The 80 Best Korean Dramas to Binge-Watch in 2023

If you’re not watching Korean dramas, better known as K-dramas, then you’re missing out in several ways. First, there’s the big-picture, cultural impact to consider: K-dramas and K-movies have become a worldwide phenomenon, and if you’re going to be a pop culture connoisseur/productive denizen of the entertainment-loving internet—and you’re here, so you obviously are both of those things—then you need to be versed in all things K-drama. And then there’s the more important reason to watch Korean dramas: They are addictive and amazing, and you’ll thank yourself for adding them to your pop culture diet.

Known for their interesting storylines and intense (if sometimes predictable) plot twists, Korean dramas can go from super sappy to incredibly heartbreaking to “WTF, what was that?” in a heartbeat. That variety is exactly what keeps viewers coming back for more. Here, we’ve listed the best-ever K-dramas to watch, grouped by the most popular genres—and if you’re well versed in the more established K-dramas, consult our list of the best new Korean shows on Netflix in 2023. (And if you’re looking specifically for the all-time best K-dramas on Netflix or best Korean dramas on Hulu? We’ve got you covered there too.)

Action/Thriller Korean Dramas