10 Classic Taiwanese Dramas That Will Give You All The Nostalgic Feels

Starring: Barbie Hsu, Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Vanness Wu, Ken Chu, Edward Ou

Episodes: 19

Meteor Garden, an adaptation of Japan’s Hana Yori Dango, was the first remake that left audiences all over Asia smitten. This incredibly popular Taiwanese series, released in 2001, features Barbie Hsu and the then hottest boy band in Taiwan, F4, which included Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu and Vanness Wu.

The storyline, akin to a Cinderella tale, revolves around Shan Cai, a disadvantaged teenage girl who goes to a prestigious university meant for the elite. After defending her friend, she ends up being bullied by F4, a group of affluent, good-looking male students. However, the dynamics shift when Dao Ming Si, the leader of F4 and arguably the school’s most popular student, begins to develop feelings for her.

Although the plot may seem overused, the drama manages to strike a chord with those who are enamored with romantic tales, including those who aspire to be in Shan Cai’s shoes.

Starring: Rainie Yang, Mike He, Kingone Wang, Joyce Tsai, Fion Fu, Masuyama Yuki

Episodes: 20

Devil Beside You is a Taiwanese drama that aired in 2005, and it remains a classic till today, especially for those who grew up watching Taiwanese dramas. The show features Rainie Yang and Mike He, who were among the most popular idols of that era. This drama is known for its captivating plot, charismatic characters, and the intense chemistry between the lead actors.

The story revolves around Qi Yue, played by Rainie Yang, who plans to confess her love to the basketball team captain, Yuan Yi. But by a twist of fate, she mistakenly hands her love letter to the school’s devil, Ah Mon, portrayed by Mike He. Ah Mon, who has a reputation of doing as he pleases, decides to exploit this opportunity for his amusement and ends up falling for Qi Yue instead.

Devil Beside You became an instant hit due to its unique plot, where love blossoms in the most unexpected situations, and it takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. The drama is also remembered for its catchy OSTs, which contributed significantly to the nostalgic feels. Even now, the tunes can transport you back to the early 2000s, making you relive the emotions and memories associated with the drama.

Regardless of how many years have passed, Devil Beside You remains a beloved drama that continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Its engaging storyline, combined with the unforgettable performances by Rainie Yang and Mike He, makes this drama a must-watch for anyone looking to experience the golden era of Taiwanese dramas.

Starring: Ming Dao, Joe Chen, Joyce Zhao, Sam Wang, Gino Tsai, Wang Chuan

Episodes: 20

The Prince Who Turns Into A Frog is a 2005 Taiwanese drama that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, where the improbable becomes believable, and clichés become delightful twists. It’s the perfect antidote for those craving an escapade from the humdrum of everyday life.

The storyline masterfully weaves the classic rich-boy-falls-for-poor-girl trope into a unique narrative. It centers around the dashing Shan Jun Hao, the privileged heir to a grand hotel empire, who experiences an unexpected twist of fate. Ye Tian Yu, a resourceful and underprivileged young woman, inadvertently causes him to lose his memory in a car accident.

The result? A spark of romance that ignites amidst the chaos, setting the stage for a love story that is as enchanting as it is tumultuous. This drama, which made waves across Asia upon its release, served as a launchpad to stardom for its leading actors, Ming Dao and Joe Chen.

Starring: Ariel Lin, Joe Cheng, Jiro Wang, Tiffany Hsu, Cyndi Chao, Zhang Yong Zheng

Episodes: 20

Inspired by the celebrated Japanese manga series, Itazura Na Kiss by Tada Kaoru, the 2005 Taiwanese drama It Started With A Kiss serves as a delightful blast from the past. The drama’s storyline, a charmingly straightforward romantic comedy, is as enchanting as the characters who bring it to life. Ariel Lin masterfully brings to life the character of Yuan Xiang Qin, a lovable klutz, while Joe Cheng expertly portrays the distant and enigmatic Jiang Zhi Shu.

Xiang Qin, who nurtures a profound affection for her high school’s prodigious star and heartthrob, Zhi Shu, experiences a crushing blow when he unfeelingly rejects her. However, in an unexpected twist of fate, their families come to live under the same roof, allowing her unrequited love the chance to blossom into a mutual affection.

The drama struck such a deep chord with audiences that it gave rise to a sequel, They Kiss Again, the following year. The story’s international appeal was further cemented in 2010 when a South Korean adaptation, Playful Kiss, was released to global acclaim.

Starring: Nicholas Teo, Cyndi Wang, Gino Tsai, Joyce Zhao, Di Zhi Jie, Wang Chuan

Episodes: 17

Smiling Pasta, a 2006 Taiwanese drama, was a sensation from the moment it hit the airwaves. The series, known for its flamboyant animations and twisty narratives, was a magnet for audiences, capturing their hearts and minds. Its irresistible charm was so potent that it set a new record, boasting the highest debut ratings in the history of idol dramas.

Notably, the series also broke new ground by casting Malaysian singer, Nicholas Teo, as the lead, a first for a Malaysian in Taiwanese drama.

Teo shared the spotlight with Cyndi Wang, who breathed life into the character of Cheng Xiao Shi, a naive college student. Xiao Shi’s world of tranquillity is shattered when she stumbles upon superstar He Qun, who is on the run from a swarm of paparazzi, leading to an accidental yet intimate kiss.

The unexpected kiss, captured and plastered across newspapers, catapults Xiao Shi into a whirlwind of drama as she is compelled to pose as He Qun’s girlfriend and fiancée to quell the brewing scandal. This twist of fate sets the stage for a love story born from a contract, a tale as unconventional as it is captivating.

Starring: Ella Chen, Wu Chun, Jiro Wang, Danson Tang, Ryan Tang, Nissa Marion, Edison Yang, Ethan Juan

Episodes: 15

In the realm of idol dramas, Hana Kimi is a dazzling gem that is both wildly entertaining and endearingly eccentric. During our teenage years, it was the talk of the town, not just for its riveting narrative, but also for the constellation of heartthrobs that illuminated the screen. This series is a splendid adaptation of the highly-acclaimed Japanese manga, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e by Nakajo Hisaya. It showcases a lineup of some of the era’s most adored idols, including Ella Chen from the celebrated S.H.E, and Wu Chun and Jiro Wang from the renowned band Fahrenheit.

The drama whisks you away on an exhilarating journey starring Lu Rui Xi, a die-hard fan who daringly masquerades as a boy to infiltrate an all-boys school. Why you ask? To meet her idol, the high-jump athlete Zuo Yi Quan. Amid the ensuing pandemonium, she forms an unlikely friendship with Jin Xiu Yi, an effervescent soccer prodigy. Trouble brews when he finds himself entangled in a web of emotions, as he starts falling for the cleverly disguised Rui Xi.

Hana Kimi’s overwhelming success set off a chain reaction, inspiring adaptations in Japan in 2007 and 2011, and a South Korean rendition in 2012.

Starring: Ethan Juan, Joe Chen, Bianca Bai, Baron Chen, Zhong Xin Ling, Bruce Chen

Episodes: 24

Immersing us once again in the timeless tale of a wealthy prince falling for a humble maiden is the iconic Taiwanese drama, Fated To Love You, which was released in 2008. This series, with its nostalgic undertones, remains a cherished gem in the crown of Taiwan’s idol dramas and boasts the highest average viewer ratings in the genre’s history.

The narrative revolves around the unlikely pairing of the ever-so-ordinary Chen Xin Yi, portrayed by Joe Chen, and the affluent heir Ji Cun Xi, brought to life by Ethan Juan. Fate throws them together in a series of unforeseen circumstances during a cruise adventure, leading to an unexpected night of passion. The repercussions are life-altering, with Xin Yi finding herself pregnant, catapulting the duo into an unexpected marital alliance.

What sets Fated To Love You apart from a sea of similar narratives is its unique blend of an unconventional storyline with emotionally rich and authentic character development. The palpable chemistry between the lead characters has a magnetic pull, creating a bond between the audience and the story, and making the viewers deeply invested in the evolving relationship of this unusual couple.

Starring: Vanness Wu, Ady An, Benny Wen, Chris Wu, Tiffany Hsu, Lin Mei Xiu

Episodes: 21

Autumn’s Concerto was a hit among viewers who appreciated intensely emotional dramas, akin to South Korea’s Winter Sonata. The series features Vanness Wu in the role of an esteemed lawyer, Ren Guang Xi, and Ady An as Liang Mu Cheng, a disadvantaged orphan who suffers sexual harassment at the hands of her stepfather. Circumstances bring these two characters together, and they remain supportive through love and hardship. However, when Guang Xi has to have a critical brain surgery, he loses his memory, adding a tragic twist to the story.

It incorporates all the elements necessary for a compelling romantic melodrama to captivate its audience – a storyline that centers around the protagonists battling the world, a dramatic soundtrack, palpable chemistry between the leads, and more.

Starring: Rainie Yang, Show Lo, Lee Wei, Yu Jin, Jennifer Yin, Wang Yue

Episodes: 14

Released in 2009, Hi, My Sweetheart is a radiant jewel in the treasure trove of Taiwanese idol dramas. It features the renowned Rainie Yang, a name synonymous with the Taiwanese drama landscape, brilliantly embodying the feisty persona of Chen Bao Zhu.

Coming to the rescue of a wealthy but socially awkward geek, Xue Hai, magnificently interpreted by Show Lo, Chen becomes his shining knight. Smitten by her, Xue Hai misconstrues a series of events, leading him to believe that his beloved Chen has cast him aside. In an audacious twist, the once timid nerd embarks on a transformative journey, emerging as a charming and attractive man, fueled by a desire for retribution.

The drama was a resounding success, culminating in Rainie Yang’s crowning glory – the Best Actress award at the prestigious 45th Golden Bell Awards, Taiwan’s answer to the US Emmy Awards.

Starring: Aaron Yan, Calvin Chen, Reen Yu, De Xiu Chen, Hong Sheng De, Amber An

Episodes: 13

Love Buffet is a deliciously enticing Taiwanese drama that premiered in 2010, based on the Japanese manga, Parfait Tic! The series is the perfect serving for those who have an appetite for love triangles and a smorgasbord of emotions. It showcases the talents of Aaron Yan and Calvin Chen of the popular Taiwanese band Fahrenheit, who share the screen with Reen Yu.

Xiao Feng, an ordinary college student, finds her peaceful life thrown into a whirlwind of emotions when she becomes neighbors with Yi Cheng and Da Ye, cousins with contrasting personalities. As she navigates through the complex maze of love and friendship, she finds herself drawn towards both men, leading to a series of heartaches, misunderstandings, and a buffet of emotions.

This drama, with its mouth-watering men and captivating storyline, will keep you hooked till the end, leaving you with a taste of nostalgia and a craving for more.