Underrated Gems I'd Recommend
List of titles that I believe are rather underrated (aka I don't hear much talk about them at all) and would recommend.
In no particular order.
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1. Assassin Academy
Chinese Drama - 2021, 18 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Historical, Comedy
Type: Short Length SeriesSurprisingly good for a short drama? Not at the same budget or quality level as the others but a good, quick watch. Interesting characters and story, good pacing and a rather unique take
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2. Bad Guys
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Psychological, Crime
Type: Full Length DramaSo fricking good? Great chemistry amongst all mcs, interesting storyline, nice cinematography, fun and unique characters, refreshing locations, the whole package, really.
⚠ Warning: Not for the faint of heart
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3. Ripe Town
Chinese Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Type: Full Length DramaVisually absolutely breathtaking. Stellar cinematography, performances, locations and characters! Only downside is the story took a turn for the worst around the midpoint.
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4. Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty
Chinese Drama - 2022, 36 episodes
Genres: Mystery, Horror, Wuxia, Fantasy
Type: Full Length DramaOnce again, a visual masterpiece. So beautifully shot, 10/10 performances from everyone, interesting cases, good chemistry, good story- No complaints, really
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5. Fuujinshi
Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes
Genres: Action, Mystery, Fantasy
Type: MiniseriesSo unique? Dark urban fantasy done right! Very interesting plot, setup, antagonist, pacing and characters (and so much whump). And those fight scenes?!? Absolutely incredible!! The only downside is the fact that it's short which does ultimately sacrifice a bit of the story but still so very worth it!
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6. Wisher
Chinese Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Youth
Type: Full Length DramaStunning AND interesting!! Unlike any cdrama premise I've heard before. Very interesting set-up, locations and premise (futuristic scifi? Sign me up!). Interesting & flawed characters (ungodly levels of stupid tho), good pacing, good chemistry, good acting, stellar cinematography. The story did end up being somewhat underwhelming near the end, though.
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7. Parallel World
Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes
Still watching...
Genres: Thriller, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Type: Full Length Drama (lengthy)Unique affff. Fantasy/sci-fi bordering on absurdism. Unique premise, setting and plot, fun and entertaining characters portrayed excellently- Only downside so far is the slow pacing
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8. The Legend of Zhuohua
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Drama
Type: Full Length Drama (lengthy)So beautiful. Amazing OST, strong FL, Older man x younger woman done RIGHT, nicely shot, beauitful costumes, interesting message, realistic portrayals, feminism, varied and unique characters, female villains, and interesting plot!
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9. The Leaking Bookstore
Taiwanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
Still watching...
Genres: Thriller, Mystery
Type: Full Length DramaBeautiful cinematography, interesting setup & characters, great performances. Everything feels quite realistic and genuine.
⚠ Warning: Not for the faint of heart
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10. Hail to the Princess
Chinese Drama - 2023, 20 episodes
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama
Type: Short Length SeriesMinidrama so well crafted and unique!! Great story, unique characters, interesting plot, unusual world, etc though admittedly and noticeably low budget! A pleasant surprise!
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11. B-Class Cultural Heritage
Japanese Movie - 2014
Genres: Action, Thriller, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Type: Short FilmA glorified sci-fi skateboarding sequence in the best way!! Not only was it beautifully shot, but the skateboarding was epic and the premise was hilarious!
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12. Summer, Bus
Korean Movie - 2017
Genres: Life, Youth, Drama
Type: Short FilmI honestly have nothing bad to say. It was a simple and thoroughly heartwarming treat of a short film <33
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13. AORB
Korean Special - 2019, 1 episode
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Type: Short FilmDystopian scifi story with spectacular filmography. Most intriguing aspect is obviously the choose-the-ending part, which was quite interesting and unlike anything I've seen before.
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14. The Other Half of Me and You
Chinese Drama - 2021, 32 episodes
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi
Type: Short Length SeriesSo unique and quirky and surprisingly high quality for a minidrama! Tackles societal issues from the perspective of a man stuck in a world where the gender roles are reversed. Interesting concept, fun characters, quirky humour.
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15. Zhang Gong Zhu Zai Shang
Chinese Drama - 2022, 27 episodes
Genres: Action, Historical, Romance
Type: Short Length SeriesSteamy romance, quick and fast paced plot, unusual characters and dynamics, pretty shots
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16. Dong Lan Xue
Chinese Drama - 2023, 30 episodes
Genres: Drama, Historical, Romance
Type: Short Length SeriesVery similar to the above. Unique and strong FL, interesting dynamics, steamy romance, quick plot, pretty shots, good chemistry
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17. Memorist
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural
Type: Full Length DramaNot the best ending but a very legit thriller, of the better ones out there from what I've seen. Interesting plot with supernatural elements, smart characters, interesting dynamics, not the best but definitely better than given credit for.
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18. Secrets of the Shadow Sect
Chinese Drama - 2024, 24 episodes
Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Historical
Type: Short Length SeriesQuite a treat. Good production value, unique characters (FL in position of power), role reversal, interesting plot, interesting characters, good pacing, steamy romance with good chemistry. Very solid but the ending is a bit lacklustre
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19. Painted Skin: The Guo Jingming Edition
Chinese Movie - 2020
Genres: Thriller, Wuxia, Fantasy
Type: Short FilmShort film but so worth it. Beautifully shot, good pacing, unique take. Very poetic and tugs at heartstrings
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20. The Veil
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Type: Full Length DramaSomehow stumbled upon this drama by accident, but wow, what a treat! Badass male lead, thorough depiction of mental illness (for ML!!), good fight scenes, interesting plot, good supporting cast, great acting, intelligent characters, scary and intelligent villains, thrilling, good mystery... Honestly, the only thing a bit lacking where certain supporting characters.
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21. Secret of Three Kingdoms
Chinese Drama - 2018, 54 episodes
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Political
Type: Full Length Drama (lengthy)Wow... Where to even start? Interesting leads, phenomenal performances from every single actor, side characters matter, world feels vivid and real, good theme song, unique setting (dynasty and all), quite a thorough level of realism, formidable and badass villains, high stakes, interesting drama, shippable romance, wholesome bromance, strong female characters... Like, what is there NOT to like???
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22. Suiyobi 22-ji dake no Kare
Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
Genres: Romance, Life
Type: Short Length Series & MiniseriesTeeth-rotting adorable. It's a simple and fluffy watch while still telling an interesting story. The premise is unique enough to get you interested and the drama is cute enough to keep you staying.
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23. Hiyama Kentaro no Ninshin
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
Genres: Life, Drama
Type: MiniseriesBold, interesting, and heartwarming. Once you settle into the wacky premise, the story is super tender and well executed. Good social commentary on diversity, gender roles, and labels paired with good performances and pacing!
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24. A Lucid Dream
Chinese Drama - 2024, 18 episodes
Genres: Romance, Drama
Type: Short Length SeriesUnlike anything I've seen before! The plot twists were so many and so refreshing! I love the initial set up and the plot twists kept making it more and more interesting! I love the story, the messages and the conclusion. Such a refreshing watch!
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25. Hear Me
Taiwanese Movie - 2009
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Type: MovieA heartwarming film about disability with lovely characters and dynamics. The bond between the leads and their families was the highlight. I also enjoyed how quiet the movie was, really emphasizing the deaf representation!