But Dan Bi has to return to her home and her mom who’s waiting for her…

Why You Should Check It Out: With only two episodes, Splash Splash Love is more like a delightful 2-hour movie. Hilarious, emotional and unabashedly romantic, this drama blew past my expectations and left me with a lot of happy feels.

Dan Bi and the king bring together a fun if not adorable romance. Everything came together perfectly, including the secondary characters. This is a K-drama at its sweetest and finest.

Where You Can Find It: Viki

7. Time Slip Dr. Jin

Other Titles: Dr. Jin

Synopsis: Jin Hyuk is an extremely skilled doctor with a pretty girlfriend. But life takes a turn when his girlfriend gets in an accident and Jin Hyuk gets transported to the 19 th century.

There he associates with a nobleman who turns out to be the future Royal Prince Regent and an idealist girl who might be the reincarnation of his girlfriend. This doctor has his hands full of plagues, sicknesses, rudimentary medical tools and war brewing in the air.

Why You Should Check It Out: The pros of this time travel drama – a look at a fascinating time during the Joseon dynasty in the late 1800s with the 1871 Battle of Ganghwa with American forces, early persecution of Catholics, and the rise of the Prince Regent Heungseon into power.

However, the drama itself is manic and confusing with really no resolution by the end. The main leads are boring and difficult to empathize with. But the supporting cast fascinates with the clever, multi-layered Prince Regent, the charming lady Gisaeng (similar to a geisha), the angsty, tortured police captain and his best friend who’s secretly a rebellion leader.

Sadly, the ridiculous and unbelievable overshadows much of the good in this drama. But overall, it’s still a fun watch.

Where You Can Find It : Tubi

Do any of these Asian time travel dramas interest you? Have you seen another time travel drama you loved or hated? I’d love to hear about it!

ARE YOU A ROMANCE FAN? FOLLOW THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW:

MORE TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE:

Go Back Spouses K-drama Review – A Fun Heartfelt Time Travel Story

Faith has always enjoyed movies and TV shows from swoon-worthy period dramas to heart-stopping action-adventure flicks. Her love of Korean dramas started a few years ago when she binge-watched a 62 episode period K-drama and fell in love. She also has a passion for writing stories. Even as a young teenager she entertained her sisters with episodic superhero adventures. Now she spends her time working, blogging, sewing, juggling several novels, and watching her favorite shows, mainly K-dramas. You can visit her blog at: www.justwaytooboss.blogspot.com

More posts by this author.

12 thoughts on “7 Absolutely Fun Time Travel Asian Dramas You Should Watch”

Thanks for this lovely list! I’m watching Bu Bu Jing Xin, even though I’m not good at handling unhappy endings, because my friend told me it doesn’t end there. Apparently in the sequel, Bu Bu Jing Qing (scarlet heart 2), things look up for our main couple. It’s also cute that the leads are a couple in real life (Nicky Wu and Cecilia Liu)! I plan to watch Queen In-Hyun’s Man soon! And one day, Rooftop Prince too.

You’re welcome! Yes, that’s true – I’d forgotten about that but Scarlet Heart 2 came out in 2014 so there is hope for the main couple! And it is adorable that they became a real life couple after doing two dramas together. 😀 I’m certain you’ll love Queen In-Hyun’s Man and Rooftop Prince is super funny!

The unnecessary unhappy ending of Rooftop Prince spoiled it for me

Can you give me a recommendation about historical drama?

Absolutely! For period dramas, my personal favorite is A Tree With Deep Roots . The story is riveting with assassins of a secret organization trying to stop the king from creating a Korean alphabet (and thus changing society by allowing everyone a chance to read). The main hero is out for revenge against the king as well. This drama is intense and addictive from beginning to the end. It’s only 24 episodes, so not too long.

Queen Seondeok would be my second favorite. This one is 62 episodes, so its extremely long, but its an epic story of a girl becoming a queen without a husband. Plus she’s surrounded by handsome loyal bodyguards (who make up the supporting characters). 😀

Other recommendations: Arang and the Magistrate (fantasy/historical. It really feels like a fairy tale.) The Princess’ Man (fantastic quality, super intense but great acting) Three Musketeers (wonderful balance of drama, humor, adventure and danger) Empress Ki (51 episodes but Ha Ji-Won is a wonderful actress and really sells the story of a young woman who becomes the queen of a foreign country) I’m also currently watching Jackpot (also known as Daebak) which is a beautifully shot drama. I’m loving the bromance between the main hero and the young prince.

These sound fun, especially Splash, Splash Love 🙂

Splash Splash Love is definitely a favorite of mine!

The list is incomplete without the KDrama “Nine: Nine Times Time Travel”. Please do not miss out on it ^^

I was looking for that!

Thank you :))

This list seriously needs the drama Go Princess Go I recommend it to everyone who <3 comedy romance time travel period dramas

I saw a Chinese tv series but only what could catch in episodes. female thief tries on empress dress and female bounty hunter shows tries capture her and they fight over a jade headrest go back in time . thief disguises herself as guy and bounty is mistaken for some rebels dead wife. I do not the name of the show.. but odd dramedy. spoiler alert , thief and her male lover return present time , he on top tourist bus and she at forbidden city . bounty hunter remains back in time with her love .

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How Chinese and Korean Dramas invented a new time-travel approach

Transmigration dramas put a new spin on time travel.

Americans are deeply familiar with the classic time-travel trope.

Someone travels backward or forwards in time, often with the aid of technology , messes with the history as it was (or is to be) written, and then has to deal with the consequences. (Meanwhile, viewers struggle to navigate the myriad plot holes that tend to emerge.)

But most Chinese and Korean dramas approach time travel completely differently. Instead of having protagonists travel bodily back and forth in time, these works use a concept known as transmigration, which combines soul migration with time travel.

"When the general public talks about these concepts in [Korean] film and television, they typically speak of specific tropes like time travel, reincarnation, or a second chance at life, rather than using one word that encompasses all the meanings that ‘transmigration’ includes,” Sarah Chung, founder of Dramabeans.com , a K-drama fansite, tells Inverse .

Transmigration simply means the movement of a soul between worlds and time. In Korean and Chinese dramas that use it, the protagonist's soul suddenly migrates between realms and takes up residence in an existing person's body (think: Quantum Leap only without the technological component and generally in a more distant time period). It differs from reincarnation or rebirth stories common in Chinese and Korean pop culture, in that the “time traveler” is not reborn in the same world.

"Many transmigration storylines are a form of shuang wen (爽文), where the protagonist goes on a journey as they conquer obstacles and grow as individuals,” E and J, editors of dramapotatoe , a Chinese entertainment site, tell Inverse . "It's a satisfying journey for the audience who relate deeply to those challenges."

The concept has many variations, but the core aspect of a transmigration drama is the transcendence of time and space — but for both cultural and political reasons, the variations can be quite specific.

THE RULES OF TIME TRAVEL is an Inverse special issue exploring the evolution of science fiction's most imaginative sub-genre. From Marty McFly to Avengers: Endgame

What is transmigration?

A screenwriter transmigrates into her own story in The Romance of Tiger and Rose .

In Chinese media, transmigration is broadly known as chuānyuè (穿越) — though there are distinct subgroups within the genres — while in Korean media, it’s known as hoegwi (회귀) or bing-ui (빙의), or a combination of the two.

"Transmigration — as we see it in books and dramas today — isn't connected to traditional literature; it's very contemporary," AvenueX , a Chinese drama reviewer on YouTube, tells Inverse . "It didn't begin until the 1980s or ‘90s, and it first appeared in novels."

Xún Qín Jì (寻秦记) was a 1997 time travel novel in which a 21st-century secret agent uses a time machine to transport himself to the Qin dynasty and uses his knowledge to shape historical events. Although it's not exactly a transmigration story, Xún Qín Jì was instrumental in the development of the genre, and its 2001 drama adaptation, A Step into the Past , became the prototype for modern transmigration dramas.

Xiran Jay Zhao, the New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Widow trilogy and a Chinese history/culture YouTuber, notes that since the inception of the trope, many distinct subgenres of transmigration have developed.

“Chuān shū (穿书) translates to ‘transmigrate into a book,’” they tell Inverse . “For example, in The Romance of Tiger and Rose , screenwriter Chen Xiaoqian (Zhao Lusi), transmigrates into her own historical screenplay."

They add, “Chuān jīn (穿今) refers to when a person from the past transmigrates to the present, while chuān chéng (穿成) refers to when you transmigrate into a specific person.”

A Step into the Past is a 2001 drama adaptation of Xún Qín Jì.

In Korea, the rise of transmigration stories follows a long-standing interest in reincarnation in Korean media.

"I've observed reincarnation as a popular topic in Korean dramas, more than transmigration," Sara Bechtol, editor for the Netflix Korean entertainment channel The Swoon , tells Inverse . "They usually depict poor, hardworking characters who are reborn as wealthy, accomplished people, or in some circumstances, humans who are reincarnated as animals or nature.”

"Hwansaeng (환생) means 'reincarnation,' and it refers to characters who may or may not remember their previous lives,” Dramabeans’ Chung explains. “Furthermore, some stories may contain elements of more than one trope. A combination of these tropes is referred to as hoe-bing-hwan (회-빙-환)."

Its origins can also be traced back to early 21st-century time-travel novels.

“The first hoegwi novel published in print in the domestic genre novel market was Lee Sang-Hyun's 2004 martial arts novel, Baekdo (백도)," says Chung. "However, hoegwi novels didn't gain popularity until the 2010s, likely coinciding with the growth of the webtoon and web novel formats."

Fantasy Fulfillment & Nostalgia

Hae-Soo gets caught up in an imperial palace struggle 1000 years in the past in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo .

For Zhao, to understand the success of transmigration dramas in China, you have to recognize the popularity of historical costume dramas in general. Chinese people enjoy period dramas — and consequently, most transmigration dramas — Zhao explains, because they are nostalgic for the precolonial period.

They add, "China was the dominating nation in the area at the time, in contrast to all the humiliation and misery of the 19th and 20th centuries. This, paired with the stunning aesthetics of pre-colonial fashion in C-dramas, means that there's always a large number of transmigration dramas releasing at any moment.”

Coca Xie, TV host, producer, and founder of China Entertainment Group , tells Inverse that Chinese audiences love stories about men who write poetry and fall in love with beautiful women, or swordsmen who travel around to save the world.

“Audiences enjoy the anticipation of what the protagonist will do...”

“Many of these dramas are based on stories we grew up with, such as Journey to the West (1986) and Romance of the Three Kingdoms (1994) , and they remind us of video games we used to play as kids. As a result, there is a strong nostalgic impact," Xie says.

“Because Chinese people know our history so well,” Zhao says, “We love imagining what we’d do if we were thrown back in time with all the knowledge in our minds, especially at crucial historical junctions where one change can have huge historical ripple effects.”

Zhao gives A Step into the Past as an example. The story follows a protagonist who transmigrated to the end of the Warring States era of China when the boy meant to become the first emperor of China dies.

“So now, he has to place another boy in his place and ensure that the right sequence of events still ends up happening, or there’s literally gonna be no China in the future to return to,” Zhao explains.

"Likewise, Scarlet Heart takes place during a turbulent period in which the Kangxi Emperor's numerous sons vie for the throne, but the transmigrated protagonist already knows who will triumph,” they add. “Audiences enjoy the anticipation of what the protagonist will do with their knowledge of how things should proceed and if their actions would affect events."

Different Tropes for Different Folks

Thousand Years of Love is a Korean time travel drama that follows Princess Buyeo Ju of the Baekje Dynasty.

Korean pop culture, as in America, was deeply invested in the standard time travel tropes — one person, moving bodily into new periods until the adaptations of Chinese transmigration dramas became so popular.

Thousand Years of Love (천년지애) (2003) was the first Korean time travel drama, which focused on Princess Buyeo Ju (Sung Yu-ri) of the Baekje Dynasty (18 B.C. - 600 A.D.) who travels to 2003 while trying to avoid the advances of her Kingdom's conqueror, Silla General, Kim Yu-Seok (Kim Nam-jin).

The drama was a pioneer at the time, and over the next two decades, it inspired dozens of period-era time travel dramas, including Rooftop Prince (2012), Faith (2012), Splash Splash Love (2015), and more.

“...a pleasant form of escapism”

However, it wasn’t until the release of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (달의 연인 - 보보경심 려) in 2016 — based on the Chinese novel-turned-series Startling by Each Step (步步惊心) which aired in 2011 — that transmigration became more popular among K-drama fans.

" Scarlet Heart Ryeo and Mr. Queen are the few K-dramas in which one soul travels across time to a different body," The Swoon’s Bechtol says; each was adapted from the Chinese original. "In dramas, the majority of soul-swapping takes place in the same timeline, and standard time travel dramas usually involve a character physically entering the past or future."

"The dramas may also include ludicrous shenanigans whether it's a high schooler in an adult body or a modern-day chef in a Joseon Queen's body," she adds. "This content is a pleasant form of escapism, but the lessons the characters acquire may also be relevant."

It also allows Korean storytellers to distinguish their work while remaining true to concepts viewers love.

"In a congested drama landscape saturated with familiar themes, writers are constantly seeking new ways to tell stories,” says Dramabreans’ Chung. “These tropes provide extra tools with which to build inventive and speculative narratives."

“Frivolous content”

The popular Chinese web series, Go Princess Go! (太子妃升职记) — the story of a modern playboy who transmigrates 1,000 years back in time and into the body of the Crown Princess (Zhang Tianai) — was abruptly removed from the website of its production company, LeTV, in 2015. A week later, it was re-released , after a third of its original content had been edited out.

It was assumed that the drama was pulled down because of its LGBT-positive content — which was verified in 2016 when the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) issued a new set of guidelines to regulate web dramas stating that feudal beliefs — including soul possession, reincarnation, witchcraft practice as well as, homosexuality and extramarital affairs — would be prohibited in future web dramas.

It was not the first time that Chinese authorities got involved in the content of Chinese-produced time travel dramas.

Go Princess, Go! captured the hearts of its audience with its campy, over-the-top narrative.

In 2011, the SARFT released a report criticizing time-travel dramas for their "bizarre plots, absurd techniques, and feudal superstition," and then expressed disapproval of these shows at a conference the following month, citing their “inaccurate history, exaggerated performance, and frivolous content.”

The SARFT then issued six guidelines in 2012 for the development of TV dramas, including one which stated that "historical dramas in ancient costumes should not create comedy." (Many shows had to be canceled since many transmigration dramas at the time were set in the historical past and were intended to be funny.)

Still, despite the new rules, new transmigration shows such as Joy of Life (2019) and The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020) have passed the censors by adopting novel writing or dream setups, or by setting the story in fictional dynasties.

The unimaginable happens when a modern person is forced into a historical setting in Mr. Queen .

In South Korea, transmigration dramas are less regulated — but if one distorts Korean history, it too may be canceled or "pulled back."

This was the case with Mr. Queen ( 철인왕후), a 2020 Korean drama following a modern chef who finds himself in the body of Queen Cheorin (Shin Hye-sun) during the Joseon era. He struggles to adjust to his new body, navigate palace rules and maintain his relationship with King Cheol Jong (Kim Jung Hyun). It garnered over 4,000 complaints from viewers dissatisfied with the show's historical inaccuracy (as well as the derogatory remarks made about Koreans by the original Chinese novel author, Xiancheng).

As a result of the complaints, the subcommittee of the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) announced that the drama would receive " administrative guidance " for its controversial scenes.

What’s next?

Three friends connected across time and space in Someday or One Day .

For AvenueX, who has been reviewing Chinese dramas for nearly five years, transmigration has become clichéd and overused.

"I think chuānyuè dramas are a little out of fashion these days," she says. "There are just too many works in this genre that have been thoroughly exploited and overwritten."

While AvenueX acknowledges that transmigration is a good plot device for creating interesting scenarios, she is concerned about the genre's future in the drama landscape that has become increasingly concerned with making more money rather than delivering great, original content.

As for movie creators in South Korea and overseas, transmigration may be exactly the thing needed to spice up a boring time-travel story.

The most popular transmigration K-dramas have been adaptations of Chinese works. However, as the trope becomes more prevalent in the media, we should expect additional dramas based on original works, which may provide something truly unique and unexpected.

This article was originally published on May 13, 2022

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Neuroscientist Shan Yu discovers the sudden death of his first love, Min Ying. Before she died, she clutched a birthday candle in her final moments. Lighting the candle, Shan Yu miraculously travels back ten years, and attempts to alter their fate. However, each journey he takes inadvertently triggers unforeseen consequences, and a decade-long hidden love story is gradually unveiled…

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19 time-travel dramas you really should be watching.

A detective from 2000 and a cold case criminal profiler from 2015 solve old cases, as well as prevent new ones, by communicating through a mysterious walkie-talkie.

A man finds 9 magical incense sticks that allow him to travel 20 years back in time. He attempts to change the current world by saving his family from dangers 20 years ago, but the consequences are bigger than he can handle.

A detective accidentally travels to the future while chasing a serial killer through a mysterious tunnel. He discovers that the serial killer was never caught and continues to kill. With the help of the detectives in the future, he sets out to catch him once and for all.

4. Moon Lovers

An ordinary 21st-century woman gets transported back in time to year 941. She encounters royal princes of the Goryeo Dynasty and falls in love with the 8th prince.

5. Tomorrow, With You

A time traveling man foresees into the future to find himself living a miserable life. In order to change his fate, he marries a woman who ultimately teaches him how to love.

6. Saimdang, Light’s Diary

A Korean art history lecturer finds the mysterious diary of a historical figure named Saimdang. Through the diary, he tries to discover the truth behind her history.

7. Confession Couple

A divorced couple in their late-30s gets sent back in time to their college days. They try to change their life around by meeting new people, but destiny has its own plans.

8. Hit The Top

A famous idol travels to the future and meets his son, who is training to be an idol.

9. Live Up To Your Name

An oriental doctor from the past travels to the future and meets a doctor who firmly believes in modern medicine.

10. Splash Splash Love

A high school girl who has the ability to transport anywhere on a rainy day travels back to the Joseon dynasty, where she meets the young king.

11. Queen In Hyun’s Man

A noble-born scholar, who is the last remaining member of his family after a massacre, travels to the future and falls in love with an actress who stars in the drama about the massacre.

12. Rooftop Prince

A prince from the Joseon dynasty is sent to the future after he loses his lover. In the 21st century Seoul, he finds the reincarnation of his lost love who tries to help him back home.

13. Dr. Jin

A successful doctor travels back in time to the Joseon dynasty and meets a girl who looks exactly like his lover.

14. Somehow 18

A man travels back in time to try to save his first love who died when she was 18.

15. God’s Gift: 14 Days

A child gets kidnapped and is found dead. The mother of the child child travels back in time to save her child and catch the kidnapper.

16. Run Toward Tomorrow

A troublemaking high school student accidentally travels to the future, where he learns that his father was severely injured while looking for him. He tries to go back in time to change the future.

17. Manhole

A man travels between present and past in order to stop his ideal girlfriend from getting married.

18. Marry Him, If You Dare

A woman who regrets the choices she made in life travels back to her 32-year-old self, and tries to guide her away from making the same mistakes. One of the main mistakes being that she married the wrong person!

19. Bing Goo

A man from 1979 travels to the year 2016 and falls in love with a girl from the future.

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Time Travel Movies China

Time travel movies have become a hot topic in the Chinese film industry. It is a genre that has grown in popularity in recent years, and Chinese filmmakers have embraced it with gusto. The Chinese market has seen a number of time travel films, some of which have become box office hits. These movies often feature a mix of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. They are popular because they offer an interesting blend of visuals, themes, and storylines.

Time travel storylines often contain elements of mystery, suspense, and drama, as the protagonists journey through time and space. Chinese filmmakers are known for infusing their stories with unique touches of Chinese culture, as well as incorporating elements of Chinese mythology and folklore. A number of Chinese films have achieved international renown for their extraordinary vision and unique approach to the genre. Cargo, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and A Chinese Odyssey are just a few of the famous time travel movies to come out of China.

Time travel stories are often just as entertaining as they are educational. They teach audiences about the past, present, and future, as well as giving viewers an insight into new cultures and traditions. Many time travel movies from China focus on the mid to late 20th century, offering viewers a window into a period of rapid social and economic change. These films often explore themes of identity and memory, as well as portraying the clash between traditional and modern values.

Technically, Chinese time travel movies are usually quite advanced. They feature complex storylines and complex visual effects, and the special effects alone are often breathtaking. Chinese filmmakers have been able to blend innovative technology with traditional storytelling techniques to create captivating works. On top of all that, Chinese actors and actresses are becoming increasingly popular in Hollywood, giving the international market an introduction to Chinese talent.

Overall, Chinese time travel movies are some of the most exciting films coming out of the Chinese film industry. They offer viewers a unique blend of fantasy and reality, as well as an exploration of history, culture, and identity. These films are highly entertaining as well as educational, and are likely to remain popular for years to come.

Time travel movies and Chinese culture

Time travel movies from China often feature a mix of traditional and modern values, as the protagonists discover a new world of possibilities through time travel. Audiences can explore Chinese culture and see how it has changed over time. The depictions of traditional values in these films are often quite thought-provoking, and can even inspire a sense of nostalgia. Through these films, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and the changes it has undergone in recent decades.

In addition, Chinese filmmakers often incorporate elements of mythology and folklore into their stories. By doing so, they are able to capture the rich symbolism and texture of their culture. This allows audiences to gain a broader perspective on Chinese history and how it has shaped the modern world. Furthermore, these films often provide viewers with a glimpse into the spiritual and religious aspects of Chinese culture, which can be quite illuminating.

Chinese time travel films also provide a platform for portraying the clash between traditional and modern values. These films often illustrate the tensions between the old and the new, as well as the conflict between change and tradition. Audiences can gain a unique insight into the social dynamics of Chinese society, as well as the push and pull of progress and stagnation.

Finally, these films provide an opportunity to explore the potential of modern technology. By featuring futuristic gadgets and fantastical inventions, time travel films can inspire viewers to think about the potential of technology and how it can be used to create innovative new solutions to old problems. Time travel movies from China are an exciting genre that will surely continue to captivate audiences in the years to come.

Plot twists and character development

Chinese time travel movies are often filled with unexpected plot twists and surprises. These stories are often driven by the unpredictable nature of time travel, as well as the tension between the past and the present. Audiences can expect plenty of suspense and surprise as the characters navigate their way through the timeline. Furthermore, these movies are often packed with engaging characters and interesting storylines, providing viewers with a captivating experience.

Time travel stories are particularly effective when it comes to character development. As characters move back and forth in time, they are often forced to confront and grapple with the consequences of their choices. This provides viewers with an opportunity to explore the complexities and nuances of the characters’ lives, as well as the impact their choices have on the world around them. By delving into the characters’ motivations and emotions, audiences can gain a fuller understanding of the story.

In particular, Chinese time travel movies often feature a strong focus on the bond between characters. This helps to provide viewers with a deeper insight into the relationships between the characters, as well as the ways in which they balance and complement each other. Audiences can experience the joy and sorrow of the characters as they explore the past and the present, and as they come to terms with their choices and the consequences.

The unpredictable nature of time travel also gives viewers a unique perspective on the story. As the plot progresses, audiences can see how the events of the past, present, and future are intertwined. This helps to bring a sense of unity and resolution to the story, as viewers are able to understand the intricate web of cause and effect.

Chinese time travel movies: a unique take on the genre

Time travel movies from China are unique in that they offer viewers a window into Chinese culture and history. By exploring the past, present, and future of the country, these films can help to bring a global context to the story. Furthermore, their focus on character development and relationships allows audiences to gain an insight into the aspects of Chinese life that are often overlooked by Western filmmakers.

Chinese time travel movies are also technically advanced, with complex visual effects and intricate storylines. This provides viewers with an exciting and engaging experience, as they explore the boundaries of the genre. On top of all that, Chinese talent is becoming increasingly popular in Hollywood, which could lead to even more exciting developments in this genre.

Time travel films from China are some of the most exciting and entertaining films around. Whether you’re looking for a stunning visual experience or an interesting exploration of Chinese culture, these movies have something for everyone. They offer viewers an escape into a giant playground of time and space, and the possibilities are truly endless.

Popular Chinese time travel movies

Chinese time travel movies have been gaining in popularity over the past few years, and there are a number of box office hits to choose from. Some of the most popular Chinese time travel films include The Time Traveler’s Wife, A Chinese Odyssey, and Cargo. These films feature a mix of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, and all three have achieved international acclaim.

The Time Traveler’s Wife follows the story of a man who can travel through time, and his wife who is from the future. It is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of time travel and the bonds between two people. A Chinese Odyssey takes a more fantastical approach, as a monk embarks on an epic journey through time and space to save his beloved. Finally, Cargo tells the story of a futuristic delivery service that relies on time travel technology. It is an action-packed sci-fi adventure that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

There are also a number of other Chinese time travel movies that are worth checking out. The Sorcerer and the White Snake is a fantasy adventure set in ancient China, while Three is a touching story about the bonds between three generations of people. Finally, The Chinese Widow is a war drama set during World War II, as a young Chinese woman falls in love with a Japanese prisoner of war. These movies provide viewers with a unique glimpse into the genre, and are sure to captivate audiences around the world.

Influence of Chinese time travel movies

Chinese time travel movies have had a major impact on the global film industry. By introducing international audiences to Chinese culture, and by showcasing the unique visual and storytelling techniques employed by Chinese filmmakers, these movies have helped to bring a global context to the genre. Furthermore, they have inspired a new generation of filmmakers to explore time travel stories from an international perspective.

Chinese time travel movies have also had an influence on popular culture. By exploring themes of identity, memory, and the clash between tradition and modernity, these films have helped to broaden the conversation around these topics. They have inspired audiences to think more deeply about the history of Chinese culture and the changes it has undergone over time.

Finally, Chinese time travel movies have popularized the idea of time travel as a concept. They have helped to create a sense of wonder and possibility, and have encouraged viewers to explore the boundaries of time and space. By providing a forum for discussing new ideas and concepts, these films have helped to push the boundaries of the genre and have made time travel stories even more popular.

John Melendez

John J. Melendez is a journalist, author, and commentator specializing in Chinese culture, politics, and international relations. He is a frequent guest on radio and television programs, and is the author of several books on Chinese culture and politics. He currently resides in Beijing, China.

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The 25 best time travel k-dramas, ranked.

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10 Must Watch K-Dramas That Aren’t Romances (& Where To Stream Them)

20 steamy k-dramas you should watch today, 10 k-dramas with heartbreaking plot twists.

• Time travel in K-dramas elevates romantic, detective, and historical stories with sci-fi or fantasy twists.
• While some K-dramas overuse time travel, the best ones cleverly use the trope to tell captivating and unique stories.
• Shows like "A Time Called You" and "Twinkling Watermelon" explore time travel to unravel mysteries and change fates in heartwarming ways.

The idea of traveling through time is a powerful storytelling tool popularized by Hollywood movies, anime series, and the best time travel K-dramas . For K-dramas, the past often involves the Joseon era, riddled with political distress, turmoil, and drama . In some cases, K-dramas get creative and use time travel to solve crimes, like a heinous murder from the past, or with clues unraveling through time. In others, time travel is the narrative catalyst for an epic romance story of lovers separated by centuries.

Not surprisingly, many of the best K-dramas involving time travel use the concept to elevate romantic stories with a sci-fi or fantasy twist. In fact, this happens so much that K-drama audiences largely agree that it's become an overused plot device . That said, whether they are mainly romantic, detective, or historical K-dramas , there are dozens that cleverly use time travel to continue telling captivating stories, and the best time travel K-dramas use the trope to tell some of the most unique stories on the small screen.

25 A Time Called You

Released in 2023.

Not available

Based on the Taiwanese TV series Someday or One Day, A Time Called You is a South Korean romantic fantasy drama that centers around a young woman named Koo Yeon-jun, grieving her boyfriend's passing. Koo Yeon-jun's life is thrown for a loop when she wakes up in the 1990s - in an eighteen-year-old girl's body named Min-ju. As she tries to solve the mystery and return home to her original body, her life is complicated further when she meets a young man who looks identical to her former lover.

A Time Called You is actually a remake of a Taiwanese series called Someday or One Day , and it features more science fiction than just time travel. It also includes the characters jumping into the bodies of others and having their own doppelgangers. There is a lot going on, but it makes for a fascinating watch.

The series follows two sets of characters played by Jeon Yeo-been and Ahn Hyo-seop who see both their pasts and futures controlled by an old cassette player. The song on the tape player helps to control aspects of their lives, but not everything, leading to a lot of moving parts in the story. There’s even a serial killer subplot for those who like their K-dramas with a little mystery.

The only reason the series isn’t truly the best time travel K-drama is that the finale of the series doesn’t offer a full measure of closure , leaving some things open-ended for the audience.

24 Again My Life

Released in 2022.

Again My Life (2022): Again My Life follows prosecutor Kim Hee Woo, who gets a second chance at life after being unjustly killed. He uses his revived existence to seek justice and take down the corrupt political figures that led to his demise. The series combines elements of legal drama and fantasy as Hee Woo navigates his new opportunities to correct the wrongs of his past.

Again My Life isn’t the typical time travel K-drama. Rather than feature someone traveling straight into another time, the person is actually murdered early in the series, but then, the main character comes back as a college student . This actually works in his favor since in his previous life, he was a prosecuting attorney, so he’s already extremely intelligent and excels in the academic program, allowing him to spend his free time figuring out who set out to kill him.

Because this is one time travel series that is more of a thriller, there’s also an action element to it. Lee Joon-gi, who stars as the lead, has a black belt in taekwondo, and he does many of his own action scenes in the show instead of a stunt double. He won an award for his work on the show at the SBS Drama Awards after the show’s release.

23 Twinkling Watermelon

Twinkling Watermelon is a South Korean television series that follows the lives of a group of high school friends who form a band. As they navigate the complexities of adolescence, they encounter challenges, build relationships, and discover their passions. Featuring a mix of music and drama, the show delves into themes of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery.

There are shades of Back to the Future in this time travel K-drama as a teenage boy (Ryeoun) ends up in his father’s high school years. The boy and his father (Choi Won-young as an adult and Choi Hyun-wook as a teenager) don’t see eye to eye when it comes to music. While he wants to pursue a career as a musician, his father doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Their fight is the catalyst for the time travel experience.

While in the past, he finds that his father is desperate to connect with another young woman, not one who becomes his mom. He also realizes that his father isn’t hearing impaired as he is as an adult . He decides to try to prevent the accident that causes the hearing loss as well as make sure his father ends up with his mother, even as he’s forming a band with him.

It’s a heartwarming story about getting to know one’s parents and understanding how one decision can change everything.

22 Lovely Runner

Released in 2024.

Lovely Runner is a TV series that follows the story of a young athlete who rises to fame in the world of track and field. As the protagonist navigates the highs and lows of competitive sports, the series explores themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and personal growth.

Those who enjoy K-Pop, athletics, and love stories will certainly enjoy Lovely Runner . The series sees a former superstar named Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok) lives a life of mostly isolation while his career explodes. Im-sol (Kim Hye-yoon) is a superfan who has been supporting his career. In their 30s, however, they both wonder what their lives would have been like if they had done things differently. Of course, they also have a past connection.

When one of them dies, the other gets a chance to travel to the past to change their future, and it's revealed that they have both been doing everything they can to protect one another, even if it means their own lives might never be the same. The theme of the show is self-sacrifice as it explores what lengths someone will go to for someone they care about.

Interestingly, Beyon Woo-seok is not a trained K-pop singer, even though there are many artists who have crossed over into the acting world. Despite that, the song “Sudden Shower,” which was recorded for use in the show, charted, demonstrating that he’s got what it takes to lead a boy band.

21 Reborn Rich

Reborn Rich is a South Korean drama series centered around a young man who, after being betrayed and murdered by his employers, finds himself reborn into the wealthy family he once served. Using his newfound position and knowledge of future events, he seeks to uncover the truth behind his death and exact revenge. Starring Song Joong-ki, Lee Sung-min, and Shin Hyun-bin, the series unfolds within the high-stakes world of corporate intrigue.

The last few years have produced a lot of hugely successful K-dramas that have reached an international audience. Reborn Rich , however, was hugely successful at home as well. It was the most-watched K-drama in South Korea in 2022.

Like Again My Life , this series sees someone who is murdered get a chance to start a new life in a new body, but with the awareness of their previous life. This time, it’s someone who is a hardworking employee at a chaebol - a sprawling family-owned business, the kind that truly runs the economy in South Korea. When he sees something wrong and tries to do the right thing, he is killed for it. He ends up returning to life as the youngest member of a chaebol family in an earlier time and starts putting his knowledge of the future to use.

While the bare bones of the two stories are similar as both characters want revenge on those who took their lives, the worlds they explore are very different. Reborn Rich was nominated for a slew of awards in South Korea and ended up winning for Best Miniseries at the Seoul International Drama Awards.

The Best K-Dramas Based On Webtoons, Ranked

These top K-dramas ranked were once all popular webtoons and either got their start on the webtoons.com site or other sites and platforms.

20 My Perfect Stranger

My Perfect Stranger is a 2023 TV series that follows the story of a woman who discovers a mysterious stranger may be the key to solving a tragedy from her past. As she uncovers the truth, she must navigate a complex web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth about her own life.

When the two cross paths, they find that maybe their time traveling, and their lives, are actually linked to one another.

While most Korean dramas involving time traveling only see one character do the actual time traveling, My Perfect Stranger takes a risk in making both of its main characters time travelers . One does so on purpose though, while the other does not, which is where much of the intrigue comes from.

Hae Jun (Kim Dong Wook) is a journalist investigating a serial murder case who discovers a time machine and uses it to follow his own investigation. Yoon Young (Jin Ki Joo) discovers her mother dead and is then struck by a car, waking up in the same time that Hae Jun traveled to. As is true for many time travelers, they become trapped instead of able to travel between times. When the two cross paths, they find that maybe their time traveling, and their lives, are actually linked to one another.

Released In 2017

Tunnel is a South Korean television series that premiered in 2017. The show follows a detective, Kwang-ho, who travels back in time from 1986 to 2016 and teams up with a detective in the present day to solve a series of cold cases. As they work together, they uncover hidden secrets and unravel the mysteries of the past.

Instead of traveling to the past, Tunnel is a time travel K-drama that takes the audience to the future - in a manner of speaking. The present-day of the story is actually 1985 in which a string of murders are being investigated. When the detective (Choi Jin Hyuk) pursuing a lead runs after a suspect through a tunnel, he’s hit in the head and ends up 30 years in the future.

The murder mystery element of the series is inspired by a real string of serial killings in Korea, but the story is very much fictional. While the show presents itself as a murder mystery with a time-travel element, there’s also a romantic subplot and a family at the center of the story that makes it a drama that really shines. Incredibly popular outside of South Korea as well, Tunnel has been adapted for Thai television and an Indonesian remake is in development.

Want to enjoy some new TV series from Korea but without all the love and sappy sentimentality of some K-dramas? Check out these 10 great options.

18 Familiar Wife

Released in 2018.

Familiar Wife is a South Korean television series that aired in 2018. The show revolves around Cha Joo-hyuk, a bank employee who travels back in time to when he was in his college days and alters the course of his life, resulting in a different reality where he is married to his first love, instead of his current wife.

A married man (Ji-Sung) with two kids is unhappy in his life. He’s depressed, hates his wife, and is unsatisfied at work. If he had only made different choices in his youth, he might have had a happier life. After traveling through a toll booth and losing control of his car, he winds up in the past and is able to change some of those decisions.

This is one time travel series that doesn't confine the protagonist to one time. Able to travel back and forth between the past and the present, he’s able to see how his different decisions have big outcomes later in life. It’s a similar concept to something like Sliding Doors but with many small changes to help someone understand their path in life. The music truly helps set the stage in the series as well with the soundtrack being nominated at the Korea Drama Awards.

Released In 2021

Times is a South Korean television series that premiered in 2021, following the story of Seo Jin-Woo, a man who discovers a way to communicate with his past self through a mysterious walkie-talkie. As he navigates this new power, he attempts to prevent a tragic event that occurred in his past.

Times isn’t a traditional time travel K-drama in which one character is transported to another time period completely. Instead, the time travel is a result of a phone line that is able to traverse timelines. Several series have used similar ideas, often with the use of radios instead of phones, with varying degrees of success.

Two journalists, one in 2015 and one in 2020, connect over the use of the same phone line. Initially, they work together to prevent the death of one of their fathers, but while investigating, they uncover a conspiracy that involves time travel and corrupt politicians. The series is definitely a unique take among the time travel shows created for Korean television, which usually focus on history and a romantic subplot instead of political intrigue. While the series didn't reach widespread acclaim, star Lee Joo-young was nominated for Best New Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

16 Tomorrow With You

Tomorrow With You is a fantasy romance television series that follows Yoo So-joon, a successful real estate CEO who has the ability to time-travel through a subway. He meets Song Ma-rin, a photographer, and falls in love with her, but their relationship is threatened when he discovers his ability to travel through time is linked to his fate with her.

While Tomorrow With You does use romance like most time travel K-dramas do, it also has a unique idea for the time travel itself. While most Korean time travel shows involve time traveling by accident, the main character in Tomorrow With You can decide to travel in time. It’s also done so while traveling the subway instead of falling through a portal or suffering a life-threatening injury in order to do it.

Yoo So-Joon (Lee Je-Hoon) takes on time-traveling adventures when he discovers that Ma-Rin (Shin Min-A) and he are linked by a tragic accident in the future. Intrigued by her, he decides to save both her and himself. He believes that he can change their fates thanks to his ability, but he has to figure out just how they are connected. He resolves to marry her in order to make sure, and they become truly linked as he falls in love.

15 The Best Hit

The Best Hit is a 2017 South Korean television series. The show revolves around the life of a K-pop idol, Lee Ji-hoon, who travels back to 1994 and meets his younger self and a young woman named Kim Hyun-jae. As Lee Ji-hoon navigates his past, he must confront his mistakes and learn valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship.

In The Best Hit, 1993 K-pop idol Yoo Hyun-Jae (Yoon Shi-yoon) gets accidentally transported to 2017, discovers that he is presumed dead after he disappeared in 1994, and investigates why he traveled through time. He does all this while struggling with living in the future, of course. Meanwhile, Hyun-Jae's biological son, Lee Ji-Hoon (Kim Min-jae), is secretly training to become an idol himself and is even enrolled in Star Punch Entertainment's program - while making his parents believe that he's studying for the civil service exams.

Also known as Hit the Top , and Best Punch , The Best Hit is an underrated gem in the world of the best time travel K-dramas. It's also an interesting way for the audience to get a look at what it takes to become a pop idol. Some of the stars of the series are also popular musicians. Kim Min-jae, for example, is also a rap artist and was nominated for the Best New Actor award at the Seoul Awards following the debut of the show.

14 Sisyphus: The Myth

Sisyphus: The Myth is a South Korean television series that follows the story of Han Tae-sul, a genius engineer who tries to uncover the truth behind his brother's death. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a conspiracy that threatens the entire nation.

The storyline introduces a character who travels from the future to his current time.

This 2021 Netflix K-drama has some serious Terminator vibes to it, but it's full of good laughs, color, and drama. Han Tae-Sul (Cho Seung-woo) is a talented engineer who is determined to uncover the real reason behind his older brother's murder. If that wasn't enough, the storyline introduces a character who travels from the future to his current time. In the future, the world is dominated by gangs and military cliques. Survival entails having serious combat skills, and Gang Seo-Hae (Park Shin-Hye) is just the right warrior.

She travels back in time to help Tae-Sul on his dangerous journey after learning key evidence about his brother's death. What's interesting is that the series doesn't focus solely on the one-way time travel trip, but insists that the two main characters are responsible for breaking a time loop. Some critics disliked that Sisyphus: The Myth breaks its own established rules about time traveling, but it certainly keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

13 Splash Splash Love

Released in 2015.

Splash Splash Love is a South Korean television series that premiered in 2015. The fantasy romance drama tells the story of Lee Do, a high school student who travels back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty and meets Kim Mu, a prince who becomes his ally and friend. As Do navigates the complexities of court politics, he finds himself falling for the prince's sister, Princess Wonseong.

Splash Splash Love is one of those K-dramas that combine time travel with romance . In the television series, a high-school student gets transported to 15th-century Korea. She soon meets the young king of the kingdom who wants to learn more about mathematics. Thankfully, the heroine of the show is a patient teacher who is more than willing to tutor the King.

Splash Splash Love is a quick and easy watch as it is one of the shortest K-dramas out there, with only two episodes. This is part of why the show has near-perfect pacing and ranks among the best time travel K-dramas. It was originally broadcast as a 10-part webseries on Naver TV Cast. Its popularity led to it being edited into two hour-long episodes, so binging it is really like watching a movie.

12 Rooftop Prince

Released in 2012.

Rooftop Prince is a South Korean television series that tells the story of Crown Prince Lee Gak, who travels from the Joseon Dynasty to modern-day Seoul in search of his missing bride. With the help of Park-ha, a young woman who resembles his lost love, he navigates the complexities of contemporary life while trying to uncover the truth behind his bride's disappearance.

Rooftop Prince has a lot of storylines to process, but they're well worth it. The titular protagonist is a prince who wakes up in present-day 2012, even though he's actually from the Korean Joseon dynasty/era . The crown prince and his two confidants find themselves on the rooftop of Park-ha's (Han Ji-min) home. After the prince realizes he's time-traveled 300 years into the future, he also sees the long-lost sister of Park-ha - who is the spitting image of his late wife who drowned.

The prince is convinced he will find the answers to his past in 2012 and poses as the grandson of a powerful CEO, who in reality was killed by another family member. Both the characters of the past and the characters of the present have intense backstories and the series leans into the soap-opera-like aspects of those. It works in the show's favor, as the series has become even more popular outside of Korea than in its home. It is most popular in Japan and China.

K-dramas like Love & Leashes are full of passion and romance, but what are some other similarly hot and steamy K-drama series?

11 The King: Eternal Monarch

Released in 2020.

The King: Eternal Monarch is a fantasy romance drama that tells the story of Emperor Lee Gon, who discovers a mysterious portal that leads him to a parallel universe. He meets a detective named Jung Tae-eul, and together, they navigate between their two worlds, uncovering secrets and conspiracies that threaten the stability of both kingdoms.

Not only does The King: Eternal Monarch have a phenomenal female lead in Jeong Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), but it's also full of riveting action, features a unique story of parallel worlds, and is also one of the unique time travel K-Dramas available on Netflix. In the show, there are two co-existing realities: present-day South Korea and the Kingdom of Corea.

The current king of Corea witnessed his father's murder as a child at the hands of his uncle. When he discovers a doorway to the parallel world and present-day South Korea, he also discovers that his uncle has been traveling between the two worlds and trying to raise his own army. The king must stop his uncle, but along the way, he learns the truth about the mysterious figure who once saved his life and finds he must travel to a moment in the past. The series explores the idea of a single moment in time altering someone's whole reality.

10 Queen In-Hyun's Man

Queen In-Hyun's Man is a 2012 South Korean television series that tells the story of Kim Boong-do, a dignified and charismatic nobleman, who travels through time from the 17th century to the present day, where he meets and falls in love with actress Choi Hee-jin.

A Joseon Dynasty scholar meets an aspiring actress in the year 2012 in the political and romantic Korean drama , Queen In-Hyun's Man, one of the best time travel K-dramas. In 1694, a noble-born scholar is the only survivor after his family was murdered, but there's a bigger story at play while he supports the reinstatement of the deposed queen and there's a conspiracy involving a royal concubine. Due to a magical talisman, he time travels 300 years into the future and meets an actress who he has a connection with.

What makes the rom-com elements of the scholar from the past meeting the actress from the future is that the actress, so far, is not a household name. instead, her big break is about to be playing Queen In-Hyun, the very woman the scholar is a supporter of.

Faith is a South Korean television drama that aired in 2012, starring Lee Min-ho as Choi Young, a skilled warrior, and Kim Hee-sun as Yoo Eun-soo, a plastic surgeon who travels back in time to the Goryeo era. The story follows their love story amidst the political turmoil of the time.

The time travel K-drama Faith follows the story of a plastic surgeon who gets transported to 14th-century Goryeo. She soon learns that a royal guard warrior was the reason why she was brought back more than 600 years into the past. The royal guard begs the plastic surgeon to help their injured queen. However, the plastic surgeon has actually caught feelings for her kidnapper.

Faith is considered one of the better time travel and fantasy-themed romance K-dramas thanks to the stellar performances of the actors, as well as the detailed story that shines a light on Korean history and mythology. It's also got a multi-layered title. While the literal translation of the title is "faith" as in "belief in justice," the Hanja lettering (Chinese letters used to write Korean) actually means "divine doctor," allowing the audience to understand that both terms are important to the long-term storyline of the show.

8 Nine: Nine Time Travels

Released in 2013.

Nine: Nine Time Travels is a South Korean television series that follows the story of Park Sun-woo, a man who discovers a way to travel through time and sets out to prevent a family tragedy from occurring.

In the time travel K-drama Nine: Nine Time Travels , Park Sun-woo (Lee Jin-wook) discovers nine incense sticks that could take him back 20 years in time. He uses his time in the past to save his family, who have been victims of a terrible tragedy. However, he needs to be extra careful when he goes back in time, as he can only do it nine times - the twist that makes Nine: Nine one of the best time travel K-dramas. Park soon finds out that whatever he changes in the past also resonates and affects his present life.

The K-drama was nominated for several awards across Korea for its great cast and romantic storyline, including snagging nominations at the Korean Drama Awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards. It also became popular outside of Korea, broadcast on television in China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The Smile will definitely Leave Your Eyes with these shocking and heartbreaking K-Drama plot twists.

7 Go Back Couple

Go Back Couple is a South Korean television series that explores the lives of a married couple, Choi Ban-do and Ma Jin-joo, who are struggling to balance their careers and relationship. After 18 years of marriage, they are suddenly transported back in time to their college days, giving them a chance to re-evaluate their life choices and relationships.

Inspired by a webtoon called Do It One More Time , Go Back Couple (also simply called Go Back in some regions) is a Korean miniseries where a couple wishes that they never met each other. They have both become unhappy and exhausted with their marriage and wish they could have changed their unhappiness at the seeming source of all of their problems - meeting each other. The couple soon finds that they've reverted to their 20-year-old selves, faced with trying to make decisions that will make their future selves happy and satisfied.

The show features plenty of funny and heartwarming moments that will make viewers swoon — and an ending that will surely tug at the heartstrings of every long-time K-drama viewer. After its broadcast, the series was nominated for a slew of KBS Drama Awards, picking up two, one for Best Couple for the lead actors in Son Ho-jun and Jang Na-ra, and Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries for Jan Na-ra.

6 Chicago Typewriter

Chicago Typewriter follows the lives of three individuals: Han Se-joo, a talented writer; Jeon Seol, a passionate fan; and Yoo Jin-oh, a mysterious ghostwriter, who become entwined as they navigate their complex relationships and uncover the mysteries of their pasts.

Out of the most compelling and best time travel K-dramas (as well as general fantasy K-Dramas ), Chicago Typewriter is one of the few that's about reincarnation rather than strictly about traveling through time. Three resistance fighters from the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea find themselves in a new time period, but not because of mysterious scientific machines or magical objects. Instead, the three are reincarnated as a writer, a fan, and a ghostwriter.

Switching between the 1930s and the 21st century, these three characters start to see parallels between both time periods. As they start to uncover the truth behind their pasts, they worry about how it might affect their present. K-drama fans tired of the same old romantic comedy fare will love the truly unique story elements of Chicago Typewriter. The series was also filmed on location around Seoul, South Korea, so fans will enjoy picking out the real sites.

The Serial Binger

Your Daily Dose of Kpop, Kdrama, and Anime Excitement!

40 Best Chinese Dramas that are Highly Rated by Audiences

In the 20th century, the western entertainment industry started flourishing all across the globe and in this century the  Asian entertainment industry is gaining fans all over . China is one of the front runners in this race. More and more people are liking Chinese Dramas and enjoying their cultural beauty. In this post, I’ll be mentioning the  40 All-time best Chinese Dramas  that have made a fan following of their own across the world. 

1. The Untamed

• Logline:  An inter-clan rivalry running through years reveals some dark truths from the past.
• Year:  2019
• Genre:  Mystery, Drama
• Cast:  Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo, Liu Haikuan

Based on a historic novel  Mo Dao Zu Shi  (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation) by  Mo Xiang Tong Xiu,  The Untamed  is one of the  most highly rated Chinese Drama  that tracks the adventure of two intrepid men on a mission to banish the evil enduring in the kingdom. Wei Wuxian who once decided to fight against the ruling Wen sect goes missing and returns after 16 years and joined hands with the righteous Lan Wangji to unveil the real culprits behind prolonged murder mysteries.

From  Bromance to Comedy  this CDrama exhibits a complete set of genre. I highly recommend you watch this if you have just started exploring Chinese Dramas.

Where to watch The Untamed?

Full-fledged 50 episode season one is available on Netflix. 

2. Nirvana in Fire

• Logline:  Lin Shu returns to the capital city of Jinling as Mei Changsu to condemn the twelve-year-old conspiracy that labeled his family as a traitor.
• Year:  2015
• Genre:  History, Drama
• Cast:  Hu Ge, Wang Kai, Liu Tao, Leo Wu

A total of  3.3 Billion  internet views on iQiyi. Yes, the numbers are enough to highlight the exquisite of this Chinese Drama. The consequences of the war between the Northern Wei dynasty and Southern Liang dynasties left  19-year-old Lin Shu incapacitated  and his father General Lin Xie marked as a  traitor . 12 Years later Lin Shu returns as the  chief of the pugilistic world  intending to restore his family’s innocence. If you are someone you like to watch strategical  mind games  TV series over intense war and action, Nirvana in Fire will be a perfect watch for you. A compelling storyline, charming characters, a strong protagonist and brilliant cinematography will keep you hooked through this 50 episode CDrama.

Where to watch Nirvana in Fire?

All English dubbed episodes are available on  Viki , DVD copies are also available on  amazon .

3. Joy of Life

• Logline:  A surprise visit by a poison master drastically transforms the ordinary life of Fan Xian to a man of political delegacy.
• Year:  2019
• Genre:   Historical Drama
• Cast:  Chen Daoming and Wu Gang, Li Xiaoran, Xin Zhilei, Li Chun, Song Yi

Adapted from the first part of the novel by the same name, this  Historical Chinese Drama  orbits around the life of Fan Xian, the only royal survivor left after the fall of the Eastern Jin dynasty 18 years ago. Adopted by the imperial minister Fan Jian, Fan Xian is  not destined to be a commoner  but an honorable man who will grow big and hold a strong position in the empire.   With an intense  political intrigue , the show is backed with pleasant  humor, martial arts , and melodious theme songs.

Where to watch The Joy of Life?

The first season contains a total of 46 episodes and the English dubbed version can be streamed online on  Viki .

4. Love O2O

• Logline:  A story of two popular college students who fell in love while playing an online game together.
• Year:  2016
• Genre:  Romance, Drama
• Cast:  Yang Yang, Shuang Zheng, Denny Huang 

Love O2O was the first Chinese drama that I watched and that’s why it is really dear to me. But that’s not the only reason it’s on this list. This drama is a true gem and deserves a spot here. Xiao Nai  is a smart, handsome and most popular gay in the college. On top of that, he is the leader of a game developing company. One day while playing an online game he comes across a strong female player. They soon form a team together and decides to meet. The female gamer is no other that  Bei Wei Wei  who is also a student at Xiao’s college and thus a romantic story begins.

Where to watch this Chinese Drama?

You can watch all the 30 episodes of ‘Love O2O’ on  Netflix and Viki .

5. Put Your Head on My Shoulder

• Logline:  Si Tu Mo is an ordinary girl who accidentally becomes the roommate of the smartest guy in the school.
• Genre:  Rom-com
• Cast:  Fair Xing, Lin Yi, Jingjing Chen

Regarded as one of the most popular romantic drama of 2019, ‘Put your head on my Shoulder’ is a show that you didn’t know you needed in your life. Si Tu Mo  is a cheerful girl who is nearing her graduation and has no clue about what to do next. At the same time,  Gu Wei Yi  enters her life who is a pretty famous and smart guy in the school. Both of their paths cross sometimes creating a little spark between them but thing changes completely when they accidentally become each other’s roommates.

You can watch ‘Put Your Head on My Shoulder’ and all of its 24 episodes on  Netflix, Viki, and YouTube .

6.  Eternal Love  

• Logline:  A romantic love story that ran through three lives of two deitiesYe Hua and Bai Qian
• Year:  2017
• Genre:  Romance
• Cast:  Yang Mi, Mark Chao, Ken Chang, Dilraba Dilmurat

Eternal Love is a Romantic Chinese Drama better justified by its alternate English title  Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms  and is based on the novel To The Sky Kingdom by Tang Qi Gong Zi. From the blossoming heavenly world of the  immortals  to the regular world of mortals this show traces the  saga of two love birds  who play different roles in different lives yet manages to meet each other and sustain the Eternal love. If you haven’t already had a taste of mystical Chinese Drama, this show will be an exciting watch for you. 

Where to watch Eternal Love?

Recently Netflix purchased the rights of Eternal Love and all seasons are available there. A low-quality English dubbed version is also available on Viki for free but you can also opt for a high-quality subscription.

7. The King’s Avatar

• Logline:  Ye Xiu is a famous top tier online gaming player. He was betrayed by his team and thus has to leave professional gaming. But he is not ready to give up just yet.
• Genre:  Action, Adventure
• Cast:  Yang Yang, Shuying Jiang, Li Mu Chen Daisy

Inspired by a famous Japanese Light Novel of the same name, ‘The King’s Avatar’ is a Live action drama focused on gaming, friendship, and glory. It got  100 million views just after 4 hours  of its release, so you can imagine its popularity. The story revolves around  Ye Xiu , who is the all-time best player of an online game called ‘Glory’. Due to some circumstances, he has to give up his gaming account and leave professional gaming. He then starts working as a manager in an internet cafe. But when he hears that ‘Glory’ is starting a new server, he decides to jump in and start playing again. With 10 years of gaming experience, he is ready to claim what was taken away from him.

You can watch ‘The King’s Avatar’ and all of its 41 episodes on  Netflix .

8. You Are My Glory

• Logline:  Two very different people get together because of online gaming.
• Year:  2021
• Genre:  Romance, Comedy
• Cast:  Yang Yang, Dilraba Dilmurat, Pan Yue Ming

The idea of a celebrity falling in love with an ordinary person is not common and we’ve seen many Asian dramas made around the same plotline. But this Chinese drama is a breath of fresh air among all the shows following the same trope. It’s beautiful, sweet, and gives you butterflies while you’re watching it.

Qiao Jing Jing  is a famous celebrity and the brand ambassador of a very popular online game. But she is bad at gaming herself and this secret gets out to the public. To save her sponsorship deal, she decides to learn to game and take part in an online gaming contest to show her skill. She requests the help of her very intelligent school crush,  Yu Tu . He agrees, and the two form an unusual partnership.

Available on  WeTV.

9.  Guardian

• Logline:  A detective and a professor are on a mission to maintain peace among humans and mutated creatures living on the planet.
• Year:  2018
• Genre:  Mystery, Fantasy, Drama
• Cast:   Yu Bai, Yilong Zhu, Peng Xin

Based on a novel  Guardian by Priest,  this Mystery Chinese drama will introduce you to a completely new world where humans co-exist with 2 other mysterious species. The peaceful coexistence between Humans Yashou and Dixing that existed for 10000 long years faces a threat as the Dixings who are known to live underground have started causing troubles on the surface.   Zhao Yunlan and Shen We  are tasked to investigate the situation and in the process, they form a strong bond of friendship to transcend both past and present lifetimes. Stay away if you aren’t fond of watching bromance but still a different approach from mainstream Chinese Drama makes it a great show on its own.

Where to watch Guardians ?

Standard Quality episodes with subtitles available in 6 plus languages are available for free on  Viki . You can upgrade to premium membership to watch in HD.

10. Eternal Love of Dream

• Logline:  A thrilling story of adventures of the Emperor of Heaven and a nine-tailed fox.
• Year:  2020
• Genre:  Romance, Historical
• Cast:  Vengo Gao, Dilraba Dilmurat, James Li

It is often the case when show makers try to milk on the already popular movie/drama franchise, the end product turns out bad. But thankfully it didn’t happen with this Chinese drama. A spin-off series of very popular ‘Eternal Love’ series, this drama is just as good as its parent story.

Bai Feng Jiu , is a nine-tailed fox. One day, she is attacked by a savage beast in the mountains and is saved by the first emperor of Heaven,  Dong Hua.   To repay the gratitude she decides to fight alongside Dong Hua against the Demon Lord. Over time she falls in love with him but Dong Hua is cold-hearted and Feng Jiu is not ready to give up.

Watch it on  WeTV.

11. Heavy Sweetness

• Logline:  After clashing with one another for a 100 years Xu Feng, God of Fire falls in love with Jin Mi but she can not respond to any feelings.
• Year:  2018
• Genre:  Rom-com, Fantasy
• Cast:  Kathy Chow, Zhonghua He, Wang Yifei

Also popularly known as the ‘ Ashes of Love ‘, it is one of the most loved Chinese Drama around the world and the best part is that it will have a second season this year. So the story basically revolves around two heavenly beings  Xu Feng  and  Jin Mi . Xu Feng rescued Jin Mi and they stayed together for hundred years after which Xu Feng finally fell in love with her. But the problem is that Jin Mi was given an unfeeling pill when she was a child, that’s why she didn’t have any feelings towards Xu Feng. On top of that, Xu Feng’s rival brother also starts having feelings for Jin Mi.

You can watch ‘Heavy Sweetness’ and all of its 63 episodes on  Viki and Netflix.

12. The Oath of Love

• Logline:  A budding cellist faces challenges, finds love with a doctor in a heartwarming Chinese drama.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming and emotional love story, “The Oath of Love” is a must-watch. This Chinese drama follows the story of Lin Zhi Xiao, a talented cellist whose life takes a sudden turn when her father falls ill. Despite the challenges she faces, she finds comfort in the charming and kind-hearted doctor, Gu Wei. The chemistry between Yang Zi and Xiao Zhan is palpable, and the storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat. This series is based on a popular novel and was expertly directed by Lu Ying. Don’t miss out on this touching tale of love and perseverance.

Where to watch The Oath of Love?

Watch it on  Viki

13. Arsenal military academy

• Logline:  What happened when female aspired to join the military during the WWI and joins men training center pretending to be a man.
• Genre:  Army, Drama
• Cast:  Bai Lu, Xu Kai, Toby Lee, Wu Jiayi

Written by Xiao Xiang Dong (author of  Princess Agents ) Arsenal military academy is a unique Chinese drama set in the historic plot of WWI.  The story revolves around the life of an enthusiastic sister who pledges to fulfill the last wish of her dead brother.  Xie Xiang disguises herself as a man  and joins the Arsenal Military Academy in her brother’s stead. This TV series is an account of the hurdles she faces in a men training center and  her connection with her mates there. Besides the story, the chemistry between the male characters and the main leads makes this show an interesting watch.

Where to watch Arsenal Military Academy?

The full playlist of the show is available on  iQIYI’ Youtube Channel .

• Logline:  A thrilling time-loop story follows a college student and a fellow passenger trying to change their fate.
• Year:  2022
• Genre:  Mystery, Thriller
• Cast:  Bai Jingting, Zhao Jin Mai, Lui Yi Jun

“Reset” is a thrilling and captivating Chinese drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The storyline follows Li Shi Qing, a college student who finds herself trapped in a never-ending time loop on a public service bus that is destined to explode. 

Desperate to escape the loop and change her fate, she enlists the help of fellow passenger Xiao He Yun. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable tale of fate, time, and love.

Where to watch Reset?

Watch it on Viki .

15. Falling Into Your Smile

• Logline:  A love story between two gamers.
• Cast:  Cheng Xiao, Xu Kai, Rachel Wang

Falling into your smile is a Chinese drama that doesn’t have a unique to offer in terms of story but the execution is where it takes all the points. Everything from the screenplay, story progression, character arcs are done perfectly which makes the overall experience of watching this drama enjoyable. Plus, it’s quite funny.

ZGDX is the most loved all-male online gaming team in the country with a great fan following. One of its members gets injured and the  Lu Si Cheng , the Capitan of the team is forced to look for a replacement.  Tong Yao , is a funky, cheerful girl who is exceptional at gaming. Upon pressure from the management, Si Cheng is forced to allow Tong Yao in ZGDX and thus begins a new chapter in their life.

The full series is available on  Viki.

16. Accidentally in Love

• Logline:  A popular singer falls for an ordinary girl at his school but in reality, she not ordinary at all.
• Cast:  Guo Jun Chen, Yi Ning Sun

One of my most favorite Chinese drama that I’ve watched. I’d recommend anyone who’s looking for a sweet, short and funny drama to watch ‘Accidentally in Love’. Chen Qing Qing  is a rich girl who is tired of her lifestyle. So she runs away from her home and enrolls in school with fake identity to live her life on her terms. There she meets a student who is a very popular singer,  Si Tu Fang . After a series of conflicts between them, they eventually start having feelings for each other.

You can watch ‘Accidentally in Love’ and all of its 30 episodes on  Netflix.

17. Love Between Fairy and Devil

• Logline:  In a world of magic and danger, a flower fairy and the Moon Supreme’s fate intertwine.
• Cast:  Yu Shu XIn, Dylan Wang, Zhang Ling He, Xu Hai Qiao, Cristy Guo

“Love Between Fairy and Devil” is a gripping BL drama that invites viewers to immerse themselves in a thrilling and enchanting fantasy world. The show’s intricate plot features a battle between the Moon Tribe and the immortal fairy realm, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. 

The first God of War’s sacrifice saved the world, but the emergence of a new God of War and a chance encounter between a low-ranking flower fairy and the feared Moon Supreme threatened to upend everything. The show’s lush visuals and compelling characters will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on this thrilling adventure!

Where to watch Love Between Fairy and Devil?

Watch this amazing bl show on  Viki

18. Love Like the Galaxy

• Logline:  A talented general falls in love with a neglected girl in a mesmerizing Chinese drama full of romance and action.
• Genre:  Mystery, Historical
• Cast:  Leo Wu, Zhao Lu Si, Guo Tao, Zeng Li, Bao Jian Feng

“Love Like the Galaxy” is a mesmerizing Chinese drama that beautifully weaves together romance and action. Ling Bu Yi, a general of the Black Armour Army, meets Cheng Shao Shang during a mission to capture a fugitive. Shao Shang, who was left behind by her parents and neglected, captures the hearts of many with her lively personality and quick thinking. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and the storyline is full of suspense, intrigue, and heartwarming moments. You won’t be able to resist getting swept away by the sweeping romance and epic battles in this captivating series.

Where to watch Love Like the Galaxy?

Watch all episodes of Love Like the galaxy on  Viki

19. Love me if you dare

• Logline:  A combination of crime, psychology and love story. 
• Genre:  Suspense, Thriller
• Cast:  Wallace Huo, Sandra Ma, Edward Zhang

A  Criminal Psychothriller Chinese Drama , based on the novel “love me if you dare”. Simon, Bo Jinyan is a Police advisor and works on special criminal cases.  He has a special  ability to understand the mindset  of violent and dangerous criminals. Though he is very brilliant in his work he lacks emotional clarity. His assistant, daughter of a Police inspector develops emotional attachment towards him.  The drama continues as she tries to bring some emotional clarity in his mind. There is always a huge expectation for a crime drama and this drama series will definitely not disappoint you at all. 

Where to watch Love Me If you Dare?

English-subtitled versions are available on  Viki .

20. Go Ahead

• Logline:  Three youths discover life and its reality the hard way. 
• Genre:  Family, Drama
• Cast:  Seven tan, Song Wei Long, Steven Zhang, Tu Song Yan

Humans can be hard to comprehend. Our likings, beliefs, and relationships are based on our limited sense of judgment. Go Ahead Cdrama dives deep into protagonists’ lives to explore the exquisite human nature and bring forth a heartwarming story that reflects the delicacy of human lives. 

Story of three young brats who confront back-to-back tragedies in life.  Ling Xiao  is the eldest, followed by  He Zi Qiu  and sister  Li Jian . 

Surrounded by constant grief, their only source of comfort is living by each other and becoming the best family together. 

They might be unrelated biologically, but their bond surpasses any biological relationship ever existed. 

After high school, they are forced to live back with their original families. Now, after a decade, the three get a chance to meet again, but things aren’t the same anymore. Will they be able to break through loads of their complicated family issues and reform a bond that they once shared?

Streaming on  Viki.

21.  Meteor Garden  

• Logline:  A girl from a poor background who gets a scholarship in a rich school becomes a pray of bullying by the notorious boy group called F4.
• Genre:  Youth, Romance, Friendship
• Cast:  Dylan Wang, Yue Shen, Xize Wu

Inspired by a  Japanese Manga series Hana Yori Dango , this story has already been made into drama 5-6 times and Meteor Garden is one of them.  Shan Cai  is a hard-working girl and comes from a poor family. She gets a scholarship at a prestigious school for the wealthy. There she finds that the whole school is feared by four notorious rich boys called F4, who like to bully other kids in the school. Shan Cai’s days at school were bad as she couldn’t get well with other students of higher status but later becomes worse when she becomes the new bullying target of the F4. ‘Meteor Garden’ is one of the classic Chinese dramas with a big fan following. The drama shows everything, it has comedy, it has friendship, romance, drama, and youthful energy. 

You can watch Meteor Garden and all of its 50 episodes on  Netflix and Viu .

22. Battle of Changsha

• Logline:  TheJapenese are about to invade China and the only option left with Gu Quing Ming to safely leave the city is to marry a senior Intelligence officer.
• Year:  2014
• Genre:  Romantic
• Cast:  Junfeng Niu, Wallace Huo, Zuo Xiaoqing, Kong Sheng, Gaon Xin

A Chinese drama based on the  Battle of Changsha  that took place in 1939 during the Second Sino-Japanese War.  The story depicts an ordinary family that lives in Changsha, China. It shows the struggle and difficulties that people had to face due to the Anti-Japanese war.  A romantic relationship between Xiangxiang and Gu Qingming  survives the chaos  that surrounds them. Though there were bloodshed all-around little moments of happiness gave the people strength to bear the hardship.  The acting, storyline, and characters make the drama feel so real. It also shows the  rich Chinese heritage  and culture that makes it a treat for eyes. 

Where to watch the Battle of Changsha?

Need not go far. Easily watch the full season on  YouTube

23. My Little Happiness

• Logline:  Cong tries her best to suppress the truth, but how far will she be able to hide the inevitable. 
• Genre:  Comedy
• Cast:  Fair Xing, Daddi Tang, Huang Yi Lin, Leon Li, Fu Wei Lun

Are you looking for some sweet, short, and light-hearted romance to put you in a good mood? My Little Happiness is the show for you. It offers exactly what the title says. The show follows a realistic approach and advances through the unpredictable lives of the main heroes. It is a fun-to-watch-show and doesn’t take much stress on your brain; therefore, I suggest you must give this one a try. 

Cong Rong  is an ambitious girl in her early twenties. Her dreams of becoming a law practitioner are burned to ashes when her mother insists she studies business abroad. 

Cong accepts her mother’s proposal but secretly returns back to her hometown to practice law. 

It doesn’t take her long to realize the sharp turn her life is about to go through when she takes her first case of her childhood friend  Wen Shao Qing.  

Viki  is the place to go for to watch My Little Happiness.

24. A Love So Beautiful

• Logline:  A story of high school couples and how their love faces the challenges of growing older.
• Cast:  Hu Yi Tian, Yue Shen, Yaodong Zhao

‘A love so beautiful’ is a story based on a Novel called ‘Our Pure Little Beauty’. A sweet romantic comedy with tonnes of cute moments filled in it. The story starts with  Xiao Xi , a cheerful girl who has a major crush on  Jiang Chen , who is the popular guy in the school. She proposes to him but he rejects. Xiao Xi remains committed to making Jiang Chen hers, which she ultimately succeeds in doing. As they get older, the couple along with their friends tries to find happiness in every situation.

You can watch all the 24 episodes of ‘A love so beautiful’ on  Netflix and Viki .

25. Princess Agent

• Logline:  A story of the rise of an ancient Chinese female warrior.
• Genre:  Action, Drama
• Cast:  Zanilia Zhao, Kenny Lin, Shawn Dou

Princess Agent is a story based on a novel called ‘Chu Te Gong Huang Fei’. It is a unique drama where we see the rise of a woman coming from nothing to becoming a great warrior. The story starts in the Northern Wei Province which is devastated by conflicts. In the middle of all of this is  Chu Qiao , a slave girl who is saved by the Prince of Northern Yan,  Yan Xun . They both form a strong bond together. But later as her life takes a different turn, she meets  Yu Wen Yue  who decides to teach her to be a warrior. As the story progresses Chu Qiao has to decide where her loyalties lie, as both the men mean so much in her life.

You can watch all the 58 episodes of ‘Princess Agent’ on  Viki .

26. Perfect and Casual

• Logline:  A marriage contract with a twist. 
• Genre:  Romance, Marriage Contract

The drama consists of 24 episodes, and I completed this in just two days. If romance and comedy are all that you seek to enjoy, Perfect and casual is the drama for you because it definitely worked for me.

The story centers around an accidental couple who ends up in a marriage contract.  Zhang Si Nian  is a cold and strict personality who works as a professor. On the other hand,  Yun Shu  is a cheerful girl who is a student at the same University where Zhang Si teaches.

After their first cold encounter, they get caught up in a series of mishappenings that leads them to live as a couple. The drama then explores their struggles of living together while hiding their relationship from the world and their feelings from each other. 

The full series is available on  WeTV.

27. Le Coup de Foudre

• Logline:  Real-life story of two lovers who meet after 4 long years of separation.
• Cast:  Janice Wu, Zhang Yujian, Zhao Zhiwei

Adapted from the novel based on real-life stories, ‘Don’t Like This World, I Only Like You’   Lo Coup de Foudre(Love at First Sight) is a heartwarming story of two love birds who struggled to keep up with the promises.  Zhao Qiao Yi and Yan Mo once shared a strong bond and talked about going to new places after high school but fate had decided an entirely different route to unite them as lovers.  This Romantic Drama will make you laugh, cry and learn about relationships. I recommend you binge-watch this with the love of your life.

Where to watch Le Coup de Foudre?

You can watch each and every episode of this drama on  Hotpot TV  and  Viki 

28. Boss and Me

• Logline:  A cute love story between a Boss and his young employee.
• Genre:  Romance
• Cast:  Hans Zhang, Zanilia Zhao, Youming Huang

Not every drama needs to have complicated storylines, people do love simple stories and ‘Boss and Me’ is that  light-hearted drama  we all need to watch. Xue Shan Shan , a young office lady works for a guy called  Feng Teng . One day, Shan Shan is asked to give a blood transfusion to Feng Teng’s sister. To thank her, Feng Teng decides to buy her lunch every day. This small gesture brings both of them closer and ultimately they fall in love. 

You can watch all the 33 episodes of ‘Boss and Me’ on  YouTube.

29. Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart 

• Logline:  An unexpected time travel to the historic period brings out new adventures for Zhang Xiao.
• Year:  2011
• Cast:  Cecilia Liu, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng, Damian Lau

Shot in  two time frames  Scarlet heart is possibly the  oldest Chinese Drama in this list . The drama was once commercial hit all over Asia on TV screens and even today it receives great appreciation from the west. It is a depiction of the novel  Bu Bu Jing Xin  by  Tong Hua  in which a girl named Zhang Xiao travels back in time to her previous life form as nobility in the Qing Dynasty.

Where to watch Scarlet Heart?

Season one and two both are available on  Viki  with multilingual Subtitles.

30. Word of Honor

• Logline:   Two men finding their purpose join hands to achieve a common objective.   
• Genre:  Action, Fantasy
• Cast:  Zhehan Zhang, jun Gong, Ye Zhou

If shows like Untamed weren’t enough to feed your love for Chinese BL dramas , you might need to watch this BL masterpiece. At first, I was skeptical about the show, but it exceeded the limits of my expectations. Realistic same-sex relationships, intriguing political scenarios, hardcore sword fighting, and mesmerizing chemistry between the main leads bring this show to life on screen.  

Zhou Zhu,  a prominent assassin, decides to quit his organization and live his life in peace. Quitting is never easy when you hold a top position in an organization, and therefore, Zhou had to endure drastic methods to leave. After leaving, he roams around like a homeless drunk until he meets  Wen Kexing,  who is on a pursuit to avenge the death of his parents. Both hunt for their redemption and, in the process, become soulmates.

Available on  Netflix.

31. Legend of Fu Yao

• Logline:  The story revolves around Fu Yao, a woman cursed by birth on a journey to change her destiny.
• Genre:  Action, Fantasy
• Cast:  Mi Yang, Ethan Juan, Leon Lai Yi 

Inspired by a novel called ‘Empress Fu Yao’, the story is  filled with fantasy  and adventure which as we all know is a deadly combo. The story starts with  Fu Yao  who is a slave girl in the Taiyuan Kingdom. After suffering through a lot of tragedies, she is saved by the  Prince Zhang Sun Wu Ji.   Together they decide to go a journey to find the origin of Fu Yao birth and to dispel the curse that is imposed on her.

You can watch all the 66 episodes of ‘Legend of Fu Yao’ on  Viki .

32. Skate Into Love

• Logline:  A surprising event brings back flashbacks from a hidden resentment. 
• Genre:  Sports, Romance
• Cast:  Steven Zhang, Janice Wu, Zhou Zhan, Vincent Wei

While most college dramas focus on the same melodramatic fluff, Skate into Love beautifully incorporates the sports genre into the scene to present a unique concept for drama viewers. I was fascinated to see how this show manages to keep the romantic chemistry intact while bringing out an inspirational story of the athletes. 

During their elementary school,  Tang Xue  used to bully her teammate  Li Yu.  Little did she know that her naive and timid teammate would rise to become a prominent ice hockey player in University. When both meet after years in University, Tang Xue decides to avenge his school days by making Li Yu his assistant. 

Watch on  Youtube.

33.  The Story of MingLan  

• Logline:  Rise of a concubine-born from being rejected and mistreated to gaining a prominent place in the kingdom.

Adapted from the novel  Do you know? Do you know? If the green is still plump and the red still lean?  by  Guanxin Zeluan  this Chinese Drama sets its plot in the Northern Song Dynasty. A journey of a concubine born, Ming Lan, a talented and capable girl who is deprived and mistreated in the kingdom. She seeks revenge for the death of her biological mother by hiding her skills and joining hands with Gu Ting Ye, the 2nd son of the Gu Family who is treated the same in his family. If you are impressed by the ‘rise from the ashes’ type of stories then you’ll definitely have a great time in this 73 episodes long watch.

Where to watch The Story of MingLan?

Initially, the show aired on Hunan TV and now can be streamed online on  Viki .

34. Fighter of the Destiny

• Logline:  Abandoned by his own family due to a mortal disease in his childhood, Chen Chang Sheng set out to find a cure for himself.
• Genre:  Fantasy
• Cast:  Han Lu, Gao Han Yu, Zejinxi Wu

When this Chinese Drama aired in 2017, it became the most-watched Chinese series ever at that time with over  27 Billion views  across all platforms. Chen Chang Sheng  was abandoned when he was a child. He is suffering from a deadly disease that won’t let him live for more than 20 years. In reality, he is the fourth Prince of a Kingdom and there lies a great mystery of his abandonment. To find a cure he decides to move in the main capital where a lot of surprises wait for him.

You can watch ‘Fighter of the Destiny’ and all of its 52 episodes on  Viki and Amazon Prime Videos.

35. The Prince of Tennis

• Logline:  A extraordinary tennis player deprived of belongingness and care finds the true meaning of life after joining a High school in China.
• Genre:  Sports, Bromance
• Cast:  Peng Yu Chang, Ireine Song, Zhang Yi Jie, 

Story of a  tennis prodigy  Lu Xia who has inherited some serious talents and strengths from his father. Living abroad, he was trapped by his father’s guidance and was merely used as a tool to  win tournaments and prizes . In the process, Lu Xia lost all his interest in the game and his life too.  Lately, he joined a high school tennis team in China and came across people who made him realize his  identity as a player  and the need for attachment and love in life. The show is surely not a typical C Drama it does have a taste of western cinema but all in all, it is filled with  exciting tennis matches  with numerous  life lessons  about finding one’s identity in the real world and the value of friendship.

Where to watch The Prince of Tennis?

The animated version is available on  Hulu  and you can buy the original version from  amazon .

36. The Romance of Tiger and Rose

• Logline:  Trapped inside her own script, Chen Xiao is at the mercy of her writings. 
• Cast:  Rosy Zhao, Ryan Ding, Zhou Zi Xin

Chinese drama fandom is well aware that only a few dramas have been able to perform internationally. It clearly doesn’t mean that these dramas lack quality but factors like a repetitive story, overly stretched plot, and substandard romantic scenes have curbed the Cdrama audience. It is only because of shows like The Romance of Tiger and Rose that Chinese content can sustain viewers like us.

It is a tragic story of a TV series scriptwriter named  Chen Xiao Qian  who gets trapped inside her own script. Inside her own story, she becomes the Third princess  Chen Qian Qian,  a side character who is penned to die in just the third episode. Knowing the story, Chen Xiao tries her best to survive as princess Chen Qian. As the story unfolds, many other episodes require her to use this knowledge to stay and find a way back to the real world.   

You can watch it on  Viki.

37. Love is Sweet

• Logline:  Jian Jun is surprised to see the drastic change in her childhood friend.
• Genre:  Comedy, Romance
• Cast:  Leo Luo, Bai Lu, Kido Gao

For the lovers of romance, a romantic Chinese Drama can’t get better than this. On the surface, this may look like any other childhood friend turned into a love story, but deep inside, it is a show filled with passionate emotions, heartwarming chemistry, and sensitive matters that will melt you down like a candle. 

Jiang Jun  is an intelligent, independent woman who belongs to a high-class family. After the sudden demise of her father, she had no option left but to fulfill her father’s last wish of working in an investment firm. This unfortunate incident changed her life forever. She discovers that her childhood friend  Yuan Shuai  is now a big investment tycoon and has a reputation as a bully. 

Available on  Amazon Prime.

38. Who Rules the World

• Logline:  A budding cellist faces challenges, and finds love with a doctor in a heartwarming Chinese drama.
• Genre:  Romance, Fantasy

“Who Rules the World” is an exhilarating drama that transports viewers to a world of martial arts, politics, and forbidden love. The show’s stunning visuals and dynamic characters draw you in from the very first episode. 

As the story unfolds, we see the fierce Hei Feng Xi and majestic Bai Feng Xi navigate a treacherous landscape of betrayal, infighting, and political unrest. Their love blossoms amidst the chaos, but can it ultimately bring peace to a world in turmoil? This gripping tale of passion and power will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Where to watch Rules of the World?

Watch it on  wetv .

39. Go Go Squid

• Logline:  Tong Nian fell in love with Han Shang Yan at first sight, but it is not easy to win his heart because he’s cold and super unfriendly.
• Cast:  Xian Li, Zi Yang, Mingde Li 

Inspired by a novel called ‘ Stewed Squid with Honey’, Go Go Squid has been a  massive hit in the year 2019 . A cute love story between a cold guy and a sweet girl. Tong Nian  is a sweet and confident girl but when she’s in front of  Han Shang Yan,  she becomes totally numb. She met Han Shang Yan in an internet cafe and instantly fell in love with him. Shang Yan is a cold and unfriendly type of a guy who’s only focused on his career of professional gaming. But Tong Nian is committed to making a place for herself in his heart.

You can watch ‘Go Go Squid’ and all of its 41 episodes on  Viki.

40.  Ever Night

• Logline:   A story of a common boy who is surrounded by mysterious miracles.
• Cast:  Arthur Chen, Ireine SOng, Crystal Yuan, Zoey Meng

A Mystery Chinese drama adapted from the famous novel  Jiang Ye  by Mao Ni, which first aired in October 2018. The story revolves around a young boy who somehow managed to  escape the deadly massacre by an evil general . His abilities and intelligence helped him to survive the hardship of life.  Later he  joined the military , which was followed by many adventurous missions. The story follows some of the mysterious miracles that you will enjoy only when you will watch it. The characters are at it best, the fight scenes are a treat for eyes and most importantly if you like twists and turns, this is the show for you.

Where to watch Ever Night?

Like most of the shows on this list, Ever Night is also available on  Viki .

How are Chinese Dramas compared to other Asian Drama?

In true honesty, I’d say Chinese dramas are really good and some of them are definitely among the best in whole of Asia. But generally speaking, I find them predictable most of the time. I’ll suggest that they should explore other genre too and not just romance and ancient fantasy.

What is the legal way to watch Chinese Dramas for free?

As you might read above, most of the dramas featured in this list are available on Viki. It is by far the best site to watch Chinese dramas for free and legally. Also, it has a huge library of dramas not only Chinese but other Asian dramas too. And most important of all, they add new dramas to their database constantly.

Rajat Mehta

Meet Rajat, the coolest cat at The Serial Binger! This writer is all about that Manga/Manhwa and Book life. With an unbreakable love for the lovely stories, Rajat hooks readers up with the freshest and mind-blowing updates. Get ready to groove and geek out with Rajat's funky articles!

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Nine Times Time Travel Episode 1

Nine Times Time Travel is a Chinese Romance, Drama (2023). Nine Times Time Travel Episode 1 cast: Daisy Li, Lin Feng Song, Fan Xiao Dong. Nine Times Time Travel Episode 1 Release Date: 9 November 2023. Nine Times Time Travel Total Episodes: 22.

Nine Times Time Travel Episode 1 Synopsis and Plot Summary

Scientists in the field of brain research Shan Yu accidentally learns of the passing of his first girlfriend Min Ying.

She had a candle to celebrate her birthday prior to the time she passed away; Shan Yu lit the candle and a miraculous event occurred by the light of the flame.

The candle may be able to take him back 10 years ago! Shan Yu crossed many times to save his love and accidentally created the butterfly effect.

A long-lost past that’s been kept secret for the last 10 years has now come to light.

Nine Times Time Travel Episode 1 Detail

Episode Name : Episode 1 Network : Tencent Video Main Stars : Daisy Li, Lin Feng Song, Fan Xiao Dong Genres : Romance, Drama Country : China Language : Chinese Release Date : 9 November 2023 Season : 1 Total Episodes : 22 Episode Number : 1 Also Known As : Nine Times Time Travel Episode 1 Season 1, 与你的九次相遇, Nine Times Time Travel Epi 1

Nine Times Time Travel Episode 1 Cast

Daisy Li  as Min Ying

Lin Feng Song  as Shen Yu

Fan Xiao Dong  as Support Role

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12 Best Time Travel Movies on Netflix (August 2024)

Whether altering the past, glimpsing the future, or visiting alternate realities, time travel concepts brim with potential. They seem to add intriguing twists to every genre of film they are utilized in. Such works often greet us with refreshing settings and unique dynamics, putting their characters through imaginative scenarios. From heart-pounding thrillers to heartwarming romances, these are the absolute of best time-traveling movies offered on Netflix.

12. See You Yesterday (2019)

Directed by Stefon Bristol, ‘ See You Yesterday ’ is a Netflix teen-adventure film that blends racial themes with a time travel plot. When a police officer senselessly shoots African American teen C.J. Walker’s caring brother, she and fellow prodigy Sebastian Thomas complete their time-traveling device to save him. However, they find that changing the past turns out to be incredibly difficult.

With their device’s charges running low, the two become desperate to prevent the shooting and try to alter the sequence of events at various points. The poignant and impactful tale addresses themes of racial injustice, grief, and sacrifice. It conveys a sense of helplessness felt by the protagonist, which is symbolic of her community’s emotional state, making great progress but falling victim to old prejudices. You can see the movie here .

11. Captain Nova (2021)

In the directorial hands of Maurice Trouwborst, ‘ Captain Nova ’ is a Dutch sci-fi film that follows Nova, a fighter pilot from a dystopian future where the Earth is on the brink of environmental collapse. She is sent on a mission from 2050 to 2025 to alter key events and save the future. However, she unexpectedly becomes a young teen girl as a side effect and struggles to be taken seriously. Nas, an outcast teen, assists her on the mission as the Secret Service tries to capture her. With striking visual effects and creative future technology, the film adds a touch of humor for a refreshing sci-fi experience aimed at audiences of all ages. You can see the movie here .

10. In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

With Jim Mickle at the helm, ‘ In the Shadow of the Moon ’ combines a noir-style serial killer mystery with time travel in a high-concept thriller filled with twists and turns. The story centers on Philadelphia police officer Thomas Lockhart, who becomes obsessed with a series of inexplicable murders committed by a woman appearing every nine years despite having died in front of him. As Lockhart delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a chilling connection that challenges his understanding of reality and time itself. The Netflix sci-fi film features a thought-provoking, imaginative plot that explores themes of fate, justice, and the burdens of the past. You can stream the movie here .

9. The Flash (2023)

While not a conventional time-traveling film, ‘ The Flash ’ sees the titular superhero blaze through his fair share of timelines. Directed by Andy Muschiett, the film follows Barry Allen as he taps into the speed force to save his mother, inadvertently altering the timeline to a catastrophic degree. He teams up with his past self and must gather an unfamiliar and scattered Justice League to defend against General Zod’s invasion of Earth. The film explores the potential divergence of the timeline far beyond the Butterfly Effect, with a single seemingly mundane event of time manipulation changing both past and future dramatically. Featuring an array of cameos and plenty of fan service, the film maintains a decent pace with explosive action sequences. You can see the movie here .

8. Long Story Short (2021)

Loosely based on the Indian film ‘Baar Baar Dekho,’ ‘Long Story Short’ follows Teddy, a man who wakes up the day after his wedding to discover that his life is fast-forwarding, with each day skipping ahead a year. As Teddy struggles to understand this strange phenomenon, he begins to miss the most important moments of his life. The Josh Lawson directorial combines humor with a poignant message about love, regret, and the fleeting nature of time. The impactful film creates an increasingly charming and thought-provoking narrative with the use of fantastical time travel. You can stream the movie here .

7. The Door Into Summer (2021)

Also known as ‘Natsu e no Tobira: Kimi no Iru Mirai e,’ ‘The Door Into Summer’ narrates a tale of mystery, betrayal, and advanced technology interwoven with the delicate threads of time travel. Directed by Takahiro Miki and based on Robert A. Heinlein’s eponymous novel, the film follows Soichiro Takakura, an ingenious inventor who finds himself betrayed by his girlfriend and business associates who take over his life’s work. Hoping to live in a brighter future, he enters cold sleep and wakes up thirty years later in 2025. Finding his wealth completely dissolved and his company closed down, he traces down figures from the past in search of answers. The Japanese-language film essays as a thoughtful time travel story, offering a combination of romance and sci-fi with moving performances from the lead cast. You can see the movie here .

6. Still Time (2022)

Directed by Alessandro Aronadio, ‘Still Time’ is a poignant Italian comedy-drama about a workaholic man who finds his life skipping a year ahead every day. The film is based on Josh Lawson’s ‘Long Story Short.’ Dante barely makes time to spend with his friends and family, being late to his own fortieth birthday. Blowing out the candles, he makes a wish that causes him to begin leaping in time. From missing the birth of his baby to witnessing his relationships withering owing to overwork, each day makes him grieve the life slipping through his fingers.

‘Still Time’ stands out as a touching and thought-provoking time travel movie that encourages us to cherish each moment before it’s too late. The narrative depicts how everyday choices and habits can paint the picture of one’s life in the long term, offering a glimpse into the future without even requiring time travel. You can stream the movie here .

5. When We First Met (2018)

‘When We First Met’ narrates the story of a man going back in time to win the affection of the woman he loves in a delightful romantic comedy directed by Ari Sandel. Noah meets Avery, the girl of his dreams, but waits too long to make a move and is friend-zoned. After she marries someone else, he wishes for another chance and inadvertently travels back in time through a photo booth. Jumping with joy, Noah tries to woo Avery in a series of hilarious and ill-fated attempts, traveling back to the night they met repeatedly. With its humor, heart, and refreshing twists, ‘When We First Met’ offers a relatable and gratifying take on a time-tested formula. You can see the movie here .

4. Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Helmed by Steve Pink, ‘Hot Tub Time Machine’ transports a group of washed-out friends to the 1980s, when they are tempted to change their lives and the timeline. Four friends suffering through various shades of disaster in their lives are sent to the past via a malfunctioning hot tub. At a bustling ski resort, they seek to relive their youth by immersing themselves in ‘80s culture while attempting to make better choices for the future.

The irreverent comedy doesn’t take itself or the concepts of time travel too seriously; instead, it uses its premise to go all out with silly references and hilarious sequences. Despite the zany humor, the characters gain unexpected depth and charm, making ‘Hot Tub Time Machine’ an easily recommendable lighthearted and raunchy adventure into the ‘80s. You can stream the movie here .

3. The Adam Project (2022)

Helmed by Shawn Levy, ‘ The Adam Project ’ narrates a humorous and action-packed time travel tale of a pilot from the future teaming up with his past self to save the world. Adam is a young boy grappling with the recent loss of his father while facing bullying at school. One day, he finds an injured pilot hiding in his shed, who is revealed to be his future self. On a secret mission, the older Adam (Ryan Reynolds) is being pursued by a powerful organization and seeks to save the future from it.

The interactions between the Adams are both heartwarming and hilarious, with the two bonding over their woes and sharing comparable mannerisms. Their futuristic pursuers attack with gunships, pulse weaponry, and “not lightsabers,” making for stylish chase and fight scenes. ‘The Adam Project’ is a solid sci-fi romp which accomplishes its goal of thorough entertainment with Ryan Reynolds delivering his signature charm. You can see the movie here .

2. Mirage (2018)

Originally titled ‘Durante la tormenta,’ ‘ Mirage ’ revolves around Vera Roy, a mother who finds that she is able to influence past events through her television set. With the old device and a peculiar thunderstorm overhead, she communicates with a boy living 25 years in the past and saves his life before he meets with a tragic accident. The intervention unknowingly alters the course of her own life, and she wakes up in a reality where her daughter never existed.

Vera must restore her timeline within 72 hours or be stuck in her new reality. Helmed by Oriol Paulo, the gripping Spanish thriller blends complex time travel with suspense and mystery, its post-Cold War setting creating a foreboding atmosphere. The well-written film manages to keep us in the dark with its twists and is further enhanced by stellar performances from the cast. You can stream the movie here .

1. Back to the Future (1985)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, ‘ Back to the Future ’ is a timeless classic when it comes to time travel films, transporting us to the ‘80s and ‘50s. The film follows the journey of Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels back to 1955 in a DeLorean-turned-time machine invented by the eccentric Dr. Emmett Brown. There, he must ensure that his parents meet and fall in love to prevent his existence from being erased.

The lighthearted yet sophisticated comedy captures the imagination with clever writing and great special effects that hold up in the modern context as well. The film isn’t afraid to have fun through its time-traveling concepts, with Marty going through a number of awkward and comical scenarios during his iconic adventure. You can see the movie here .

Read More: Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix

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