Asian nations are characterized by a rich tapestry of diversity and culture, each offering a unique lens through which to view the region. This diversity is not only true but also celebrated across the continent. Every country boasts its own storytelling traditions, with Taiwan emerging as a notable contributor to the global entertainment landscape. Over the years, Taiwanese dramas have gained significant popularity, capturing the hearts of both domestic and international viewers, leading to dedicated fan clubs even beyond Asia.
Traditionally, many Taiwanese dramas focused on romantic themes, but the landscape has evolved, allowing for a wide variety of genres to flourish. Today, audiences can enjoy Taiwanese dramas spanning numerous styles, all while appreciating their shorter episode counts, which make them accessible and easy to binge-watch. Below is a curated list of some of the most beloved Taiwanese dramas.
12. The Victims’ Game
MDL Score: 8.3/10 Genres: Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
This gripping 2020 Taiwanese dark crime drama has captured audience attention and is regarded as one of Netflix’s standout Taiwanese series. The plot centers on Fang Yi Jen, a brilliant police forensic investigator with Asperger’s syndrome, who excels at his job despite facing challenges from skeptical colleagues who often underestimate him. His meticulous attention to detail and unique perspective on forensic evidence set him apart. However, his life takes a dark turn when he discovers a body that has been dissolved in acid, revealing a chilling connection to his estranged teenage daughter, whose fingerprint is found at the crime scene. As Fang embarks on a desperate search to reconnect with her and uncover the truth behind the murder, he teams up with Hsu Hai-yin, an ambitious reporter seeking to unravel the intricacies of the case. Together, they delve into a complex web of deception, exploring themes of familial bonds, guilt, and the quest for redemption amidst the horrors of crime.
11. Meet Me @1006
MDL Score: 8.4/10 Genres: Mystery, Law, Romance, Supernatural, Investigation
Successful lawyer Ke Zhen Yu’s seemingly perfect life shatters when he is falsely accused of fabricating evidence in a high-profile case, leading to his disgrace and professional downfall. Seeking a fresh start, he moves into a dilapidated apartment, only to find himself entangled in supernatural events that blur the lines between reality and the past. He encounters Cheng Jia Le, a reporter whose essence merges with his apartment’s reality each night between 10:06 PM and 10:52 PM. As they work together to solve the mystery behind this temporal anomaly, their personal struggles surface, leading to a deeper connection. The drama combines elements of romance and investigation, showcasing their efforts to confront their pasts and navigate the complexities of their emerging feelings, all while contending with the supernatural forces at play.
10. Someday or One Day
MDL Score: 9.1/10 Genres: Mystery, Comedy, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
This captivating series intricately weaves together two timelines—2019 and 1998—following Huang Yu Xuan, a 27-year-old woman who is heartbroken over her missing boyfriend, Wang Quan Sheng, presumed dead for two years. The narrative takes a fantastical turn when Huang receives an enigmatic walkman that transports her back to her teenage years in 1998, where she inhabits the life of Chen Yun Ru, a girl with unrequited feelings for a boy. As she navigates the complexities of her new identity, Huang struggles with the knowledge of the impending tragedy that awaits Chen. The series explores themes of love, longing, and the impact of time on relationships, as Huang strives to change the past to save both her and Chen’s future, resulting in an emotional journey filled with unexpected twists and heartfelt moments.
MDL Score: 8/10 Genres: Romance, Drama, Melodrama
In this poignant romantic melodrama, the story unfolds after a devastating car accident leaves Fang Zhan Cheng both blind and mourning the loss of his fiancée. His life is enveloped in grief until he meets a compassionate nurse who strikingly resembles the woman he lost. Meanwhile, Xu Ya Ti, a young woman who received a heart transplant from Fang’s fiancée, begins to exhibit her donor’s personality traits, further complicating Fang’s emotional turmoil. Caught between his past love and the present, Fang must confront his grief and navigate the complexities of his feelings for both women. The series poignantly explores themes of loss, healing, and the enduring connections that transcend life and death, inviting viewers into a deeply emotional and thought-provoking narrative.
08. Attention, Love
MDL Score: 8/10 Genres: Friendship, Comedy, Romance, School
This lighthearted romantic drama follows the charming journey of childhood friends Li Zheng and Shao Xi, whose destinies seem intertwined from birth due to their parents’ close friendship. As they reconnect in high school, their contrasting personalities create an engaging dynamic—Li Zheng is diligent and meticulous, while Shao Xi embodies a carefree and laid-back attitude. As they navigate their teenage years, the series explores themes of love and friendship, highlighting how their differing traits complement one another. Their playful banter and sweet moments of connection gradually evolve into deeper feelings, prompting them to confront their own vulnerabilities and aspirations while discovering the true meaning of love and companionship.
07. Autumn’s Concerto
MDL Score: 8.6/10 Genres: Romance, Drama, Family
A beloved classic in Taiwanese dramas, Autumn’s Concerto narrates the touching story of Ren Guang Xi, a privileged law student and heir to a business empire, who appears to have it all but is plagued by loneliness and emotional detachment. His life changes when he meets Liang Mu Cheng, a kind-hearted bento seller whose warmth and simplicity teach him the importance of love and joy. However, their happiness is abruptly interrupted when Guang Xi is diagnosed with a serious condition requiring brain surgery, leading to devastating amnesia. As he struggles to regain his memories and identity, the series poignantly explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the transformative power of relationships, capturing the emotional journey of both characters as they fight to reclaim their love and future together.
MDL Score: 8.1/10 Genres: Friendship, Romance, Drama, Family Bromance centers on Pi Ya Nuo, a spirited young woman who has lived as a boy for 25 years due to a fortune teller’s prediction that her life would be fraught with misfortune if she embraced her true gender. She leads a relatively uneventful life until a chance encounter with Du Zi Feng, a charming and carefree man, who becomes embroiled in a complicated love triangle after she saves him from a dangerous situation. As Pi Ya Nuo approaches her 26th birthday, she faces a pivotal decision: continue her masquerade as a man to maintain the status quo or embrace her true identity and the emotions she has developed for both Du Zi Feng and another potential love interest. The series delves into themes of self-acceptance, gender identity, and the complexities of love, offering a heartwarming exploration of friendship and romance.
05. Just You
MDL Score: 8/10 Genres: Office, Comedy, Romance
In Just You, Qi Yi, a germophobic perfectionist, returns to Taiwan to establish his own marketing company, expecting to create a structured and orderly work environment. However, his plans are derailed when he encounters Chen Liang Liang, a free-spirited and carefree tenant who clashes with his rigid personality. Their initial interactions are marked by humorous misunderstandings and constant bickering, but as they navigate their professional and personal lives, romantic feelings begin to blossom. This delightful office comedy showcases the comedic and heartfelt moments that arise from their contrasting personalities, ultimately highlighting the growth of both characters as they learn to embrace each other’s quirks and find balance in their relationship.
04. In Time with You
MDL Score: 8.2/10 Genres: Friendship, Romance, Family In Time with You follows the evolving relationship between Cheng You Qing and Li Da Ren, who have been best friends for 14 years. Their friendship is tested when they make a light-hearted bet on who will marry first before turning 35. As they support each other through various life challenges, including romantic entanglements and personal struggles, the line between friendship and love begins to blur. The series captures both the comedic and poignant moments of their journey, exploring the intricacies of love, timing, and the fear of losing a cherished friendship. Viewers are treated to a heartfelt examination of how love can develop in unexpected ways, and the emotional stakes increase as their bet approaches its conclusion.
03. Before We Get Married
MDL Score: 8.2/10 Genres: Romance, Drama, Mature
Adapted from a popular novel, Before We Get Married intricately weaves the story of Zhou Wei Wei and Chu Ke Huan, two individuals caught in a web of existing commitments yet irresistibly drawn to each other. Both engaged to other people, their lives intersect at the office, where their chemistry ignites a passionate yet secret romance. The series delves into the complexities of relationships, love, and loyalty, exploring the emotional turmoil they face as they grapple with their desires and moral dilemmas. As they navigate the challenges of infidelity and the consequences of their actions, the drama provides a thought-provoking examination of modern relationships, leaving viewers questioning the boundaries between right and wrong in the pursuit of love.
MDL Score: 9.1/10 Genres: Crime, Life, Drama, Family The World Between Us is a poignant and critically acclaimed series that explores the profound aftermath of a mass shooting, intertwining the lives of the perpetrator, the victims, and their families. The narrative is skillfully crafted to provide multiple perspectives, highlighting the complexity of human emotions and the societal ramifications of violence. Each character’s story is compelling, offering insight into their struggles, regrets, and the quest for healing amidst tragedy. With no singular protagonist, the series paints a broader picture of the impact of violence on communities and relationships, making it a deeply resonant exploration of empathy, forgiveness, and the interconnectedness of human experiences.
01. Back to 1989
MDL Score: 8.2/10 Genres: Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi, Family
In Back to 1989, Che Chen unexpectedly travels back in time to the year before his birth, embarking on a transformative journey to uncover secrets about his father’s identity and family history. With the guidance of his mother’s best friend, Zhen Zhen Ye, he begins to piece together the fragments of his family’s past, discovering untold stories of love, sacrifice, and resilience. As he navigates the challenges of living in a time long before his own, Che Chen learns valuable life lessons that shape his understanding of his parents and their choices. The series seamlessly blends engaging storytelling with elements of science fiction, romance, and family drama, offering viewers a heartfelt exploration of identity, legacy, and the enduring power of familial bonds.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
