Overseasidol.com — iQIYI International has officially released its list of the top 10 most popular Chinese dramas of 2025, revealing a remarkable surge in global interest toward Mandarin-language content.
Announced on January 20, the data shows that iQIYI International recorded a 114.5 percent year-on-year increase in total views, highlighting the growing international appeal of Chinese dramas.
Taking the top spot is the modern romance drama The Best Thing, starring Zhang Linghe and Xu Ruohan.
The series became the most-watched Chinese drama on iQIYI International in 2025, winning over overseas audiences with its heartfelt love story and its refreshing incorporation of traditional Chinese medicine elements into a contemporary setting.
Following closely is the xianxia fantasy drama Moonlight Mystique, led by Bai Lu and Ao Ruipeng.
The series gained strong popularity for breaking away from conventional xianxia formulas, offering emotionally rich characters and a more grounded narrative.
Its innovative approach helped it become the most beloved Chinese fantasy drama among international viewers this year. Historical and costume dramas also performed strongly throughout 2025.
Fated Hearts, starring Li Qin and Chen Zheyuan, along with Coroner’s Diary featuring Li Landi and Ao Ruipeng, captivated global audiences through their blend of mystery, romance, and visually stunning Eastern aesthetics.
Both dramas were praised for their high production quality and engaging storytelling.
Meanwhile, A Dream Within a Dream, starring Li Yitong and Liu Yuning, stood out for its creative use of parallel worlds and metafiction elements, offering international viewers a refreshing alternative to traditional costume dramas.
Other titles completing the top 10 list include Love of the Divine Tree, The White Olive Tree, Feud, Legend of the Female General, and Speed and Love.
Together, these dramas represent a wide range of genres, from fantasy romance and family conflict to heroic epics, underscoring the diversity and creative strength of Chinese drama productions.
The success of these series confirms that Chinese dramas are no longer limited to regional popularity.
