From modern urban romance and crime thrillers to historical and fantasy epics, Chinese drama adaptations continued to dominate screens in 2025. Most big-budget projects were based on popular web novels, but what truly stood out this year was how many adaptations surpassed expectations, earning high Douban scores and strong word-of-mouth praise.
According to Douban, China’s most trusted review platform for film and television, several adaptations scored well above the yearly average some even outperforming heavily promoted star vehicles. From Yang Yang’s high-profile comeback to low-budget sleeper hits, adaptation dramas are proving that mature storytelling and solid execution matter more than hype.
Here are the Top 5 Chinese drama adaptations of 2025 that made the biggest impact.
1. Always Home
Adapted from the novel of the same name by Xiao Ge, this drama became 2025’s biggest surprise hit.
Without a star-studded cast or massive budget, the series won audiences over with its gentle atmosphere and relatable coming-of-age story. Its consistently strong ratings and lack of negative buzz highlighted the power of storytelling and word-of-mouth.
Despite its vague, poetic title reminiscent of youth dramas like Memory Of Encaustic Tile or The White Olive Tree the drama stood out thanks to its light humor, warmth, and emotional sincerity. Lead actors Zhai Xiaowen, Yang Xizi, Zhou Keyu, and He Qiu may not be household names, but their natural performances earned widespread praise.
2. In The Name Of Blossom
Set in the Tang Dynasty, this drama marked the highly anticipated reunion of Yang Zi and Li Xian, becoming one of the year’s brightest highlights.
Unlike traditional romance-driven historical dramas, Flourishing Peonies centers on female entrepreneurship. Yang Zi’s character He Weifang is portrayed as rational, ambitious, and independent breaking away from typical romance tropes. Both her career arc and love story are carefully balanced, giving the character depth and credibility.
As the sequel to Flourished Peony (2024), the drama maintained strong popularity despite being split into multiple broadcast segments due to regulatory guidelines.
3. The Immortal Ascension
This series marked Yang Yang’s return after a two-year hiatus and became one of his most discussed projects.
Adapted from the legendary xianxia novel, the drama follows Han Li, an ordinary man who rises through cultivation to seek immortality. Yang Yang was praised for his improved emotional depth, physicality, and action choreography, especially in martial arts and flight scenes.
While Kim Chen received mixed reactions, the production stood out for its high-quality visual effects and real-location landscapes, featuring grand mountains, rivers, and immersive world-building.
4. The Prisoner of Beauty
Often described as 2025’s dark horse, The Prisoner of Beauty finally aired after being shelved for a long period due to personal controversies involving its female lead Song Zuer.
Adapted from the novel by Penglai Ke, the drama goes beyond a sweet romance by weaving in political intrigue and power struggles, making the plot gripping and suspenseful.
The intense dynamic between Xiao Qiao (Song Zuer) and Wei Shao (Liu Yuning) captivated viewers. Although both actors appeared in other adaptations in 2025, none matched the impact of Bow Down.
5. The First Frost
As the sequel to the hit drama Hidden Love, The First Frost faced immense pressure and constant comparisons upon release.
Based on the popular youth novel series by Zhu Yi, the story of Wen Yifan and Sang Yan attracted massive attention. Lead actors Zhang Ruonan and Bai Jingting received praise not only for their acting but also for their strong visual chemistry.
The drama also stood out for its soundtrack, featuring music by rock band Mayday, along with Zhang Bichen, Mao Buyi, and Wang Sulong, adding emotional depth and memorability.
In 2025, Chinese drama adaptations proved that success no longer depends solely on star power or budget. With refined storytelling, thoughtful character arcs, and faithful yet creative adaptations, these five dramas set a new standard for web-novel adaptations—and raised audience expectations even higher for the years ahead.
Sources: K14