My favourite Chinese dramas from 2025
According to my profile on MyDramaList, I've watched 38 Chinese dramas since I discovered this new addiction in 2024. Of the dramas released on WeTV in 2025, these were my favourites:
The Legend of the Female General
The Legend of the Female General
Top of the list was The Legend of the Female General, starring Zhou Ye as a woman who disguises herself as a man in order to serve in the military - as a general no less! The leading man, Cheng Lei, played a disciplined, duty-first commander who I don't recall breaking a smile in any of the 36 episodes.
Nevertheless, I was captivated by the quality of this show. The sword battles were the best I've scene, and the combination of politics, romance and action guaranteed it a 10/10 from me. It also gets bonus points because Zhang Miaoyi was in it, and she's adorable.
Light beyond the Reed
The best modern series I watched goes to Light beyond the Reed, a more serious drama about the victim of sexual assault. I'm a huge fan of Mao Xiaotong, and you can't help feeling sorry for her. You just wanna reach into the TV and give her a big hug! I was surprised to recognise the leading man, Zhang Binbin, as the second prince of the Ghost Tribe in Eternal Love! It's funny how I'm starting to see the same actors and actresses pop up in different dramas.
Anyway, I mostly binge watched Light Beyond the Reed and gave it a 10/10. Hey, anything with Mao Xiaotong will get a high score from me!
Filter
Another modern drama, this one much more light-hearted, was Filter, starring Li Landi and Tan Jianji. Our leading lady, Su Chengcheng, discovers a mysterious bracelet which lets her completely change her appearance and adopt different identities to avoid the interest of her admirer. Yet no matter who she disguises herself as, even if it's a pet llama, Tang Qi can't help but be attracted to her!
It's a funny, romantic story that mixes sci-fi and fantasy. I gave Filter a 9.5. Also the llama song is still stuck in my head.
The Glory
Back into history for The Glory. Chen Duling stars as Zhuang Hanyan, an abandoned child who returns to her elite family in the capital. Xin Yunlai is the leading man, captivated by this strong, intelligent yet scheming heiress. Eventually they team up to exact revenge on their tormentor.
There was a notable lack of action in The Glory, but the court intrigue, family conflict and romance made for very interesting viewing. I gave it a 9.5 because the mother was amazing! There's one early episode in which the mother goes bananas - her acting was just wow!! You'll know when you see it. Funnily enough, the drama I watched after this one was Love's Ambition, and it was the same actress playing the mother!
Three dramas tie for 5th place
Rounding out the top 5, each with 9/10, were Love's Ambition, Everlasting Longing, and The First Frost. Each of these had a unique twist which kept my interest.
Actually...
There were only two other dramas released in 2025 that I watched: Sniper Butterfly and Shine on Me. Both modern romances, and both worth an 8.5 out of 10 from me. I preferred the latter for teaching me all about China's solar power industry. Hey, I like a good love story, but nothing turns me on more than photovoltaics!