 |
| Top 10 Most Popular Chinese Dramas on iQIYI International in 2025 (Photo: iQIYI) |
Chinese dramas had a seriously big year on the global stage, and iQIYI International has the numbers to prove it. On 20 January, the streaming platform officially revealed its list of the 10 most popular Chinese dramas of 2025, confirming what many international viewers already felt: C-dramas are no longer niche viewing, they are fully mainstream worldwide.
According to iQIYI International, total annual views jumped by a striking 114.5 per cent compared to last year, highlighting a sharp rise in overseas appetite for Mandarin-language content. From modern romance to xianxia fantasy and costume mysteries, 2025 turned into a breakout year for Chinese storytelling beyond Asia.
The Best Thing Becomes iQIYI’s Global Favourite of 2025
Topping the list is the modern romantic drama The Best Thing, starring Zhang Linghe and Xu Ruohan. The series emerged as the most-watched Chinese drama on iQIYI International throughout 2025, winning over viewers with its gentle pacing, emotional warmth, and refreshing narrative choices.
What truly set The Best Thing apart was its subtle integration of traditional Chinese medicine culture into a contemporary romance. Fans praised the drama for being soothing rather than overdramatic, offering emotional depth without feeling heavy, which made it especially popular with international audiences looking for comfort-watch material.
Moonlight Mystique Redefines Xianxia for Global Audiences
Coming in second, Moonlight Mystique, led by Bai Lu and Ao Ruipeng, proved that xianxia dramas still have plenty of room to evolve. Rather than relying on familiar genre formulas, the series delivered more grounded character arcs, emotionally driven conflicts, and a less predictable storyline.
Thanks to this fresh approach, Moonlight Mystique was officially recognised as the most loved xianxia drama among iQIYI International users in 2025, gaining strong traction in both Asian and Western markets.
Costume and Historical Dramas Continue to Dominate
Historical and costume dramas remained a powerful force in the global rankings. Fated Hearts, starring Li Qin and Chen Zheyuan, and Coroner’s Diary, featuring Li Landi and Ao Ruipeng, both attracted viewers with their blend of mystery, romance, and refined Eastern aesthetics.
International viewers responded positively to the strong production values, intricate plots, and visually rich storytelling, reinforcing the global appeal of Chinese period dramas when executed with care and creativity.
Parallel Worlds and Creative Risks Pay Off
Meanwhile, A Dream Within a Dream, starring Li Yitong and Liu Yuning, demonstrated that experimental concepts still resonate with overseas audiences. With its parallel-world setting and metafictional structure, the drama stood out as a bold departure from conventional costume dramas.
Many viewers described it as imaginative and thought-provoking, praising its layered storytelling and willingness to play with narrative boundaries.
Full List: Top 10 Popular Chinese Dramas on iQIYI International in 2025
 |
| The Best Thing Tops iQIYI’s List of Most Popular Chinese Dramas in 2025 |
-
The Best Thing
-
Moonlight Mystique
-
Fated Hearts
-
Coroner’s Diary
-
A Dream Within a Dream
-
Love of the Divine Tree
-
The White Olive Tree
-
Feud
-
Legend of the Female General
-
Speed and Love
Each title brought something different to the table, from fantasy romance and family conflict to heroic tales and emotional realism, showing just how flexible and diverse the Chinese drama industry has become.
Online reactions to the list have been mixed but lively. Some fans celebrated The Best Thing’s top ranking, calling it a well-earned win for soft, emotionally grounded storytelling. Others argued that Moonlight Mystique deserved the number one spot for pushing genre boundaries.
There were also discussions around the balance between comfort dramas and high-concept productions, with netizens split on whether international audiences now prefer familiarity or innovation. What most viewers agreed on, however, is that 2025 felt like a turning point for Chinese dramas on the global scene.
Now the real question is: which of these dramas was your personal favourite, and which one do you think should have ranked higher?