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| Holiday Szn Watchlist: Top Chinese Sci-Fi Dramas with Strong Ratings (Photo: Weibo/iQIYI/Youku) |
It’s holiday szn! Got any watchlist? No? Don’t worry about it. China’s entertainment scene has been popping off lately, and sci-fi is easily one of the genres fans can’t get enough of. Mixing science, imagination, and cinematic flair, Chinese sci-fi dramas have carved out their own loyal fanbase — and with holiday season officially rolling in, there’s no better time to stack your watchlist.
These titles don’t just offer glossy visuals or futuristic tech. Many of them tap into big themes — family, choice, consequence, time, and the mystery of the unknown.
Top 10 Chinese Sci-Fi Dramas That Mix Imagination and High Ratings
From time travel chaos to parallel-world problems, here are ten high-rated sci-fi C-dramas you should definitely check out.
The Heart of Genius – Warm Time Travel With an Emotional Punch (Rating: 8.1)
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The Heart of Genius brings a heartfelt twist to time travel. Zhang Zifeng stars as Lin Zhao Xi, who unexpectedly slips back into the past and meets her father Lin Chao (played by Lei Jiayin) during his youth.
Rather than focusing on flashy tech, the drama digs into how revisiting the past forces her to question choices, family bonds, and what truly shapes a person’s future. Think gentle sci-fi with a nostalgic core — perfect for a quiet holiday night.
Rattan – Fantasy Meets Sci-Fi With a Supernatural Edge (Rating: 8.1)
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If you want something stylish and a bit mysterious, Rattan hits the spot. Jing Tian plays Si Teng, a supernatural being awakened after decades of silence, thanks to Qin Fang (Vin Zhang Binbin), who stumbles into her world by pure accident.
The drama blends ancient powers, modern settings, and sci-fi threads tied to non-human biology — resulting in a moody, atmospheric tale that’s part fantasy and part tech-laced mystery.
I Belonged to Your World – A Heartfelt Do-Over Through Time (Rating: 8.2)
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Starring Qi YanDi and Liu YiTong, I Belonged to Your World centres on a wealthy young woman who gets a second chance to rewrite her life.
This isn’t your typical flashy sci-fi — it’s a softer, character-driven story about fate, second chances, and the emotional cost of changing the past. If you love time travel with heart, this one’s a breezy, enjoyable pick.
Love in Time – Romance That Bends Time Itself (Rating: 8.2)
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For those who like a bit of sugar with their sci-fi, Love in Time is a cosy blend of romance and time-related mysteries. Yang XuWen and Julia Xiang Hanzhi lead a story where timelines and emotional choices collide.
Expect the classic “love across time” vibe, mixed with challenges that come from trying to hold onto someone when your worlds literally don’t align.
Mobius – A Slick Time-Bending Detective Thriller for 2025 (Rating: 8.2)
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Mobius, set to hook viewers in 2025, stars Bai Jingting and Janice Man in a tense, twisty detective tale. The lead detective accidentally uncovers a way to reverse time, setting off a chain of mind-bending events.
Between crime, logic puzzles, and time glitches, this drama promises a smart, tightly woven thriller that sci-fi fans will enjoy.
Three-Body – China’s Ambitious Sci-Fi Adaptation That Lives Up to the Hype (Rating: 8.2)
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Adapted from Liu Cixin’s internationally acclaimed novel, Three-Body is easily one of China’s most ambitious sci-fi projects.
Led by Edward Zhang and Yu HeWei, the story follows a detective and a physicist investigating mysterious scientist deaths, only to uncover a virtual-reality game tied to an alien civilisation.
The drama leans into theoretical physics, existential questions, and first-contact tension — ideal for viewers craving bigger-scale sci-fi.
The Seven Relics of Ill Omen – 2025’s Rising Sci-Fi Standout (Rating: 8.3)
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One of the most anticipated 2025 releases, The Seven Relics of Ill Omen stars Song WeiLong and Liu Haocun.
The story follows five ordinary but determined youths who must face a global crisis after a strange substance descends upon Earth. With strong world-building and youthful energy, this one brings adventure, teamwork, and environmental stakes.
Filter – Futuristic Tech With a Stylish Twist (Rating: 8.3)
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Another contender, Filter explores tech-enhanced identity through a mysterious high-tech bracelet that can alter one’s appearance.
Li Landi stars as Su ChengCheng, a young woman whose life takes a sharp turn after discovering this advanced device.
Expect sleek visuals, social commentary, and a modern take on how technology can reshape — or complicate — personal identity.
Cross Fire – E-Sports, Friendship, and Sci-Fi Connection (Rating: 8.5)
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One of the most well-loved modern C-dramas, Cross Fire blends e-sports passion with an unexpected sci-fi twist.
Lu Han plays XiaoFeng, a 2008 e-sports captain, while Leo Wu Lei stars as Lu Xiao Bei, a 2019 gaming prodigy. The two form a connection through the game Cross Fire, allowing them to influence each other across time.
It’s energetic, emotional, and easily one of the strongest entries on this list.
Reset – A Tense Time Loop Thriller That Became a Hit (Rating: 9.0)
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Topping the list is Reset, a gripping time-loop drama featuring Bai Jingting and Zhao JinMai.
After a bus accident traps them in an endless loop, the two leads must relive the same events over and over, racing to uncover the truth and prevent disaster. With sharp pacing, clever twists, and a near-perfect structure, Reset is a modern C-drama classic and a must-watch for sci-fi lovers.