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| Netflix Reveals 2025’s Most-Watched Chinese-Language Dramas, The First Frost Dominates Global Viewership (Photo: Weibo) |
Netflix has officially dropped its 2025 list of the most popular Chinese-language dramas worldwide, and the results say a lot about what global audiences are really pressing play on. From soft-focus romance to emotionally driven mystery, last year’s competition was fierce, with mainland Chinese and Taiwanese productions battling it out for international attention. Still, one title clearly pulled ahead of the pack and turned itself into a full-blown streaming moment.
Sitting comfortably at number one is The First Frost (难哄), which clocked an impressive 6.1 million views over the year. Starring Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan, the romance drama didn’t just lead the rankings, it lapped the competition. Its quiet emotional pacing, dreamy visuals, and relatable relationship arc helped it travel well beyond its core fanbase, especially among international viewers who favour character-driven love stories.
What’s even more interesting is the knock-on effect. The drama’s success gave new life to its “sister” series Hidden Love (偷偷藏不住).
Although the show first aired in 2023, it surged back into the spotlight and claimed second place with 3.3 million views. The renewed attention proved that strong romantic storytelling has a long shelf life when the chemistry and writing land just right.
Costume romance also held its ground. Perfect Match (五福臨門) secured third place with 3 million views, confirming that traditional settings paired with youthful casting still resonate strongly on Netflix’s global platform.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese productions continued to punch above their weight, showing impressive range across mystery, romance, and slice-of-life genres.
Among them, Had I Not Seen the Sun (如果我不曾見過太陽) placed fourth with 2.9 million views, drawing praise for its layered storytelling and emotional depth.
The Resurrected (回魂計) followed in fifth place with 2.4 million views, standing out for its strong performances and tightly written mystery narrative. Taiwanese dramas didn’t just show up, they stayed competitive across the board.
Campus romance also made a surprise impact. When I Fly Towards You (當我飛奔向你) landed sixth place with 2.1 million views, proving that nostalgic school love stories still have wide appeal.
Close behind, I Am Married… But! (童話故事下集) matched the same view count, offering a lighter, more grounded take on relationships that connected well with mature audiences.
Further down the list, The Story of Pearl Girl (珠簾玉幕) reached eighth place with 1.8 million views, followed by Ski Into Love (噓，國王在冬眠) and Love in the Clouds (入青雲), both continuing the trend of romance-led storytelling dominating Netflix’s Chinese-language catalogue.
One notable takeaway from the ranking is the visibility of certain actresses appearing multiple times across the top ten. Zhao Lusi, Ko Chia-yen, Lu Yuxiao, and Zhang Miaoyi each had two dramas on the list, reinforcing their strong pull with viewers and their growing influence in shaping viewing trends.
Netflix 2025 Most Popular Chinese-Language Dramas by Times Viewed
- The First Frost – 6.1 million
- Hidden Love – 3.3 million
- Perfect Match – 3 million
- Had I Not Seen the Sun – 2.9 million
- The Resurrected – 2.4 million
- When I Fly Towards You – 2.1 million
- I Am Married… But! – 2.1 million
- The Story of Pearl Girl – 1.8 million
- Ski Into Love – 1.7 million
- Love in the Clouds – 1.6 million
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Online reactions to the list were lively and divided. Many fans weren’t surprised to see The First Frost sitting at the top, calling it “quietly addictive” and praising its emotional realism.
Others were more excited by the comeback of Hidden Love, with viewers noting how newer fans discovered it through recommendation algorithms after finishing its sister drama.
Taiwanese dramas also earned a wave of respect online, with netizens pointing out their consistent quality and willingness to explore more grounded emotional themes.
Some viewers, however, felt a few darker mystery titles deserved even higher spots, sparking debates across comment sections and fan communities.
Overall, the ranking reinforces one clear pattern: romance remains the safest and strongest genre on Netflix, but mystery-driven Taiwanese series are no longer niche contenders, they’re serious competition.
Now the question is over to you. Which drama on this list truly deserved its ranking, and which one do you think was quietly overlooked?