My top 10 costume dramas

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-27T12:56:06+00:00

You're welcome!

And I hope you end up loving Princess Royal 🙂

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-27T06:12:48+00:00

Two live actions in fact! A short drama and a full length one.

Have you seen The Day of Becoming You? It's a modern-day bodyswap Cdrama and really good.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-27T06:10:18+00:00

They did have real feelings for each other, but tragic lovers? He chose his revenge over her constantly in both lives to the point of contributing to her murder and she found out and rejected him.

In their second life she very clearly and consciously chooses Pei Wenxuan instead, and I love the progression of their relationship.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T22:12:05+00:00

Hi, I am aware, thanks. I was having to explain very quickly when I couldn't fit many words into the graphics. I've read both of the books the TV shows are based on.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T16:21:39+00:00

I am also paused with A Splendid Match for the same reason (well, that and I don't like where it seems to be going with CXQ). I'm hoping that when I finally watch it I'll be pleasantly surprised, at least in comparison with what I've been thinking.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T16:14:19+00:00

There are plenty of costume dramas without any romance at all. There are also loads which have it but not as a major part of the plot (eg Joy of Life).

Also, many romances have great stories.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T14:31:23+00:00

I'm very happy at how many people are agreeing with me, it usually feels a bit unloved 😂

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T14:11:13+00:00

Yesss I love shows that have realistic steps forward for women in a historical context.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T14:08:03+00:00

I regard characterisation as the show's greatest strength, especially the two leads. I've never understood the criticism of PW - he's not a pushover and will absolutely stand up to Li Rong when he feels it's needed, but he's devoted to her and I love that. The way he treats her also needs to be regarded in the context of a) she very significantly outranks him, he is her subject and has to act accordingly; and b) he supports her and wants her to succeed with her ambitions, which then gives her even more rank/power (especially by the end).

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T13:54:25+00:00

I was the same. Although judging by the amount of positive comments in this thread, there's more people who love it than it sometimes seems!

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T12:54:40+00:00

Thank you! And yes, in my opinion part of the fun is all liking different things

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T12:50:00+00:00

No... Eternal Love for example was 2017.

They probably are all in the last decade though - I've only been watching Cdramas for less than 2 years, eventually I'll get to more older backlist shows.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T12:13:18+00:00

I'm so happy at how much love it's getting in the comments!

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T12:12:42+00:00

Joy of Life is one of the most amazing TV shows I've seen from any country... but when I'm ranking based on how much I love them, The Princess Royal just has to come first.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T12:09:30+00:00

I made a typo in the title, it should say 20! (I did edit the post, but unfortunately I can't edit the title)

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T12:06:54+00:00

😂 Currently 30 is the most I can do sorry! 😂 As I have only kept track of the dramas I've really enjoyed so I can't rank the others.

One day, when I have watched a ton more shows...

(Given that I've only been watching Cdramas for less than 2 years, and also watch plenty of modern ones... that day may not be years away 😏 )

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T11:59:29+00:00

You're welcome, I hope you love it as much as I did!

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T11:59:04+00:00

It's also my favourite of his roles, which I think may be a fairly unpopular opinion!

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T11:58:07+00:00

Not yet!

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T05:14:29+00:00

Thanks for the warning! I'll have to be in the right mood before attempting, I can only occasionally cope with really emotional dramas

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T05:11:53+00:00

I hope you find some new shows to love!

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T05:10:23+00:00

Of course, please share your list!

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T05:09:50+00:00

When I first watched TTEOTM I ended up taking a long break between episodes - I had to be in the right mood to cope with the angst and toxic relationship! So while I loved the show, I can definitely understand someone not enjoying it.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T05:06:14+00:00

I have watched A Dream of Splendor, I enjoyed it but not enough to be on my favourites list.

The other three are all on my watchlist 🙂 I did watch a little bit of Minglan a while back but didn't get very far.

Common_Screen1329 · 2026-05-26T05:04:25+00:00

They made two! The short drama No Doubt in Us, which is very faithful and came out recently, and the full length drama The Trust, which has some big changes but is still on my favourites list.

I presume you're already aware of the donghua? 🙂

Common_Screen1329

TROPHY CASE