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.
-
1. Assassin Academy
Chinese Drama - 2021, 18 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Historical, Comedy
Surprisingly 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
-
2. Bad Guys
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Genres: Action, Thriller, Psychological, Crime
So 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
-
3. Ripe Town
Chinese Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Visually absolutely breathtaking. Stellar cinematography, performances, locations and characters! Only downside is the story took a turn for the worst around the midpoint.
-
4. Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty
Chinese Drama - 2022, 36 episodes
Genres: Mystery, Horror, Wuxia, Fantasy
Once again, a visual masterpiece. So beautifully shot, 10/10 performances from everyone, interesting cases, good chemistry, good story- No complaints, really
-
5. Fuujinshi
Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes
Genres: Action, Mystery, Fantasy
So 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!
-
6. Wisher
Chinese Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Youth
Stunning 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.
-
7. Parallel World
Chinese Drama - 2023, 38 episodes
Still watching...
Genres: Thriller, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
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
-
8. The Legend of Zhuohua
Chinese Drama - 2023, 40 episodes
Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Drama
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!
-
9. The Leaking Bookstore
Taiwanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
Still watching...
Genres: Thriller, Mystery
Beautiful cinematography, interesting setup & characters, great performances. Everything feels quite realistic and genuine.
⚠ Warning: Not for the faint of heart
-
10. Hail to the Princess
Chinese Drama - 2023, 20 episodes
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama
Minidrama so well crafted and unique!! Great story, unique characters, interesting plot, unusual world, etc! A pleasant surprise!
-
11. B-Class Cultural Heritage
Japanese Movie - 2014
Genres: Action, Thriller, Comedy, Sci-Fi
A 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!
-
12. Summer, Bus
Korean Movie - 2017
Genres: Life, Youth, Drama
I honestly have nothing bad to say. It was a simple and thoroughly heartwarming treat of a short film <33
-
13. AORB
Korean Special - 2019, 1 episode
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Dystopian 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.
-
14. The Other Half of Me and You
Chinese Drama - 2021, 32 episodes
-
15. Dong Lan Xue
Chinese Drama - 2023, 30 episodes