Unique Dramas
You know what you're looking for- whether it be a plot or main character or side character(s). I've got you.
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1. Bokura wa Kiseki de Dekite Iru
Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes
Slice of Life genre.
Eccentric Character Check!
10/10 Recommend. Why? It is a relaxing show with a focus on the day-to-day life of one character. Specifically, one very interesting man who is passionate about nature and who lives in it. No drama but simple changes in plot and pace. A wonderful in-depth view of a character- their life and journey. In the show, there is a focus on his teaching at the university and his relationship with his students. I really enjoyed that part of the show a lot. If only, there could have been future seasons where we would continue to see his life and eventually getting into a relationship (possibly) and living his life.
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2. Move to Heaven
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Slice of life genre. Family genre.
10/10 in my book and I never give high ratings easily. If you are looking to be reminded of the best of humanity, you are in the right place. All of the characters felt incredibly real. To me, this show while sad at times (not depressing though!) was a slice of life for me. There are really good lessons to be taken from this drama without being overly preachy or falling flat. The main character is one I would love to see continue to grow as an adult, he is only 20 years old at this point but I would love to watch his story continue. His character, relationships, and work are all very interesting.
PLEASE LET THE SHOW CONTINUE WITH A SECOND SEASON. <3 -
3. Yumi's Cells
Korean Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
Slice of Life genre and Romance Genre!
Absolutely brilliant! I did not realize the significance of the beginning of the cells and showing the inner workings of her mind and feelings. This was more than a romance story and I am glad there will be a season 2 and 3 tracking her relationships till marriage but more importantly, her growth! So much fun. The romance is fluffy but real too.
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4. Boku no Aruku Michi
Japanese Drama - 2006, 11 episodes
Slice of life genre.
"Autism is not easy to understand because if there are ten autistic people, there are ten cases. You have to learn each case otherwise, you'd be lost completely. Here's a 31-year old autistic man whose intelligence is only of a 10-year old child. Due to the lack of understanding, people around him get confused and sometimes mad at him. His family watches over him warmly, and with the help of his childhood friend, he opens up his world little by little, but basically, he just keeps on walking his own way. This heartwarming drama follows his life and how people around him change their views and actually learn from him."
My opinion- Wow! Incredible. The story was incredibly well-written and detailed. I loved how supportive his family members were, some more than others, and the focus of his growth and the effect of his presence on other people.
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5. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
Romance and Law Genres
I can't wait for the second season in 2024! The main character was amazing and very lovable. The romance was brilliant. Romance was not at the center of this show but when there were scenes, they were memorable. Their love was portrayed as pure but not without its challenges (the relationship). It was brilliantly written and acted. This drama was full of heart and good comedy too!
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6. Ooku: The Inner Chamber
Japanese Drama - 2012, 10 episodes
Historical genre, Romance genre
This was absolutely brilliant for me. The main character was meant to be good-natured and stand out from the people involved in court drama/backstabbing and it was executed well. Better than the main character (in writing) of The Virtuous Queen of Han. The premise of a gender swap in positions of power due to a plague only affecting men was interesting. The characters were all fleshed out and the romance was believable incl. the historically accurate age gap.
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7. Tengoku to Jigoku: Psychona Futari
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Supernatural genre.
Storyline is not as black and white as the summary will have you believe. Twists and turns along the way. Excellent writing! Wish there was romance confirmed at the end.
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8. New Life Begins
Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes
Slice of life and Historical Genre!
I don’t think I’ve ever watched a palace drama with slice of life. It was amazing! The acting all around was phenomenal. The characters were all fleshed out. The main actor was very expressive and had great micro-expressions. The relationship timeline was believable. The side characters Si Si and Seventh Prince as a couple stole some of the limelight. Overall, very heartwarming.
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9. Brush Up Life
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
Time Loop and Slice of Life genre
A comedy focusing on Kondo Asami, a 33-year-old single woman who lives with her parents and works at the local city hall, and suddenly finds herself starting her life over from scratch. It happens out of a sudden and Asami finds herself on a bed in an obstetrics and gynecology clinic, where she meets her young parents and begins her life all over again.
My take- The characters felt real and the story never got boring. Strongly centered around friendship.
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10. Spring Turns to Spring
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
Body Swap + Comedy genre
The writing is phenomenal. The main leads are interesting and have their own differing personalities. It was very fun to watch.
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11. Suzuki Sensei
Japanese Drama - 2011, 10 episodes
School Drama and Psychological Genre
I found his educational philosophy interesting! And his girlfriend, her character, was cool. His character is not supposed to be perfect, he has his own opinions about ethics, but he doesn't try to push it on the students. Slightly shocking as the stories are pretty realistic to middle schoolers, but the logic is there for sure in how to solve the problems that arise.
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12. Scent of Time
Chinese Drama - 2023, 30 episodes
Time Travel Genre.
The female lead is originally the villain. Set in historical times.
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13. Mystic Pop-Up Bar
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Supernatural and Friendship Genre.
The writing is amazing and you will fall in love with the main characters' friendship. The supernatural aspect is not gory and it's not depressing when they are helping people with their problems. Historical/Period aspect as well if you like watching historical dramas. There is romance too!
Featured in an article titled, "Found Family: My Favorite Trope" by kie. Check it out!
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14. Work Later, Drink Now
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Slice of life genre
I loved the girls' friendship. The characters were all unique in their own way and they felt like real people. I thought it would encourage drinking but it didn't really do that.
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15. Work Later, Drink Now Season 2
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Slice of life genre
The characters once again felt real in season 2. People with flaws. I loved it! I'm hoping for a season 3.
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16. Rokuhodo Yotsuiro Biyori
Japanese Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
Slice of Life genre and Friendship genre
Loved the friendship theme. Heartwarming story. Lovely characters :) and the backdrop of a stunning traditional Japanese inn. Based on a manga and anime adaption.
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17. Kurokawa no Techo
Japanese Drama - 2017, 8 episodes
Suspense/Blackmail Drama-
Watchable for those who can't stomach evil main characters and storyline. She toes the gray area, as she only messes with people who have already broken the law, done bad deeds. Ambitious and unafraid of showing that side of herself. Unique Plot! Interesting to the very end AND a side romance. AND the fashion is great.
Check it out! Watch it for the bad but so-good female lead!
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18. Juhan Shuttai!
Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
Slice of life genre and Comedy genre
On the surface, the show looks like a typical slice of life work-centered drama but actually, it has a lot of depth. The main character's personality was bubbly but believable and not annoying. I never got bored of watching the show even though it is episodic.
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19. Pegasus Market
Korean Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
Revenge + Workplace Genre
Picture this y'all- The main character who is a "bad" (not really) guy who through his actions to cause chaos, does good deeds unintentionally - slowly transforms to become the good guy he can be. Life lessons are subtly involved in the plot, but overall this is a Laugh Out Loud Comedy. :) with a dash of romance.
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20. xxxHolic
Japanese Drama - 2013, 8 episodes
Supernatural/Suspense Genre-
As a person who doesn't like watching scary movies or ones with violence, I still liked this one anyway for its "Dark Fantasy" plot. Pretty fluffy in comparison to a rated R horror film. Loved how in the drama/manga/anime, the main character and the love interest both like each other from the beginning- and it is set as destined- plus how BOTH of them have a dark past and involvement in the supernatural. Super unique in my opinion. I have never seen the anime or read the manga, gonna start soon.
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21. Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store
Japanese Drama - 2016, 10 episodes
Slice of Life, Workplace Genre
Unique storyline and humor presented (to American audiences). Eccentric Character! The male lead and other characters. Wacky in a good way!
"Matsukoma-kun, a veteran part-timer and jobless university graduate, finds himself stressed and twisted around by Nietzsche-sensei, his new colleague at the convenience store. Also known as Nii Tomoharu, Nietzsche-sensei is a university student studying Buddhism who has a peculiar way of serving customers."
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22. Mokomi: Kanojo Chotto Hendakedo
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Family Drama.
Eccentric Female Lead Check!
Solid 7. Lots of character growth of the whole family. Had potential, but did not execute very well towards the end. A dash of magic- you'll see.
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23. The School Nurse Files
Korean Drama - 2020, 6 episodes
Supernatural and School genre.
Main points go toward writers' creativity and creation of their world with "jellies". The plot was a little rough around the edges. Slight romance. I watched mainly for the ML. I thought he was interesting- but like the FL, could have been fleshed out more with 1 or 2 more episodes.
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24. Edo Moiselle: Reiwa de Koi, Itashinsu
Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
Time Travel genre.
Silly and fun. Strong female lead. Unique plot.