The Most Popular Asian Drama, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the drama you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:29
In a world where the sheer number of entertainment choices can be overwhelming, having a sorted list of top Asian dramas helps enthusiasts zero in on the best of the best. By voting for your favorites, you contribute to creating a community-driven guide that highlights what is truly worth watching.
This dynamic list reflects the preferences of a global audience, offering a real-time snapshot of what is currently captivating viewers' imaginations across continents. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the genre, your votes help ensure that the most compelling stories get the spotlight they deserve.
What Is the Most Popular Asian Drama?
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154votes
KBS2 · Public domainThis Korean drama became a global phenomenon due to its captivating storyline, relatable characters, and romantic moments. It is considered a classic in the K-drama world.Boys Over Flowers is a popular Asian drama that premiered in 2009. It is a South Korean television series based on the Japanese manga of the same name by Yoko Kamio. The drama follows a poor but optimistic girl named Geum Jan-di who attends an elite high school called Shinhwa School, where she encounters the F4, a group of four wealthy and privileged boys. Creator details in Korean dramas are often not highlighted or credited prominently, so it is difficult to attribute the show to a specific creator. However, the drama was directed by Jeon Ki-sang and written by Yoon Ji-ryun.- Original release: January 5 to March 31, 2009
- Episodes: 25
- Country of origin: South Korea
- Language: Korean
- Genre: Romantic comedy, Drama
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222votes
Descendants of the Sun
Kim Eun-sookThis South Korean drama has gained a massive following due to its gripping plot, impressive cinematography, and intense chemistry between the lead actors.Descendants of the Sun is a South Korean drama series that tells the love story between a special forces captain and a doctor as they navigate their dangerous jobs and the challenges of being in a relationship. The drama is filled with action, romance, and intense moments that keep viewers captivated.- Number of episodes: 16
- Genre: Romance, Drama, Action
- Director: Lee Eung-bok
- Writer: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok
- Country of origin: South Korea
Descendants of the Sun in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most dramatic K-Drama
- Position 6 of 10 in Most entertaining K-drama
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328votes
Meteor Garden
Angie ChaiThis Taiwanese drama was a huge hit in the early 2000s, and its popularity has not faded over the years. The show's iconic scenes and memorable characters have left a lasting impression on viewers.Meteor Garden is a popular Asian drama series based on the Japanese manga 'Boys Over Flowers' by Yoko Kamio. It was created by Angie Chai and first aired in 2001. The story revolves around a poor, hardworking girl named Shan Cai who enters a prestigious university, where she encounters a group of wealthy and powerful boys known as F4. The drama follows Shan Cai's journey as she navigates the challenges of love, friendship, and class differences.- Original release: 2001
- Based on: Boys Over Flowers manga by Yoko Kamio
- Country of origin: Taiwan
- Language: Mandarin
- Number of episodes: 27
Meteor Garden in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Chinese drama on Netflix
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427votes
The Untamed
Mo Xiang Tong XiuThis Chinese drama has become a sensation in recent years, thanks to its captivating storyline, stunning visuals, and fantastic performances by the lead actors. Its fan base has spread worldwide, and it has even inspired a popular novel and anime series.The Untamed is a Chinese drama series based on the novel 'Mo Dao Zu Shi' by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. It follows the story of Wei Wuxian, a talented cultivator who is feared and disliked by many due to his unorthodox methods. After his mysterious death, he is reincarnated into the body of Mo Xuanyu, a weak and bullied young man. As he finds himself in the midst of political intrigue and supernatural mysteries, he forms an unlikely alliance with Lan Wangji, a stoic and upright cultivator. Together, they embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of their past and bring justice to the world.- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
- Original language: Mandarin Chinese
- Episodes: 50
- Release year: 2019
- Director: Zheng Weiwen, Chen Jialin
The Untamed in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Chinese drama on Netflix
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular MXTX novel
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful Chinese drama
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular drama in China
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57votes
My Love from the Star
Park Ji-eunThis Korean drama is a unique blend of romance, comedy, and science fiction. Its engaging plot and charismatic cast have made it a fan favorite.My Love from the Star is a popular South Korean drama that revolves around the love story between an alien and a top actress. It combines elements of romance, fantasy, and comedy, making it a must-watch for K-drama fans.- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy
- Original Network: SBS
- Episodes: 21
- Original Release: December 18, 2013 – February 27, 2014
- Director: Jang Tae-yoo
My Love from the Star in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most fun KDrama
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful K-drama
- Position 7 of 10 in Most entertaining K-drama
- Position 9 of 10 in Most dramatic K-Drama
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61votes
Hana Yori Dango
Yoko KamioThis Japanese drama is the original version of Boys Over Flowers and has a loyal fan base of its own. Its charming characters and heartwarming storyline have made it a classic in the J-drama world.Hana Yori Dango, also known as Boys Over Flowers, is a popular Asian drama based on the Japanese manga series by Yoko Kamio. The story revolves around a bright and feisty girl named Makino Tsukushi, who finds herself attending an elite high school dominated by the wealthy and powerful F4 group. The plot follows Makino's journey as she navigates the challenges, love triangles, and difficult relationships within the school.- Genre: Romantic drama
- Original Language: Japanese
- Number of Episodes: 51
- Original Release: October 21, 2005
- Country of Origin: Japan
Hana Yori Dango in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Japanese drama
- Position 4 of 10 in Most romantic Japanese drama
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711votes
Full House
Won Soo-yeonThis Korean drama is a romantic comedy that has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. Its endearing characters, funny moments, and sweet romance make it a must-watch for K-drama fans.Full House is a popular Asian drama that was first released in 2004. It is adapted from the manhwa (Korean comic) of the same name by Won Soo-yeon. The drama follows the story of Han Ji-eun, a naive writer who is deceived by her friends and left homeless. Through a series of events, she ends up living in a house owned by famous actor Lee Young-jae. In order to stay, she enters into a contract marriage with Young-jae, leading to a comedic and romantic journey filled with misunderstandings and heartfelt moments.- Original Release Year: 2004
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Country of Origin: South Korea
- Language: Korean
- Episodes: 16
Full House in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Thai drama
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812votes
Love in the Moonlight
Kim Min-jungThis historical Korean drama has become a fan favorite due to its beautiful cinematography, engaging plot, and fantastic performances by the cast. Its romantic storyline set in the Joseon era has captured the hearts of viewers.Love in the Moonlight is a popular Asian drama that tells the story of Hong Ra-on, a woman who disguises herself as a man to work as a eunuch in the Joseon Dynasty. She unexpectedly finds herself in a complicated relationship with Crown Prince Lee Yeong, as they navigate the challenges of love, politics, and social status.- Genre: Historical romantic comedy
- Country of origin: South Korea
- Original language: Korean
- Total episodes: 18
- Original network: KBS2
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94votes
Nirvana in Fire
Hai YanThis Chinese drama is a masterpiece of storytelling, with a gripping plot, complex characters, and stunning visuals. It is considered one of the best historical dramas in the C-drama world.Nirvana in Fire is a popular Chinese historical drama series based on the novel written by Hai Yan. It was first aired in 2015 and quickly gained a massive following. Set in ancient China, the story revolves around Lin Shu, a military strategist who seeks revenge against those who wronged his family. He adopts a new identity as Mei Changsu and uses his intelligence and cunning to navigate the dangerous political landscape and bring justice to his family. The drama is known for its complex plot, compelling characters, and intricate storytelling.- Genre: Historical drama
- Number of episodes: 54
- Original network: Hunan Television
- Country of origin: China
- Language: Mandarin
Nirvana in Fire in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular drama in China
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful Chinese drama
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108votesThis Taiwanese drama is a classic in the genre of romantic comedies. Its hilarious moments, charming characters, and heartwarming romance make it a beloved drama among viewers.It Started with a Kiss is a popular Asian drama based on the Japanese manga series 'Itazura na Kiss' by Kaoru Tada. The drama tells the story of a high school girl named Yuan Xiang Qin who confesses her love to the smartest and most popular boy in school, Jiang Zhi Shu. Despite facing rejection, fate brings them together when an earthquake destroys Xiang Qin's house, and she ends up living with Zhi Shu and his family.
- Genre: Romantic comedy
- Original network: CTV / GTV
- Country: Taiwan
- Original release: 25 September 2005 – 12 February 2006
- Episodes: 30
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular drama
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Viewer Ratings and PopularityConsider the overall ratings and popularity of the drama, both domestically and internationally. This can be measured by looking at TV ratings, online streaming views, or the number of fans and followers on social media platforms.
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Awards and NominationsAwards and nominations can be an indicator of the drama's quality and popularity. Evaluate the number of awards the drama has won, including industry-specific awards and general entertainment awards.
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Critical ReceptionAnalyze the reviews and opinions of critics, bloggers, and viewers. This can provide insight into the drama's overall quality and its impact on the audience.
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Cultural ImpactAssess the drama's influence on popular culture and its ability to spark conversations, trends, or memes. A popular drama may become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fan art, merchandise, parodies, or spin-offs.
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Commercial SuccessEvaluate the drama's financial success, including its advertising revenue, product placement deals, and merchandise sales. This can be a sign of how well the drama has been received by the public.
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Actors and Production TeamConsider the reputation and performances of the actors and the contributions of the production team, including the director and writers. A talented cast and crew can contribute to a drama's popularity and quality.
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Storyline and Production QualityAssess the drama's plot, character development, and pacing, as well as the quality of its cinematography, special effects, and overall production values. A well-crafted storyline and high production quality can create a memorable and engaging viewing experience.
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Genre and Target AudienceDifferent genres and target audiences may respond differently to a drama. Examine the drama's genre and intended audience, and consider whether it successfully appeals to those viewers.
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Online Streaming PlatformsThe availability of the drama on popular streaming platforms may impact its overall popularity. Assess if the drama is easily accessible to a wide audience through popular platforms like Netflix, Viki, or other region-specific platforms.
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LongevityConsider the lasting impact of the drama on the industry and its ability to maintain popularity over time. Some dramas may continue to garner high ratings and a loyal fan base even after their initial air date.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Asian drama. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drama is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2867 views
- 175 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drama once every 24 hours. The rank of each drama is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular asian drama
Asian dramas have gained an immense popularity among viewers worldwide in recent years. These dramas are known for their unique storytelling, cultural richness, and fascinating characters. From romance to action, comedy to tragedy, Asian dramas offer a wide range of genres that cater to everyone's taste.
The popularity of Asian dramas can be attributed to their compelling storylines, which often explore complex themes such as love, family, and self-discovery. These dramas also feature stunning visuals, intricate costumes, and intricate sets that transport viewers into a different world altogether.
With so many Asian dramas to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which one to watch. However, StrawPoll has got you covered. We have hosted thousands of polls and rankings on various topics, including the most popular Asian dramas. From classic dramas to the latest releases, our website has all the information you need to discover your next favorite Asian drama.
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