The 15 Best K-Dramas of All Time, Ranked: From “Reply 1988” to “Squid Game”
From emotional romances to nail-biting thrillers, Korean dramas have taken the world by storm. Here’s a definitive ranking of the 15 best K-dramas ever made — shows that redefined storytelling, captured global audiences, and showcased the brilliance of South Korean television.
From the nostalgia of “Reply 1988” to the intensity of “Squid Game,” K-dramas have become a global cultural force that continues to win hearts worldwide.
Korean entertainment has not only been heard, but it has also been seen all over the world, thanks to the global popularity of K-pop and the winning of Oscars by films like Parasite. But K-dramas—their emotional tales, the theater's spectacular view, and the variety of genres combined—have undoubtedly won the most viewers all around the world. No matter what you are looking for in Korean dramas; be it love stories with a happy ending, gripping revenge thrillers, or magnificent historical tales, you are going to find one that suits your taste.
Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, the so-called "streaming giants", have played a significant role in the K-drama boom besides the fact that they are producing really good originals, thus making the K-wave continue to rise globally. Our selection of the 15 best K-dramas ever made is here, ranging from breathtaking first timers to ageless classics, the list is in order according to ranking.
15. Mercy for None (Netflix, 2025)
A hard-hitting revenge thriller starring So Ji-sub as Nam Gi-jun, a retired gang enforcer drawn back into the underworld after his brother’s murder. Brutal, stylish, and emotional, this seven-episode masterpiece delivers relentless action and one of the best fight sequences since Oldboy.
14. Mr. Plankton (Netflix, 2024)
Starring Woo Do-hwan and Lee Yoo-mi, this bittersweet romantic comedy follows a terminally ill man who reconnects with his ex-girlfriend while searching for his father. Balancing laughter with heartbreak, Mr. Plankton celebrates love, loss, and second chances.
13. Tastefully Yours (ENA, 2025)
Corporate executive Han Beom-woo (Kang Ha-neul) meets his match in small-town chef Mo Yeon-joo (Go Min-si). What begins as deception turns into a tender romance set against mouthwatering culinary backdrops. A must-watch for food and love enthusiasts alike.
12. Itaewon Class (JTBC, 2020)
A modern classic starring Park Seo-joon as an ex-con who builds a restaurant empire to avenge his father’s death. With themes of revenge, ambition, and found family, Itaewon Class remains one of the most inspiring underdog stories in K-drama history.
11. The King’s Affection (KBS2, 2021)
In this beautifully staged Joseon-era drama, Park Eun-bin plays a princess disguising herself as her deceased twin brother. Progressive, funny, and romantic, The King’s Affection blends gender-bending drama with emotional storytelling.
10. Weak Hero (Netflix, 2022–)
A gritty adaptation of the popular webtoon, Weak Hero follows an academically gifted but physically frail student who fights back against bullies using intellect and ingenuity. Dark, intense, and deeply human.
9. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? (tvN, 2018)
A corporate rom-com where narcissistic boss Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon) discovers his true feelings after his long-time secretary Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young) resigns. Funny, flirty, and irresistibly charming.
8. Kingdom (Netflix, 2019)
A thrilling zombie epic set in 17th-century Korea. Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) faces political betrayal and a terrifying plague that threatens his kingdom. Kingdom reinvented zombie horror with stunning period visuals and royal intrigue.
7. Business Proposal (SBS, 2022)
Office worker Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) impersonates her friend on a blind date — only to discover her date is her company’s CEO (Ahn Hyo-seop). Witty, romantic, and full of delightful chaos, Business Proposal redefined the modern rom-com.
6. Bloodhounds (Netflix, 2023)
A pulse-pounding action thriller about two boxers (Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi) who take on a ruthless loan shark. Combining explosive fight sequences with emotional storytelling, Bloodhounds is pure adrenaline.
5. Crash Landing on You (tvN, 2019)
One of the most beloved K-dramas of all time. South Korean heiress Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) accidentally lands in North Korea and falls in love with soldier Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin). Equal parts romantic, funny, and thrilling — a global sensation.
4. The Glory (Netflix, 2022)
A chilling revenge saga starring Song Hye-kyo as a woman who plots vengeance against her high school bullies. Gripping, emotional, and psychologically sharp, The Glory is Netflix’s best revenge drama to date.
3. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (ENA, 2022)
Park Eun-bin shines as Woo Young-woo, a brilliant lawyer on the autism spectrum. Heartfelt and empowering, the show’s blend of humor and humanity made it a worldwide hit — and a major step forward for representation in K-dramas.
2. Squid Game (Netflix, 2021)
The series that changed everything. Lee Jung-jae stars as a desperate man drawn into deadly childhood games for a massive cash prize. Squid Game’s sharp social commentary and unforgettable imagery made it a global cultural phenomenon.
1. Reply 1988 (tvN, 2015)
A nostalgic masterpiece capturing friendship, family, and youth in 1980s Seoul. With unforgettable performances and heartfelt storytelling, Reply 1988 remains the most universally loved K-drama of all time — a perfect blend of humor, warmth, and emotion.
