Now that 2021 is halfway over, it’s time for us to take a look back at the six months of the previous year and all the C-dramas released in this period. Are you unsure which ones are worth the effort? Don’t worry, here are the top C-dramas 2021 has to offer.
We have limited our coverage to modern dramas, as there are many great ones. Keep watching for part 2 which will include historical dramas and wuxia.
Disclaimer : This list contains C-dramas that were released between January 1st & June 30th. They are not listed in any particular order.
“You Are My Hero”
“You Are My Hero” is the story of Mi Ka (Sandra Ma), a resident doctor, and Xing Ke Lei (Bai Jing Tiing), a special operations agent. They first met in a life-threatening circumstance during a robbery. Mi Ka is able to attend an emergency rescue training that the police organizes two years later. Xing Ke lei happens be her instructor. Xing Ke Liu immediately recognizes Mi Ka as the courageous young woman. However, Mi Ka doesn’t know that he was the brave agent who saved her life. Both join the rescue team when a devastating earthquake hits the country. They become close friends and begin to fall in love while helping others.
“You Are My Hero” is a beautifully written story with well-developed characters and excellent acting. It also features a gorgeous OST. The drama is heartwarming, full of meaning messages, and the characters are easy to love.
“The Day of Becoming You”
The body swap drama “The Day of Becoming You”, which is a comedy drama about body swaps, is a great choice if you’re looking for a good laugh. Steven Zhang plays Jiang Yi, the leader of a popular boy band, while Liang Jie stars as entertainment reporter Yu Sheng Sheng. Yu Sheng Sheng and Jiang Yi meet for an interview. An accident occurs, and they both wake up in the bodies of each other. As they try to reconnect with their bodies, they become more intimate and eventually fall in love.
It’s a classic trope that never goes out of style. Body swapping can be hilarious and it is always funny when done well. Steven Zhang and Liang Jie are so convincing in their acting that you believe they are each other. This makes “The Day of Becoming You,” a must-see for anyone who loves romantic comedies.
“My Little Happiness”
“My Little Happiness,” a drama that is truly deserved its title, is a wonderful and heartwarming story. Female lead Cong Rong (Xing Fei) was sent abroad to study finance, but her dream is to become a lawyer. She returns to China to complete an internship at a law office, unbeknownst her mother. While mediating between patients and doctors at a hospital, she runs into surgeon Wen Shao Qing (Tang Xiao Tian), who recognizes his lost childhood love in her. Cong Rong falls in love with the flirty doctor and he begins to pursue her.
“My Little Happiness” is a sweet drama that will make you smile. The leads are incredibly chemistry and show affection with each other. The cute second couple is a bonus!
“Moonlight”
“Moonlight,” another romantic comedy, is one you won’t want to miss. Despite majoring in finance, bubbly bookworm Chu Li (Esther Yu) has always dreamed of working at Yuan Yue Publishing House. When she gets a chance to intern there as an editor, she meets prickly author Zhou Chuan (Ding Yu Xi), and the two are immediately at odds with each other. Zhou Chuan learns that Chu Li is his online friend, with whom he has been chatting for three year. He starts treating her differently while maintaining his cold façade.
“Moonlight,” a sweet love story that is also a glimpse into the publishing industry and the hard work of editors, is more than just a sweet love story. Despite being a charming and sometimes even naive young lady, the female lead shows that she is a strong character. She has passion for her work and is persevering.
“Don’t Leave After School”
With its unique concept, “Don’t Leave After School” stands out among the mass of school dramas. It shows the lives of students who return to school one year after finishing high school. Fang Xue, the female lead (Li Ting Ting), returns to school after failing her university entrance exam. Yao Chi, the male lead (Wei Lai) is a talented student who wants to switch his focus to science and liberal arts in order to fulfill his dream of becoming a paleontologist.
This slice-of life drama beautifully portrays the prejudices, challenges and struggles that students face. It’s not too heavy, but it has lots of laughs and heartwarming moments. All characters are well-crafted and so unique, it’s easy to get lost in the story.
“Miss Crow with Mr. Lizard”
“Miss Crow with Mr. Lizard” is a rom-com with a little sci-fi twist: Architect Gu Chuan (Allen Ren) has a mechanical heart, and when its rate rises too high, he discharges electricity, which can endanger his life. When the bubbly Jiang XiaoNing (Xing Fei), enters his life, it becomes a challenge to keep calm. Jiang XiaoNing begins working as his personal assistant and Gu Chuan feels her positive energy. Gu Chuan had become isolated and cold due to his unique situation.
Both the OTP as well as the second couple are very lovable characters. The drama also features an exceptional OST, which enhances the viewing experience by tenfold.
“Rattan”
“Rattan”, despite being a fantasy drama is set in the present world. Human Qin Fang (Zhang Bin Bin Bin) is injured in an accident and accidentally wakes Si Teng (Jing Tian), a plant-alien hybrid who had been trapped for more than 70 years. Si Teng saves Qin Fang’s lives and asks Qin Fang for her servitude. Qin Fang realises that he must remain close to her if he is to survive, and he agrees to assist her. The two become increasingly closer.
You don’t have to listen to the same old clichés in romance dramas. “Rattan” is a great alternative. The story is unique and entertaining, the chemistry is amazing, and the cinematography is stunning.
“Mysterious Love”
“Mysterious Love” tells the story of Ruan Nian Chu (Yu Yue), a theater actress, and Li Teng (Tsao Yu Naing), the owner a security firm. Ruan Nianchu is kidnapped and taken to an underground organization. Li Teng (Tsao Yu Ning) saves her. The two of them fall in love. They are separated by fate, but five years later they are reunited and rekindle their love.
This drama has a great chemistry between the leads. The suspense element is a refreshing change from romance stories. The drama has an incredible ending theme song, which is a bonus.
Hey Guys! What are your favorite modern C-dramas of 2021 so far? Let us know in the comments below!