LIST: From romance to suspense, here are new C-dramas, movies to watch

By Melanie Uson Published Jan 16, 2025 11:27 am

The immense popularity of titles like Eternal Love and A Love So Beautiful has played a significant role in the global rise of Chinese dramas, captivating audiences with their diverse stories, stunning visuals, and performances. But beyond entertainment, C-dramas often explore complex social and cultural themes, offering fresh perspectives on the country and its people.

With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, iQIYI, and Viu, it has become easier to fall down the rabbit hole of C-dramas.

So, if you want to begin your C-drama journey or are looking for more titles this year, here are some Chinese series and movies you can add to your watchlist.

Upstream

Directed by Xu Zheng
Cast: Xu Zheng, Xin Zhilei, Wang Xiao, and Jia Bing

After losing his white collar job, the 45-year-old protagonist, Gao Zhilei finds himself in the harsh realities of working in the food delivery industry—from dealing with demanding customers, tight deadlines, and competition—but despite this, he does what it takes to provide for his father’s medical expenses, daughter’s education, mortgage, and other bills.  

Viva La Vida

Directed by Han Yan
Cast: Peng Yuchang, Li Gengxi, Xu Fan, and Gao Yalin

Screenshot from Little Monster Entertainment / YouTube

How would you enjoy life while fighting a life-threatening illness? Two strangers suffering from kidney and brain diseases form a pact to make the most out of their lives discovering more about happiness, pain, and love.

No More Bets 

Directed by Shen Ao
Cast: Zhang Yixing (popularly known as EXO’s Lay Zhang), Gina Jin, Yong Mei, and Darren Wang

Screenshot from GSCinemas / YouTube

Finding a job is tough, and that’s why too good-to-be-true offers are always an easy bait for those who struggle. In this Chinese film, a programmer and a model find themselves imprisoned in a fraud ring in a foreign country, and their only way out is to gamble and work in an online scam.

YOLO

Directed by Jia Ling
Cast: Jia Ling, Lei Jiayin, Zhang Xiaofei, Yang Zi, and Sha Yi

Leying is a 32-year-old woman who has been struggling with years of self-neglect. One day, she faced different hapless situations: she blew out an interview to be featured in a TV show, got into a heated argument with her sister, and learned that her best friend was marrying her boyfriend. 

Her depressing life took a turn when she met a boxing coach, which became the starting point of her challenging journey to self-love and confidence through professional boxing.  

This heartfelt comedy-drama is a Chinese remake of the 2014 film 100 Yen Love

The Double 

Cast: Wu Jinyan, Wang Xingyue, Chen Xinhai, and Liang Yongqi

Screenshot from YOUKU English / YouTube

Once known as the beloved daughter of a country magistrate and wife to a scholar, Xue Fang Fei found herself framed and betrayed. After losing everything, she returns with a new identity to seek revenge and fight for justice with the help of her political allies. 

This melodramatic-period drama is based on the novel Marriage of Di Daughter.

When I Fly Towards You 

Cast: Zhang Miaoyi, Yiran Zhou, Jiang Zhi Nan, and Guo Zhe

Looking for a feel-good series? Feel the kilig of a good ol’ high school romance on When I Fly Towards You. In the drama, a bubbly 16-year-old Su Zaizai makes her way toward the heart of her charming yet nonchalant classmate Zhang Lurang. 

Amidst a Snowstorm of Love

Directed by Huang Tien-jen and Yu Bo
Cast: Leo Wu, Zhao Jinmai, Wang Xingyue, and Dong Zifan

Screenshot from Tencent Video - Romantic / YouTube

A snowstorm led Yin Guo, a nine-ball athlete, to be trapped with Lin Yiyang, a previously famous billiards player in a pub. After the latter helped Guo and her cousin find a shelter, the two brew romance, helping Yiyang reignite his passion for the sport while overcoming the setback that led to his retirement.