Unfriended is a supernatural horror movie released in 2015. A story about six online Skype friends who received a message from their deceased friend Laura Barns, who committed suicide one year ago (she committed suicide after viewing Internet footage of herself). The friends continue to talk, assuming it is a technical problem.
They initially think it is a prank, but soon they realize that something supernatural and mysterious, and one by one, their dirty little secrets are exposed as they are mysteriously murdered one by one. It’s a circle of mysteries, friendship, unclear truth, betrayal, and guilt.
Unfriended is now streaming on Netflix. There are numerous thriller and horror movies unfriended out there, so you can enjoy your genres. The listing below is 35 movies unfriended.
1. Host (2020)
Rob Savage directed Host, a 2020 horror movie that was highly praised by its audience during quarantine time. The host is a found-footage horror film that shoots entirely on Zoom’s video chat platform. This movie covers the story of a failed séssion.
When six friends finalize to participate in an online séance, they unwantedly invite an evil spirit’s presence into their lives. Suddenly Strange and horrifying events begin to occur in each of their homes, and they must find a way to drive away the demon before it kills them all.
If you’re looking for movies like Unfriended, you must watch host. It became so popular that it quickly reached 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. Searching (2018)
Searching is a mystery thriller movie of 2018 that is directed by Aneesh Chaganty. This movie follows a father who uses online networks to find his missing 16-year-old daughter. They used to talk to each other on an online platform every day until he made a startling discovery: his daughter hadn’t been seen in six months.
Whom has he been chatting with? David searches where no one else has for her daughter except the laptop of his daughter. He talks to her few friends and looks for any cue in videos or images on her social media accounts as he attempts to find her digital footprints to locate her.
He is shocked to find out that she doesn’t have any friends and sits by herself at lunch every day. All she told him about her popularity was a lie.
Stream: apple tv and Netflix
Searching is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
3. The Den (2013)
The Den is a 2013 found-footage horror movie that was directed by Zach Lipovsky. A young college-going girl who studies the habits of people and uses webcams becomes the witness to a horrifying online murder.
She immediately regrets reporting the horrible incident to the cops as she realizes she made a big mistake. Now her error forces her to fight for her own and her loved ones’ lives before they become the killer’s next online murder victims.
Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
A horror movie full of suspense and tension was praised by the audience and is definitely worth a watch.
4. Cam (2018)
Cam is a 2018 horror movie that was directed by Daniel Goldhaber. The movie follows a cam girl who falls prey to a hacker who steals her life using her webcam. The imposter has not only stolen her name and fan base, but the hacker has taken over her life.
Streaming now: Netflix
A horror movie full of suspense and tension was praised by the audience and is definitely worth a watch.
5. Dark Web (2017)
Dark Web is a 2017 horror movie that was directed by Kaare Andrews. In the film, a group of friends is using Skype to communicate when they are abruptly surprised by the ghost of a buddy who passed away a year prior. Because of what the friends did to her, the spirit is furious and wants revenge on them.
Watch on: Mubi
The dark web is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
6. Unfriended: Dark Web (2018)
Unfriended: Dark Web, unfriended Sequel. Dark web thriller is directed by Stephen Susco. When a young man discovers a mysterious laptop, he uses it to connect to the internet and decides to play a game with five of his closest friends. On the laptop, a strange file is discovered, and it contains disturbing videos of people who appear to be in great danger and fear.
Streaming: Netflix
The unfriended dark web is a great example of a movie like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
7. The Purge (2013)
The Purge is a 2013 dystopian horror movie directed by James DeMonaco. The movie follows a group of people as they struggle to survive throughout a 12-hour period in which all crime is permitted. James, Mary (Lena Headey), and their two kids struggle to make it through the night while attempting to avoid evolving into the monsters they are trying to avoid.
Streaming: Netflix
The purge is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
8. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Blair Witch Project is a 1999 found-footage horror movie directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez. The film follows a group of college students who are creating a documentary about the Blair Witch legend. Three college students decide to go into the Maryland backwoods to uncover the mystery behind the project, but this step turns into a horror experience.
If you’re looking for movies like Unfriended, you should watch the Blair witch project. It’s suspenseful and tense, and it’ll keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
9.Cloverfield (2008)
Matt Reeves directed the found-footage monster movie 2008 Cloverfield. The film follows a group of people as to they attempt to save their life and flee from a massive Monster that is attacking New York City.
Streaming: prime video, apple tv
Cloverfield is a great example of a movie like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
10. The Bay (2012)
The Bay is a 2012 found-footage horror movie that is directed by Barry Levinson. The plot revolves around a group of people who become engulfed in a deadly virus outbreak.
The bay is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
11. A Quiet Place (2018)
A Quiet Place is a science fiction horror movie of 2018 directed by John Krasinski. The film shows a family as they try to survive in a world full of monsters that hunt by sound. The film received excellent reviews and is recognized as one of the best science fiction films ever made.
Streaming: Netflix and prime video
A quiet place is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
12. Ratter (2016)
Ratter is a 2016 thriller drama movie directed by Branden Kramer. Emma is a graduate student and is looking forward to living alone in her comforting New York City apartment, but soon she realizes that a stalker has been following her every move via every technological device she holds.
Emma is horrified and tries to minimize her devices to stop the stalker from spying on her. Soon her life starts to collapse as she realizes that there is nowhere to hide or run when you are being watched 24/7 a day.
Streaming: Apple iTunes
Ratter is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
13. Ouija (2014)
Ouija is a 2014 horror thriller movie directed by Stiles White. Laine’s best friend, Debbie, passes away unexpectedly, and she finds it difficult to accept that she is gone for good and that she won’t ever see or speak to her again. However, she invites some of her closest friends to help her try to communicate with Debbie’s spirit using an old Ouija board that she discovers in Debbie’s room.
Streaming: prime videos
Ouija (2014) is a great example of a movie like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
14. Truth Or Dare (2018)
Truth or dare is a 2018 horror thriller movie directed by Jeff Waldow. Lucas and Olivia decide to take one last trip to Mexico with some of their college friends before graduating. During their trip, a stranger suggests that one of the friends play a harmless game of truth or dare, but soon they realize the game is real and that they have no choice but to play by the rules!
15.Polaroid (2019)
Polaroid is a 2019 horror thriller movie directed by Lars Klevberg. In high school, Bird Fitcher was a bit of an outcast. She comes across a vintage Polaroid camera and decides to take pictures in an old-fashioned way, but the camera conceals a mysterious and dark secret: whoever is photographed dies tragically soon after. The bird needs to find a way to stop the evil camera from killing more people.
Streaming: prime video
Polaroid is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
16.V/H/S (2012)
V/H/S is a 2012 horror movie directed by Timo Tjahjanto and Simon Barrett. A horrifying sinister cult is found on a VHS tape containing pre-recorded footage of a terrifying conspiracy.
Streaming: prime video
V/H/S is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
17. Countdown (2019)
The countdown is a 2019 horror thriller movie directed by Justin Dec. A young nurse is curious about a new app that predicts your exact death time. She downloads the countdown app after hearing about people that have been killed according to the time shown on the Countdown app.
Streaming: Netflix
Countdown (2019) is a great example of a movie like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
18.Happy Death Day 2 U (2019)
Happy death day two u is a 2019 horror thriller movie directed by Christopher Landon. A college student wakes up and discovers, to her horror, that she is imprisoned in a parallel dimension. Her friends and classmates are different people from who they once were, and her boyfriend, Carter, is seeing someone else. Tree understands that she must repeatedly die for the rest of the time to protect everyone from the maniac in a mask.
Streaming: prime video
19. Pulse (2006)
Pulse is a 2006 horror teen movie directed by Jim Sonzero. A psychology student and her pals began to receive unnerving video messages and emails after her lover tragically committed suicide. She decides to find out what is happening to the students as all the students are starting to vanish all across campus.
Streaming: prime video
Pulse (2006) is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
20. Escape Room (2017)
An escape room is a 2017 horror thriller sci-fi movie directed by Adam RobitelPhoto. A mystery structure invites six total strangers for an escape room experience with a chance to win $10,000. To leave the room, all they have to do is figure out a series of puzzles, but to them,r surprise, the interview room is the escape room.
Streaming: Netflix
21.Autopsy (2008)
An autopsy is a 2008 horror mystery movie directed by Adam Gierasch. Bobby, Emily, Jude, and Claire, the four recent college graduates, decided to take one last cross-country trip before entering the real world. They are on their way when they are involved in an accident, injured, and left to die on a lonely Louisiana road.
Streaming: prime video
An autopsy is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
22. Keep Watching (2017)
Keep watching is a 2017 horror thriller movie directed by Sean Carter. A family is forced to play a deadly game of life and death by home intruders in this terrifying horror. They discover that their dreadful ordeal is broadcasting life around the world for all to see. With intrusive psychopaths and the entire world watching your every move, it is easier said than done for them to escape before they die.
Streaming: prime video
23. Super Dark Times (2017)
Super dark times is a 2017 thriller drama movie directed by Kevin Phillips. Josh and Zach have been friends since they were babies, but when a terrible accident occurs, the teenagers are forced to keep it a secret. The secret is slowly tearing the friends’ friendship apart, leading them down a path of increasing violence and paranoia.
Streaming: Netflix
Super dark times is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
24.The Gallows (2015)
The gallows is a 2015 thriller movie directed by Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff. While participating in the high school production of “The Gallows” in 1993, Charlie Grimille tragically lost his life in a bizarre accident involving a noose. Students Ryan, Cassidy, Pfeifer, and Reese, find themselves imprisoned in the exact auditorium where the disaster occurred twenty years later, on the eve of the play’s revival.
They quickly realize that getting away is the least of their problems. It goes beyond just them. They believe that the evil spirit of Charlie Grimille is hiding there! Will they survive the terrifying night, or will Charlie get the boot in the end?
Streaming: Netflix
The gallows (2015) is a great example of a movie like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
25. Case 39 (2014)
Case 39 is a 2014 horror thriller movie directed by Christian Alvart. Social worker Emily Jenkins has seen it all. In her career, she has worked on some of the saddest and most complicated cases. But when she meets a 10-year-old girl named Lilith, her job becomes even more terrifying. The girl’s cruel and abusive parents are attempting to bury her and send her back to hell, so Emily decides to safeguard her.
In the meantime, Emily decides to take custody of the plight of the child. However, Emily discovers while investigating the case that the parents have installed locks on their bedroom door. They appear to be attempting self-defense against something on the other side. Soon, the social worker discovers that Lilith is surrounded by an evil force and that she is not as innocent as she thought.
Streaming: Netflix
Case 39 is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
26. Nightlight (2015)
Nightlight is a 2015 horror thriller movie directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. For many years, troubled youths have taken their own lives in the gloomy eerie Covington Forest. Five unfazed teenagers decide to enter the legendary forest for a night of scary ghost stories, and flashlight games after one of their classmates commit suicide there.
Until they awaken a demon that will feed off their deepest and darkest fears, everything appears to be going well. What was supposed to be a fun and scary night out with friends has become their worst nightmare ever!
Streaming: prime video
27.One Missed Call (2015)
One missed call is a 2015 horror mystery movie directed by Eric Valette. Beth Raymond was forced to bear witness to the terrifying and tragic deaths of two of her closest friends. Beth is disturbed by the fact that both of her friends received a voice message that sounded like they were passing away from terrible causes. Could this simply be an accident?
Although Beth tries to explain to the police that she believes something sinister is taking place, it goes in vain s no one is trying to believe her. She is believed by only detective Jack Andrews, and the two of them work together to unravel the mystery of the appalling messages. Before they also receive a potentially fatal missed call, they must act quickly.
Streaming: Netflix
One missed call is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
28. Friend Request (2016)
A friend request is a 2016 horror mystery movie directed by Simon Verhoeven. When Marina, a young social outcast, asks Laura, a well-liked college student, to be a friend. Everything was going well until a completely unexpected event occurred when Laura chose to unfriend her.
Marina took her own life! On Laura’s profile, a very enigmatic and unsettling video appears, and then her friends start suddenly dying one by one. Is Laura being retaliated against by Marina’s ghost, and if so, how does she put an end to this wrath before more people die?
Streaming: Netflix
29. Wish Upon (2017)
Wish Upon is a (2017) horror mystery movie directed by John R. Leonetti. Imagine having seven wishes granted to you by a music box. Clare Shannon, Jonathan Shannon’s 17-year-old daughter, received exactly that. Clare is a piece distrustful from the beginning, yet she has underhanded powers.
Her life has significantly improved as a result of all her wishes being fulfilled. She is overjoyed beyond belief! However, she soon realizes that the magic is terrible as soon as she realizes that whenever she makes a wish, the people she cares about die in terrible ways.
Streaming: Netflix
Wish upon is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
30. Lights Out (2016)
Light out is a 2016 horror mystery movie directed by David F. Sandberg. Rebecca, played by Teresa Palmer, believed she had conquered her childhood fears when she left home. She never really knew what was real when the lights went out at night as a young girl.
Now, her little brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman) is going through the same terrifying, Unfathomable things that put her life and health in danger. A supernatural being has returned with a vengeance to afflict the entire family, holding a baffling attachment to their mother, Maria Bello.
Streaming: Netflix
31. Paranormal activity (2007)
Paranormal activity is a horror movie of 2007 directed by Oren Peli. Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat) move into a suburban tract home shortly but are suddenly disturbed by increasingly what appears to be a supernatural presence. They set up video cameras in the house to record evidence of it, but they are unprepared for the terrifying events that follow.
Streaming: prime videos
Paranormal activity is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
32. Before I wake (2016)
Before I wake is a horror movie of 2016 directed by Mike Flanagan. 8-year-old foster boy – Ody is welcomed into the home of Mark and Jessie. Jessie assumes that the boy’s fear of falling asleep is just a normal fear for young children, but when he tells her that he is afraid to do so.
The couple is shocked when their deceased biological son suddenly appears in their living room. Their surprise is that Cody’s nightmares and dreams can magically become real. Before Cody’s imagination harms them all, Mark and Jessie must now discover the truth about Cody’s mysterious ability.
Streaming: Netflix
33. Annabella (2014)
Annabella is a 2014 horror movie directed by John R. Leonetti. John Form (Ward Horton) believes he has found the ideal present for Mia (Annabelle Wallis), his upcoming wife: a vintage doll dressed in a stunning white gown.
Nonetheless, the couple’s pleasure doesn’t keep going long: The couple is attacked violently at their home by devil worshippers on one terrible night. Mia’s doll is transformed into a conduit for ultimate evil when the cultists attempt to summon a demon by smearing a bloody rune on the nursery wall and dripping blood on it.
Streaming: Netflix
Annabella is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
34. The ward (2010)
The ward is a 2010 psychological horror movie directed by John Carpenter. Kristen, a young woman who has been institutionalized, is the focus of the story. She is haunted by a mysterious and lethal zombie-like ghost. She discovers that this ghost may be darker than she ever could have imagined as danger draws nearer. The filming is shoot at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, Washington.
Streaming: google play
35. Beyond the lights (2014)
Beyond the lights is a 2014 drama that was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Singer Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is having trouble coping with her success even though she has been groomed for stardom all her life by an overbearing mother (Minnie Driver). Noni tries to kill herself because she can’t handle it anymore, but Kaz (Nate Parker), the police officer who was supposed to be her bodyguard, stops her.
Noni and Kaz instantly fall in love, but the people in their circle are against the relationship because they worry that the two will veer off the path that was set for them both.
Streaming: prime videos
Beyond the lights is a great example of movies like Unfriended. It’s suspenseful, and the thriller of this movie will keep you engaged till the very end.
Drama has always been a part of our lives. Be it as an element in the films or television shows you watch, the books you read, or even watching plays enacted on a stage.
Drama adds a flare to a rather dull and mundane story plot, giving it the much-needed twists and turns and making it more interesting and fun to watch. And who does not love watching dramas? From films to reality television shows, we all desperately crave the dramatic element.
However, Chinese dramas stand in a league of their own, especially war dramas. Be it fictional or non-fictional, they will undoubtedly leave you spellbound with their magical armors and inspirational speeches. SFX will make you go, “ Dude, this is crazy good! ” and the plots of these War Chinese dramas are just as awe-worthy, if not more!
So, presented before you is a well-curated list of 45 War Chinese Dramas for you to watch if you are looking to keep yourself entertained during the holidays or are thinking of trying to watch something different for a change.
If you are new to the genre, do not fret! There is something in this list that you may find worth watching as well! Be it binge-watching or staying up to date with the new episodes, there is everything for all.
War Chinese Drama (Credits- Faceoff)
1. Empresses in the Palace(2011–2012)
Rating- 8.3 Episodes- 76
The first episode of the war Chinese drama Empresses in the Palace was aired on 17 November 2011. The show has 1 season and is based on “ Hougong Zhen Huan Zhuan ” by Liu Lianzi.
Empresses in the Palace (Credits- meWatch)
A young woman from the Eight Banners’ family is married off to the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The woman is initially portrayed as innocent and naive. However, after surviving the various schemes set into motion against her and seeing the true colors of the people around her, she herself becomes sad and cruel. Later, the woman is bestowed with the title of Empress Dowager, the most powerful woman in the Emperor’s harem.
Furthermore, Empresses in the Palace also got its own spin-off titled “ Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace ” in 2018.
2. A Dream in Red Mansions (2010)
Rating- 8.6 Episodes- 50
A Dream in Red Mansions is based on the novel by Cao Xueqin titled “ Dream of the Red Chamber . ” The show has beautiful and soothing songs and an amazing cast and the scenery and setting of the show are bound to leave you starry-eyed!
The plot of the series revolves around the tragic love story of Lin Daiyu, a pretty woman of many talents, and Jia Baoyu, a clever and carefree man. Lin Daiyu is sent to her mother’s side of the family, where she meets Jia Baoyu and connects with him.
A Dream in Red Mansions (Credits- MUBI)
However, Baoyu has an affair with a maid as well as acts playful with his female cousins but eventually develops feelings for Daiyu.
No love story has ever been an easy one, and similarly, the pair face trials and tribulations along the way. Furthermore, the story praises and glorifies the revolts led by several servants as well as nurses in the Grand View Garden.
3. San guo yan yi (1995– )
Rating- 8.6 Episodes- 84
San guo yan yi or Romance of the Three Kingdoms, is a war Chinese drama series based on the novel of the same name by Luo Guanzhong. Towards the end of the 2nd century, China was in a state of turmoil. The land was divided by the warlords, and disasters such as droughts, and famine was very common.
San guo yan yi (Credits- IMDb)
During this time, Zhang Jiao and his brothers start to rebel against the Han. Zhang Jiao manages to convince people with his speeches and promises, and wearing a “yellow turban” they go around plundering towns.
They came to be known as the “ Yellow Turbans ” and were successful in overthrowing a few generals of the Imperial Court. The Imperial Courts set up an alliance in which Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian – the three generals – are recruited.
These generals, along with some help, successfully managed to put an end to the rebellion, which brought them immense popularity. But when one gets the taste of power, he always wants more. So did they.
The generals wish for China to be under one rule and continue to fight for it by waging wars and cutting down anyone who stands in their way. The drama narrates the ancient tale with such accuracy that it will make you want to watch it over and over again.
4. The Water Margin (1998)
Rating- 8.1 Episodes- 43
Based on the novel of the same name by Shi Nai’an, the Chinese war drama is produced by Zhang Jizhong. The show aired in January 1988 and starred Li Xuejian, Zang Jinsheng, Zhou Yemang, Ding Haifeng, and Zhao Xiaorui.
The Water Margin (Credits- MyDramaList)
The Water Margin took us back to China a thousand years ago, wherein a cruel and unjust government had established its reign. However, a group of 108 renegades decides to unite and rebel against the government.
5. The Road We Have Taken (2009)
Rating- 7.8 Episodes- 50
The Road We Have Taken (Credits- MyDramaList)
The series is set between the years 1925 and 1949 and places emphasis on three children in Liling county of the Hunan province. These three children are born into a big family and are driven by their hunger and desire to obtain a political path amidst a lot of chaos and ruin.
The show highlights many important historical events like the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Chinese Civil War, the First as well as Second United Front , and also the foundation of the People’s Republic of China .
6. Three Kingdoms (2010)
Rating- 8.3 Episodes- 95
Directed by Giao Xixi, Three Kingdoms is a modern remake of the 1995’s San gyo yan yi. Just like the one before, it is also based on the same book by Luo Guanzhong.
Three Kingdoms (Credits- IMDb)
The plot is set in the Han Dynasty and portrays in detail the story of the Wei, Wu, and Shu Kingdoms in China. Being three of the major kingdoms in the country during that time, they shared complicated relationships and bad blood with each other.
The series aired in China in May of 2010 and went on to set a record for the most expensive small-screen series in China’s history during that time.
7. Princess Agents (2017)
Rating- 7.5 Episodes- 67
Set amidst the chaotic times of Northern Wei, a slave named Chu Qiao, is left in a forest along with some other slaves for the purpose of hunting. However, Prince Yan Xun saves the poor girl, but the experience proves to be traumatic for her.
Princess Agents (Credits- Reelgood)
She swears on her life to run away from the place, but her skills attract Master Yuwen Yue, who brings her under his care. There she learns to become a sacrificial agent and befriends Yan Xun.
Throughout the series, many battles take place, acquaintances get made, and false accusations and betrayals ensue. Moreover, once friends turn into enemies and love tinges on the air.
Although the show proved to be a huge success, it was left unfinished and ended on a cliffhanger, and so far, no sequel has been announced by the team.
8. The Qin Empire (2009)
Rating- 8.1 Episodes- 48
The Qin Empire is based on the novel of the same name by Sun Haohui and was produced in 2006. Furthermore, the show has three sequels- T he Qin Empire II: Alliance (2012), The Qin Empire III (2017), and The Qin Empire IV (2019) . Each of these sequels is also based on the novels by Sun Haohui.
The show is set during the Warring States period of China, when the country was on the verge of poverty and inner turmoil. Under the guidance and rule of Duke Xiao, the Qin State strives to restore itself to its initial golden days.
The Qin Empire (Credits- Reelgood)
In order to do so, Duke Xiao promises that he will share Qin with anyone who assists him with restoring the State. A Legalist named Wei Yang avails the opportunity and decides to help the Duke with his quest.
The two men debate for days and nights, giving rise to a beautiful friendship. They work tediously for nearly two decades after the planning and emerged victorious in making Qin a powerful state.
9. The Advisors Alliance (2017)
Rating- 7.8 Episodes- 86
The Advisors Alliance is a two-part war Chinese drama television series that portrays the life of Sima Yi. The first part of the series aired on 22 June 2017, whereas the second part aired on 8 December 2017. The series starrs Wu Xiubo, Liu Tao,, Tang Yixin, Yu Hewei, Li Chen, Janine Chang, and Wang Luoyong.
The Advisors Alliance (Credits- DramaPanda)
The show portrays the life of Sima Yi, a military general and a government official who lived through China’s Eastern Han dynasty and Three Kingdoms period.
The first part covers his career as an advisor to Cao Cao’s son Cao Pi, who goes on to usurp Emperor Xian and establish the Cao Wei state. The second part covers his service under the three emperors Cao Pi, Cao Rui and Cao Fang.
Sima Yi rises to become a regent for Cao Fang, the third emperor. Further on, he stages a coup d’état and successfully manages to become the de facto ruler of Cao Wei.
10. The Wolf (2020)
Rating- 7.8 Episodes- 49
The Chinese war drama The Wolf aired on 19 November 2020 on Tencent Video, iQiyi, and Youku. It starrs Darren Wang, Li Qin, Lin Yo-wei, Xin Zhilei, Xiao Zhan, and Kuo Shu-yao.
Ma Zhaixing is the daughter of Ma Ying, the Kuizhou city governor. She meets a boy who is later adopted by Chu Kui, the emperor of Yang empire, who bestows the title of Prince Bo upon the young lad.
The Wolf (Credits- IMDb)
Eight years later, the pair chance upon a meeting and start to grow close to each other. Together, they help civilians, bring justice, and oppose strict government laws.
In the end, after many hardships and conflicts of their own, the two find joy and peace amid each other.
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11. Ice Fantasy (2016)
Rating- 6.7 Episodes- 78
Based on the bestselling novel “City of Fantasy ” by Guo Jingming, this Chinese war drama is directed by Ju Jue Liang. The show has a total of two seasons, with 62 and 16 episodes, respectively.
Ice Fantasy (Credits- Global Times)
The Fire King Huo Yi uses the murder of Xin Jue, the second prince of the fire tribe, who is killed during his visit to the Ice Tribe, to start a war between both tribes. During the war, most of the family of the Ice Tribe gets either killed or captured, except the two Ice Princes – Ka Suo and Ying Kong Shi.
The two make a getaway to the mortal realm and request help from the guardian Li Luo to help restore the Ice Wall so that their tribe can be saved. Eventually, the Fire Tribe is defeated, and the two brothers fight each other for the throne.
12. Winter Begonia (2020)
Rating- 8.5 Episodes- 49
Winter Begonia aired exclusively in 2020 on iQiyi and is based on Shui Ru Tian Er’s BL web novel of the same name.
The show narrates the story of the close relationship between Cheng Fengtai, an astute businessman, and Shang Xirui, a Peking opera genius. The two crossed paths in Beijing right before World War II.
Winter Begonia (Credits- DramaPanda)
Fengtai saves Xirui from a rebellious crowd during one of his performances. From here, the two develop a close friendship and together, face many trials and tribulations.
The show portrays the relationship between Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui as bromance, although the novel portrayed it as romantic.
13. Sparrow (2016)
Rating- 7.3 Episodes- 69
Sparrow (Credits- IMDb)
Sparrow aired from 5 September to 20 October 2016 on Hunan TV and is based on the book by Hai Fei of the same name.
Set during Shanghai’s revolutionary times, a communist agent named Chen Shen adopts “Sparrow” as his code name and infiltrates the Japanese base with a mission to secure a secret plan that could prove fatal for China.
14. Battle of Changsha (2014)
Rating- 8 Episodes- 32
Produced by Hou Hongliang, Battle of Changsha stars Wallace Huo and Yang Zi. The show comprises a single season which consists of 32 episodes. Furthermore, the show highlights the Anti-Japanese war and the Battle of Changsha during World War II.
Battle of Changsha (Credits- MyDramaList)
Battle of Changsha follows the life of a mundane family residing in Changsha in the Hunan Province of China. A 16-year-old spoiled girl Hu Xiangxiang is seen running away from a blind date that was set up for her by her brother-in-law.
Gu Quingming is a senior KMT strategy advisor of the battle who is brave and enthusiastic. He wants to fight in the incoming war, unlike Hu Xiangxiang’s family, who wants to run far away so that they do not get caught in it.
Various incidents take place, and although initially, the two did not start off on the right foot, eventually, they cross paths again and develop a fondness towards each other while working together, providing help in times of war.
15. Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy (2017)
Rating- 7.6 Episodes- 75
Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy (Credits- YouTube)
The series takes place in Novoland, a fictional world, and narrates the story of the young descendants of the Duan Dynasty. We have three male protagonists whose lives are intermingled with each other.
There are premonitions made, loyalty tested, friendships formed, truth uncovered, and battles fought. You will find love triangles, rivalry, some hidden motives, and a whole bunch of mysteries that will leave you in awe.
16. General and I (2017)
Rating- 6.6 Episodes- 62
The series General and I is based on the novel “ A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated ” by Feng Nong. It aired from 2 January to 10 February 2017 on Hunan Television.
General and I (Credits- Pinterest)
He Xia and Bai Pingting are forced to run away from the Kingdom of Yan after Prince Jing’an’s mansion is destroyed. However, the two end up getting separated from each other and Pingting finds refuge in a monastery where she chances upon a meeting with Chu Beijie, a general of the Kingdom of Jin.
Chu Beijie immediately recognizes Pingting as she was his first love but sadly, since they both belong to opposite kingdoms, it makes it impossible for their relationship to have a bright future.
17. Novoland: Eagle Flag (2019)
Rating- 7.3 Episodes- 56
Novoland: Eagle Flag is based on the novel of the same name by Jiang Nan. The show aired on 16 July 2019 on online platforms like Tencent and Youku as well as on Zhejiang TV.
The show is set in the fictional world of Novoland and follows the emergence of three heroes-to-be and the struggles they face in becoming so.
Novoland: Eagle Flag (Credits- WeTV)
The Crown Prince of the Qingyang tribe is sent as a hostage to the Hetang Kingdom where he crosses paths with Ji Ye, who is on a quest to become a warrior. He also meets the princess of the Winged tribe – Yu Ran. The three immediately connect with each other and become fast friends. However, both the boys fall in love with the princess which creates a love triangle.
Moreover, Ying Wuyi, a powerful warlord has been bestowing power to the Emperor and the three friends decide to join the battle against Ying Wuyi oblivious of the conspiracy at play.
18. Awakening of Insects (2019)
Rating- 7.2 Episodes- 45
Awakening of Insects takes place in the early 1940s when battle and bloodshed hung heavy in the air. The show has a total of 45 episodes and aired in 2019.
Awakening of Insects (Credits- TV Time)
The series depicts the life of Chen Shan who, in order to save his captive younger sister, is forced to become a Japanese spy. He is caught amidst the conflicts between the KMT, CCP, and the Japanese. However, in the end Chen Shan emerges as a proud patriotic fighter.
19. Once Upon a Time in Qingdao (2014)
Rating- 5 Episodes- 42
Once Upon a Time in Qingdao (Credits- Shandong Film & TV Media International)
The story timeline commences in the year 1904 and ends in 1937 with the upsurge of war. It depicts the lives of three brothers and the obstacles they face in the unruly political period right before the war knocks upon their door.
20. Moment in Peking (2005)
Rating- 7.1 Episodes- 44
Aired from October 23, 2005, to December 2005 , Moment in Peking is a war Chinese drama television series that is based on the novel of the same name by Lin Yutang. The series was produced by CCTV and has won seven awards.
Moment in Peking (Credits- IMDb)
The story follows Yao Mulan, along with two girls who get married to the sons of Zeng, which ensues lives filled with troubles and hardships. The series portrays multiple problems that arise in love, relationships, family, as well as in national honor.
21. Love in a Fallen City (2021)
Rating- 6.8 Episodes- 40
The story revolves around a naive and ordinary young girl and a general. They both cross each other’s paths and eventually grow affectionate toward each other.
Love in a Fallen City (Credits- MyDramaList)
But as we all so accurately know, love itself is never enough to make anything work. The pair strive hard in order to obtain happiness and joy with each other despite the trials and tribulations that come their way.
22. My Chief and My Regiment (2009)
Rating- 8.2 Episodes- 43
Also known as “ Chief ” or “The Chief Show,” My Chief and My Regiment is an extremely popular Chinese series. It was directed by Kang Honglei and produced by Huayi Brothers Media Group. Furthermore, the series is based on the novel of the same name by Lan Xiaolong.
My Chief and My Regiment (Credits- YouTube)
The show is narrated by a limping young soldier and tells about the Chinese National Revolutionary Army Expeditionary Force in Burma who, in the 1942 Battle of Yunnan-Burma Road , fought the Imperial Japanese Army at the Second Sino-Japanese War .
23. Red Sorghum (2014)
Rating- 6.9 Episodes- 60
The Chinese series Red Sorghum is based on the novel of the same name by Mo Yan, which was published in 1986. The series has won 11 awards so far and has received 13 nominations.
Red Sorghum (Credits- KIBES Corporation)
The series is set in the early 1930s and documents the various struggles and hardships of Jiu’er in the rural province of Shandong.
Moreover, it also features Zhou Xun’s return to television after 10 whole years.
24. Too Late to Say I Love You (2010)
Rating- 7.3 Episodes- 36
Too Late to Say I Love You is based on the novel by Fei Wo Si Cun titled “ Bi Zhou Chen. ” The series aired a total of 36 episodes from 30 August 2010 on Hubei TV.
The story follows a wealthy young woman who gets engaged to her childhood friend, who is thrown into prison on account of smuggling drugs and firearms. The woman takes on a train journey in order to save her man but instead ends up saving another young man from a manhunt.
Too Late to Say I Love You (Credits- my own strange bubble)
Too Late to Say I Love You is a story filled with romance, political ambition, passion, and emotions. Difficult decisions are made, truths uncloaked, and love faced head-on.
25. Yangko Dance (2015 – 2019)
Rating- 7 Episodes- 79
Produced by Shandong Film and Television Media Group, Yangko Dance aired from October 2015 to December 2019 on Jiangsu TV and Tianjin TV.
Deriving inspiration from the Haiyang Yangge folk dance, Yangko Dance portrays the life of a fortune-teller who survives by begging for alms on the streets. He ends up getting caught in the vicious clutches of love, family, love and revenge.
Yangko Dance (Credits- GHY Culture & Media)
The journey of the fortune-teller is a whirlwind. He crosses paths with a young woman who he develops a fondness for amidst the chaos and ruin that ensues.
The series is fully loaded with rivalry, bloodshed, and lots of drama for you to feast upon!
26. Ashes of Love (2018)
Rating- 8.3 Episodes- 63
The Flower Deity Zifen foresees a prophecy that when her daughter is born, she will suffer a trial of love during the initial ten thousand years of her life. In order to protect her daughter from this, before she dies, Zifen gives her a magical pallet that prevents her from feeling romantic love.
Ashes of Love (Credits- Amazon)
Jinmi however becomes unknowingly involved in a love triangle between two brothers because of the magical pallet. These two brothers form rivalry towards each other, and wars are waged.
The series is filled with bloodshed, rivalry, romance, and several mysteries that will keep you hooked till the last minute!
27. Arsenal Military Academy (2019)
Rating- 8.3 Episodes- 48
Directed by Hue Kaidong , the war Chinese drama Arsenal Military Academy stars Li Chengbin, Bai Lu, Xu Kai, and Wu Jiayi.
The series tells the story of Xie Xiang, a girl who disguises herself as a male student in order to join the military. She wishes to follow in her deceased brother’s footsteps. In the military academy, she comes across Shen Junsan and Huang Song, and they all become good friends.
Arsenal Military Academy (Credits- The Movie Database)
Xie Xiang works very hard and overcomes all obstacles that come her way, eventually becoming a good soldier who makes everyone, especially herself, proud.
However, the group of friends soon come to find that there is a huge conspiracy at play that surrounds the Chinese resistance and the Qing dynasty, and so they decide to uncover the truth.
28. Who Rules the World (2022)
Rating- 8.4 Episodes- 40
Who Rules the World (Credits- WeTV)
Who Rules the World is a story depicting the age-old saying “opposites attract.” Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi are the exact opposites of each other. Love blossoms between the two amidst the chaos and ruin of warfare and the vicious claws of the political world.
29. Ever Night (2018 – 2020)
Rating- 8.1 Episodes- 103
Aired in October of 2018, “ Ever Night” is the TV series adaptation of the novel “ Jiang Ye ” by Mao Ni. The show is divided into 2 seasons, with the first season having 60 episodes and the second having 43 episodes.
In the Tang Dynasty, a general ruthlessly kills a family, but a young boy somehow manages to escape from his lust for blood. The boy survives by becoming a murderer himself.
Ever Night (Credits- DramaPanda)
One fine day, the boy uncovers a girl who is lost amidst a pile of corpses. The two grow close and become inseparable. Later in the story, the boy becomes a part of the military and joins the entourage of a princess.
The little girl takes ill out of the blue, and the boy discovers that she is, in fact, the reincarnation of a powerful being who is said to bring chaos and ruin.
30. The Long Ballad (2021)
Rating- 8.3 Episodes- 49
Also known by its other name, “ Chang Ge Xing,” The Long Ballad is a Chinese war drama that is based on the manhua of the same name published in 2011 by Xia Da.
The story is set during the Tang dynasty when the emperors Gaozu and Taizong had established their reigns. It follows the narrative of an imperial princess who is after revenge and whilst seeking it, meets a tribal prince.
The series depicts many authentic historical figures throughout its duration, however, the relationships between most of them, as well as the series plot is purely fictional.
China Wars (Credits- HistoryExtra)
And with this, we wrap up the list of Chinese war dramas for you to watch right now.
Historical and war dramas are always a good choice to watch as not only are they fun and interesting, but they also help educate our minds. Be it fictional or non-fictional, there is always something or the other to learn. Furthermore, the Chinese culture and traditions switch up the whole outlook of the shows.
From the wars within dynasties, internal conflicts, blossoming romance, love triangles, betrayals, unearthing conspiracies, and exploring magical realms to learning important life-changing lessons, these drama shows will not only keep you entertained but also help inculcate knowledge.
So, what will you be watching next?
