HDC Historical Dramas: Round 1

This list is Round 1 of a series of voting lists for the HDC.  

  1. First round will take up to 75 drama titles
  2. Second round will take up to 50
  3. Third round will be 25 and comprise the HALL OF FAME!

BEST OF ALL: YOU CAN ADD TITLES, BUT ONCE WE REACH 75, NO MORE CAN BE ADDED, SO ADD CAREFULLY :) 


HISTORICAL DRAMAS: 

Historical Dramas are considered to be those that reflect a historical event, person(s), and places.  There may be liberties taken with the characters and story line.

Examples: 

Deep Rooted Tree / Tree With Deep Roots

Sego-Don

The Disguiser

 

Based on comments we received for HDCers (thanks, all!), we will start broad and then work our way to more exact-ish lists, if we need / want to. And yes, there is a separate list for Period Dramas :)  

I've added three titles to get us started :)

Nienna May 22, 2022
57 Titles Loves
0% Watched
113 Voters Report
Top 100
  • Mr. Queen

    1. Mr. Queen

    Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
    9.0
    3,470 points by 35 voters
    Jang Bong Hwan is a South Korean chef who has risen up the ranks to cook for the country’s top politicians in the Blue House’s presidential residences. After a serious accident, he ...more
  • Mr. Sunshine

    2. Mr. Sunshine

    Korean Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
    8.9
    3,061 points by 31 voters
    Mr. Sunshine centers on a young boy born into a house servant's family who travels to the United States during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo (U.S. expedition to Korea). He returns to his homeland ...more
  • Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
    8.7
    2,830 points by 29 voters
    When a total eclipse of the sun takes place, Go Ha Jin is transported back in time to the start of the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea during King Taejo's rule. She wakes ...more
  • The Red Sleeve

    4. The Red Sleeve

    Korean Drama - 2021, 17 episodes
    8.8
    2,661 points by 27 voters
    In 18th-century Korea, Prince Yi San is a perfectionist haunted by his father's murder. He's set to inherit the throne once his cruel grandfather, the current king, passes away. Despite the emotional ...more
  • Empress Ki

    5. Empress Ki

    Korean Drama - 2013, 51 episodes
    8.5
    1,961 points by 20 voters
    Genghis Khan built an empire that spanned vast regions in East Asia and East Europe. And there was one woman who held immense power in the Yuan Dynasty, which Genghis Khan founded, ...more
  • 100 Days My Prince

    6. 100 Days My Prince

    Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
    8.3
    1,946 points by 20 voters
    Lee Yul, Crown Prince of Joseon, is a perfectionist who disregards most royal palace nobles. His cold and demanding demeanor masks deeply-rooted loneliness. He comes to pass a law stating that Korean ...more
  • Six Flying Dragons

    7. Six Flying Dragons

    Korean Drama - 2015, 50 episodes
    8.7
    1,874 points by 19 voters
    A fictional, historical drama about the ambition, rise and fall of real and fictional characters based around Yi Bang Won. Yi Bang Won was the third king of the Joseon Dynasty in ...more
  • The Crowned Clown

    8. The Crowned Clown

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
    8.4
    1,751 points by 18 voters
    Joseon is in a state of disorder due to uprisings and a power struggle surrounding King Lee Hun. To avoid assassination, a clown named Ha Sun is brought to the palace to ...more
  • Hwarang

    9. Hwarang

    Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
    8.0
    1,562 points by 16 voters
    The names of just a few Hwarangs are recorded in history. Not many people these days truly know about Hwarangs. How did they start? How did beautiful looking young men become at ...more
  • Queen Seon Deok

    10. Queen Seon Deok

    Korean Drama - 2009, 62 episodes
    8.5
    1,555 points by 16 voters
    The story of a beautiful queen, who has to give up her love to save the people. A biopic of Queen Seon Deok, who was born a princess and later became the ...more
  • Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung

    11. Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung

    Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
    8.2
    1,447 points by 15 voters
    The story takes place at the beginning of the 19th century. Goo Hae Ryung is an intern to become a palace historian. However, it was not acceptable for women to write historical ...more
  • The Hymn of Death

    12. The Hymn of Death

    Korean Drama - 2018, 6 episodes
    8.3
    1,349 points by 14 voters
    Kim Woo Jin is a stage drama writer while Korea is under Japanese occupation. He is married, but he falls in love with Yun Shim Deok. Shim Deok is the first Korean ...more
  • The Tale of Nokdu

    13. The Tale of Nokdu

    Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
    8.3
    1,252 points by 13 voters
    Jeon Nok Du lives on an island with his father and older brother. He is smart and a good swordsman. Since he was little, his father did not let him study or ...more
  • The Story of Ming Lan

    14. The Story of Ming Lan

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 78 episodes
    8.8
    1,080 points by 11 voters
    Set in the Northern Song dynasty, the story follows Sheng Ming Lan, an unfavored concubine-born 6th daughter of an official. After losing her mother at a young age, Ming Lan is raised ...more
  • The King's Affection

    15. The King's Affection

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
    8.3
    1,066 points by 11 voters
    The story is set during the Joseon Dynasty, at a time when twins were considered an ominous sign. As a result, when the Crown Princess Consort gives birth to twins, an order ...more
  • Faith

    16. Faith

    Korean Drama - 2012, 24 episodes
    8.0
    960 points by 10 voters
    A 21st-century plastic surgeon Eun Soo gets kidnapped and brought 700 years into the past for her healing powers. Goryeo era bodyguard to the king, General Choi Yeong is smart but a ...more
  • Youth of May

    17. Youth of May

    Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
    8.7
    952 points by 10 voters
    Hee Tae becomes the pride of Gwangju when he enters Seoul National University College of Medicine with top marks. His best friend Kyung Soo, an avid pro-democracy activist, insists that they open ...more
  • Jewel in the Palace

    18. Jewel in the Palace

    Korean Drama - 2003, 54 episodes
    8.7
    949 points by 10 voters
    About 500 years ago during the time of Chosun Dynasty, Korea boasted a rigidly hierarchical and male dominated social structure. Based on a true story about a legendary girl, Jang Geum, who ...more
  • Story of Yanxi Palace

    19. Story of Yanxi Palace

    Chinese Drama - 2018, 70 episodes
    8.8
    878 points by 9 voters
    In 18th century Beijing, during the 6th year of Qianlong Emperor's reign, Wei Ying Luo enters the Forbidden City as an embroiderer to investigate the truth behind her older sister's rape and ...more
  • My Country: The New Age

    20. My Country: The New Age

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
    8.4
    870 points by 9 voters
    Set during the end of the Goryeo period to the early Joseon period. Two friends aim their swords against one another due to differences in opinion about "my country." Seo Hwi is ...more
  • Tree With Deep Roots

    21. Tree With Deep Roots

    Korean Drama - 2011, 24 episodes
    8.3
    858 points by 9 voters
    Early in his reign, King Se Jong accidentally causes the death of his in-laws and their slaves in an attempt to save them from his brutal father, King Tae Jong. Two young ...more
  • Splash Splash LOVE

    22. Splash Splash LOVE

    Korean Special - 2015, 2 episodes
    8.4
    851 points by 9 voters
    Dan Bi is a high school senior who has given up on math. On the day she is about to take the KSAT for college, she is transported back into the past ...more
  • Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People

    23. Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People

    Korean Drama - 2017, 30 episodes
    8.5
    663 points by 7 voters
    “The culprit who is posing as a royal official is not stealing wealth. He is stealing the hearts and minds of your people, Your Majesty.” There was a divisive figure in the ...more
  • The Longest Day in Chang'an

    24. The Longest Day in Chang'an

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
    8.5
    588 points by 6 voters
    744 A.D., Chang’an, the cosmopolitan heart of the Tang Empire. The remnants of a vanquished Central Asian kingdom have infiltrated the world’s largest city for a planned attack during the Lantern Festival. ...more
  • Sungkyunkwan Scandal

    25. Sungkyunkwan Scandal

    Korean Drama - 2010, 20 episodes
    8.2
    564 points by 6 voters
    Kim Yun Hee is a smart, responsible young woman with an independent drive. Since her father passed away, she has worked to support her family but has also managed to do well ...more
  • The Nokdu Flower

    26. The Nokdu Flower

    Korean Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
    8.3
    558 points by 6 voters
    Set during the Donghak Peasant Revolution (1894-1895), two half-brothers find themselves on opposing sides of the conflict. Baek Yi Kang is the first son of a prominent family whose wealthy father is ...more
  • Dong Yi

    27. Dong Yi

    Korean Drama - 2010, 60 episodes
    8.5
    474 points by 5 voters
    "Dong Yi" is a historical drama based on the life of Dong Yi later known as Choi Suk Bin. She worked in the royal palace as a lowly water maid. King Sok ...more
  • Jumong

    28. Jumong

    Korean Drama - 2006, 81 episodes
    8.3
    444 points by 5 voters
    Jumong was the founder of Goguryeo in 37 BC. He was the son of General Hae Mo Su and Lady Yoo Hwa and was raised by King Geum Wa, who took him ...more
  • Good Bye, My Princess

    29. Good Bye, My Princess

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 52 episodes
    8.2
    392 points by 4 voters
    A love story revolves around the 9th Princess of Western Liang as she journeys to the Central Plains to fulfill a marriage alliance with the Crown Prince. Having received overwhelming love and ...more
  • Battle of Changsha

    30. Battle of Changsha

    Chinese Drama - 2014, 32 episodes
    8.6
    379 points by 4 voters
    'Battle of Changsha' retells the turbulent events of the second Sino-Japanese War from the perspective of the Hu family, particularly through the eyes of a 16-year-old girl named Hu Xiang Xiang and ...more
  • Queen: Love and War

    31. Queen: Love and War

    Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
    7.9
    374 points by 4 voters
    Kang Eun Bo is a woman on a mission. When her twin sister is murdered, she vows to find the killer and bring them to justice. But during the ultra-conservative Joseon Dynasty ...more
  • Jang Ok Jung

    32. Jang Ok Jung

    Korean Drama - 2013, 24 episodes
    7.8
    293 points by 3 voters
    This drama tells the story of Jang Hee Bin, one of the most famous royal concubines in the Joseon Dynasty who was behind the deposition of King Sook Jong’s wife, Queen In ...more
  • Oshin

    33. Oshin

    Japanese Drama - 1983, 297 episodes
    8.2
    284 points by 3 voters
    The 31st NHK Asadora Drama is Oshin. Oshin tells the story of a girl born in a very poor rural family in Japan, who through hard work and perseverance eventually triumphs over ...more
  • River Where the Moon Rises

    34. River Where the Moon Rises

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
    7.8
    280 points by 3 voters
    Born a princess and raised a soldier, Pyeong Gang is a woman with big dreams and limitless ambition. Determined to become the first Empress of Goguryeo, Pyeong Gang will stop at nothing ...more
  • Queen for Seven Days

    35. Queen for Seven Days

    Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
    8.2
    279 points by 3 voters
    This drama is about the love story between King Jung Jong and his Queen Dan Kyung, who was crowned and deposed within the span of a week due to rival political factions ...more
  • The Princess Wei Young

    36. The Princess Wei Young

    Chinese Drama - 2016, 54 episodes
    8.3
    277 points by 3 voters
    The Northern Wei Dynasty was obliterated one night leaving behind the kindhearted Princess Feng Xin Er as an orphan. Although she escapes death, she accidentally enters her enemy's territory and she assumes ...more
  • The Slave Hunters

    37. The Slave Hunters

    Korean Drama - 2010, 24 episodes
    8.0
    275 points by 3 voters
    Chuno follows the story of Lee Dae Gil, a man of high birth, whose family was ruined when Won Ki Yoon, a slave, burnt down his house and escaped with his sister, ...more
  • Warrior Baek Dong Soo

    38. Warrior Baek Dong Soo

    Korean Drama - 2011, 29 episodes
    8.1
    274 points by 3 voters
    Set in the Joseon Dynasty during King Jeong Jo's reign, this martial-arts fusion sageuk is centered around the events involving Crown Prince Sa Do's conspiracy. Warrior Baek Dong Soo was a real-life ...more
  • Gou - Himetachi no Sengoku

    39. Gou - Himetachi no Sengoku

    Japanese Drama - 2011, 46 episodes
    7.7
    199 points by 2 voters
    The 50th NHK Taiga drama is Gou. The story focuses on the life of Gou, the wife of the second Tokugawa shogun Hidetada. Gou was the third daughter of the daimyo Azai ...more
  • Fall in Love

    40. Fall in Love

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
    8.4
    197 points by 2 voters
    In the year of 1926, Mu Wan Qing brings her mom's ashes back to China for burial. Using the pretense of surrendering to her father, Mu Wan Qing's actual motive is finding ...more
  • Bossam: Steal the Fate

    41. Bossam: Steal the Fate

    Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
    8.0
    195 points by 2 voters
    A story of life and love that touches upon the oppression experienced by women and the impoverished. Ba Woo is a degenerate man who gambles, steals, fights and hides his real identity. ...more
  • The Bridal Mask

    42. The Bridal Mask

    Korean Drama - 2012, 28 episodes
    8.5
    186 points by 2 voters
    Lee Kang To is an ambitious and callous Korean officer employed by the Japanese colonists. Despite his mother's disapproval of his work and his own brother's antagonistic history with the Japanese, Kang ...more
  • The Princess's Man

    43. The Princess's Man

    Korean Drama - 2011, 24 episodes
    8.4
    181 points by 2 voters
    Princess Se Ryung is the headstrong and forward-thinking daughter of Grand Prince Su Yang, who is determined to be King. She falls in love with the son of his mortal enemy, and ...more
  • Killer and Healer

    44. Killer and Healer

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 37 episodes
    8.5
    100 points by 1 voters
    A story that follows two men who are polar opposites; one kills while the other heals. One is a violent cop, and the other is a compassionate doctor. Together, they support and ...more
  • Prince of Lan Ling

    45. Prince of Lan Ling

    Chinese Drama - 2013, 46 episodes
    8.1
    100 points by 1 voters
    A prophecy foretold that victory goes to the one who has the priestess' blessing. Yang Xue Wu, the last priestess of her clan, unwittingly embroiled in a war between Northern Qi and ...more
  • Sparrow

    46. Sparrow

    Chinese Drama - 2016, 61 episodes
    8.0
    99 points by 1 voters
    This drama is set during the revolutionary time in Shanghai. During the republican revolution, Chen Shen is a secret agent under Special Operations Executive Director Bi Zhong Liang, among the agents called ...more
  • Rak Nakara

    47. Rak Nakara

    Thai Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
    7.5
    99 points by 1 voters
    Jao Noi Sukkawaong, a nobleman, falls in love with Man Muang at first sight. Man Muang has a half-sister called Ming La. Ming La's mother doesn't want Man Muang to be more ...more
  • Ka Badin

    48. Ka Badin

    Thai Drama - 2015, 14 episodes
    7.8
    98 points by 1 voters
    Ka Badin, which takes place in the era of King Nang Klao, the third reign (after King Rama II). The story sets around the period when England (known as Wilat at the ...more
  • Arsenal Military Academy

    49. Arsenal Military Academy

    Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
    8.5
    97 points by 1 voters
    In the early years of the 20th century, Chinese military forces find themselves locked in a drawn-out, bloody conflict as they fight back again the Imperial Japanese army. The government drafts young ...more
  • The Disguiser

    50. The Disguiser

    Chinese Drama - 2015, 48 episodes
    8.2
    97 points by 1 voters
    Focusing on a story of betrayal, romance, friendship, and familial ties behind the Sino-Japanese war. Ming Tai is a man from a wealthy family who was trained as a spy and then ...more
  • The Long Ballad

    51. The Long Ballad

    Chinese Drama - 2021, 49 episodes
    8.6
    96 points by 1 voters
    In the year 626 C.E., the Tang Dynasty faces upheaval following the successful Xuanwu Gate Incident, a coup orchestrated by a cunning prince. During the chaos, Li Chang Ge's family is slaughtered, ...more
  • The Qin Empire Season 2

    52. The Qin Empire Season 2

    Chinese Drama - 2012, 51 episodes
    7.6
    96 points by 1 voters
    It romanticizes the events in China during the Warring States period primarily from the perspective of the Qin state during the reigns of King Huiwen and King Wu. During the Warring States ...more
  • The Legend

    53. The Legend

    Korean Drama - 2007, 24 episodes
    8.0
    94 points by 1 voters
    This drama portrays the life of the 19th king of Goguryeo, Hwanwoong, who was sent from the heavens to make the world a better place. He falls in love with Saeoh and ...more
  • The Painter of the Wind

    54. The Painter of the Wind

    Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes
    7.9
    94 points by 1 voters
    Shin Yoon Bok is a talented painter who disguises herself as a boy to search for her father's murderer and meets a master painter who guides her into being a great painter. ...more
  • Rookie Agent Rouge

    55. Rookie Agent Rouge

    Chinese Drama - 2016, 45 episodes
    8.1
    94 points by 1 voters
    Lan Yan Zhi is a privileged banker's daughter. She is a genius and has excellent observation and analytical skills along with a very sharp memory. She is not an average person and ...more
  • Queen Insoo

    56. Queen Insoo

    Korean Drama - 2011, 60 episodes
    7.5
    92 points by 1 voters
    Queen Insu (1437~1504) was the wife of king Deok Jong and a daughter of Hanh Wak, the second state councilor. Since the 2nd year of Sung Jong's reign, she was called Queen ...more
  • The King in Love

    57. The King in Love

    Korean Drama - 2017, 40 episodes
    7.7
    89 points by 1 voters
    Wang Won’s father is the king of Goryeo while his mother is the Yuan emperor’s daughter. He was born with many gifts as he has good looks, the wisdom of a snake, ...more

Only the top 100 results will be listed

Nienna's Lists

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HDC Historical Dramas: ROUND 2
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HDC Period Dramas: Round 1
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