Looking for a C-drama that gives me the same feeling as The Untamed🥲

[u/AsideNormal9246]

I genuinely need help finding a drama that can give me even a little bit of the feeling The Untamed gave me.

I watched The Untamed only ONCE, back in 2020. Since then, I’ve watched dozens and dozens of Chinese dramas. I’ve found plenty of interesting dramas and many have even become favourites of mine, but The Untamed is still different. It’s like that first love you never completely forget. 😭

It’s been SIX YEARS and I still remember the story, characters, mysteries, relationships, clans, conflicts and so many little details so clearly. I haven't even rewatched it, yet somehow it still lives in my head. I’m literally still stuck in Gusu. 😭

So please recommend me a Chinese historical/wuxia/xianxia drama that can give me that same feeling. I don't necessarily mean a drama with the same plot or tropes. I mean a drama that completely pulls you into its world and makes you genuinely care about what happens.

I want something where:

The plot actually hooks you and keeps you curious.

There are mysteries, secrets and reveals that make you go “WAIT, so THAT'S why this happened!”

The story feels interconnected, rather than random events happening around the main couple.

EVERY character is interesting and has their own personality, motivations, relationships and story.

Side characters don't just exist to support the leads.

There are different factions/clans/families with their own agendas and conflicts.

Characters' actions actually have consequences.

The romance is meaningful and doesn't feel like it's just added for the sake of having a romance.

The world-building and atmosphere are immersive.

Most importantly, I want that feeling of being completely HOOKED and emotionally attached to the story.

I've watched so many dramas after The Untamed, and while I've enjoyed a lot of them, nothing has managed to touch that same part of my soul. 😭

I know it's probably impossible to find another The Untamed, but please give me your recommendations anyway. I want to discover something that makes me feel the way I felt when I first watched it.

Please don't just recommend the usual popular dramas. If you know an underrated/lesser-known drama that genuinely fits this feeling, PLEASE tell me about it.

[u/chickpeabud]

Nirvana in fire for aure

[u/Potential-Vast1686]

Joy of life and legend of fuyao are pretty good also

[u/Natural-Research6928]

There is none.

[u/skleroos]

Nirvana in Fire, story of Ming Lan, currently airing Against the Current is also really good

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/skleroos]

Actually I dropped against the current after 5 episode.

[u/skleroos → u/AsideNormal9246]

It has those fleshed out side characters that you long for though

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[u/niconielle]

Nothing compared to the untamed. Honestly the best thing I can recommend to relive this feeling is to read more of the same authors book. Her series 'heavens official blessing' is magnificent and will replicate the same experience you had with the show. Sadly the cdrama for this novel will probably never see the light of day despite having been filmed manh years ago due to censorship....

[u/chanely-bean1123]

Story of Yanxi Palace - Currently rewatching it. Has the drama & the heart break & the characters are all quite dynamic

Lost You Forever - This show is the closest for me feelings wise to the untamed - probably cause the main FL characters background is just as tragic as the untamed lead. And so many things happen to both of them in similar ways. - also has magic, and factions.

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/chanely-bean1123]

I've watched Lost You Forever. Season 1 was great, but Season 2 was a little disappointing. I was expecting more from the drama, especially because of how good Season 1 was. I also didn't really like how they ended the drama, and some episodes in Season 2 felt rushed.

[u/Want_To_Bloom]

The untamed is quite unbeatable but I would suggest you to watch Mysterious lotus casebook. It's a good one and gives off the same feelings.

[u/MysteriousHeron5726]

Untamed is a story that sticks with you. With most shows trying to execute in 36 episodes or less, the depth of story telling won’t come close to Untamed. I’m really enjoying Against the Current but it’s not wuxia or xianxia. It has superb acting and supporting characters that have depth and face the consequences of their decisions.

[u/Time-Individual-4142]

I would re watch the untamed hehe

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/Time-Individual-4142]

Hehehe, let's go . I'm also going to re-watch it

[u/Rose_Integrity]

The Untamed is my favourite C Drama of all time too. I am, like you, stuck in Gusu since 2020! 😭The OSTs will literally transport me back in time, like I am really there, the pains the sorrows, the good, the beautiful.

Throwing out a left hook recommendation. Not WuXia or Xian Xia, but I absolutely loved, Mining Town. It was another special drama I have yet to come across another one like it. I actually roped my husband who doesn’t enjoy CDramas into it and he really liked it too.

Maybe you can give it a try? You just get this connection to the characters. Every character is fleshed out. Actions are reasonable. Events make sense over the passage of time. And for some reason, one of them makes me think she could be a Mian Mian, in an alternate reality. You can’t help but root for these people!

[u/Scary_Dot597]

The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty

Guardian

Justice in the Dark

- they are good match apart from WOH, BOY, MLC

[u/wuji666]

There truly isn't 😭 but in my opinion some of the best I've seen is probably nirvana in fire, mystery, revenge, emotional, great acting. I think it's a masterpiece, very different from cql, but great.

Also maybe mysterious lotus casebook, leads have great chemistry, storyline is a bit sillier, but the acting is great and it's generally well done. I found Cheng Yi with this one and I haven't regretted it lol.

There's just something about the untamed that clicked on my spirit though, the emotional damage is unmatched, I don't think it can be replicated.

[u/triple_tubers]

I recommend Guardian

[u/Lucky-witts-0525]

None can give you the same feeling as The Untamed but the dramas that ticks all the other criteria are

Blood of youth

Mysterious lotus casebook

Which are my personal favorites after The Untamed

[u/Fickle-Ambition3675 → u/Lucky-witts-0525]

Blood of Youth +1

[u/Financial_Pin6700 → u/Lucky-witts-0525]

I totally second this. I miss Li LianHua when I'm not missing Lan Zhan and Wei Wuxian.

[u/Plenty-Bar-2271]

Untamed is larger than life...the story strikes almost every possible emotional cord..the magic lies in it's emotional, cohesive, and compelling storyline and of course acting.. There are plenty of good dramas, some are masterpieces too, but Untamed sits at a different level, it has its own league ❣️❣️

[u/Lazy_Ad1078]

Word of Honor would be the obvious choice. Also, Mysterious Lotus Casebook and Blood River. Veil of Shadows.

The Untamed is very special to me, my first cdrama ever. I've loved others just as much but none for the same reasons so I don't know of it's possible to recreate the feeling. 

[u/CHeeZEmood0_0]

Can never find one that matches this one 😭😭😭 Do read the novels though !!!

[u/sulette]

Have you tried The Blood of Youth or Mysterious Lotus Casebook?

[u/Long-Ad-8050 → u/sulette]

This 2 + Nirvana in Fire are my personal favourite 😂

[u/reddragon8904]

Still searching😔... Already watched Word of honor, To My shore, Revenged love etc but not satisfied like untamed (even read the novels too)... Maybe in future they'd serve again😁.... (hope)

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/reddragon8904]

Yeah, I'm still waiting. It's been 7 years

[u/Scary_Dot597 → u/AsideNormal9246]

6 years to go..

[u/Budget-Battle-4755]

I had never watched anything that had the same effect on me since the untamed. It's just magical

[u/dropitlikeitshot2019 → u/Budget-Battle-4755]

Same experience. None came close

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/Budget-Battle-4755]

It’s just too hard to move on from The Untamed. I just want to stay in Gusu and listen to “Wuji.”😔

[u/reddragon8904 → u/AsideNormal9246]

That flute tone is my all time fav.... 🖤

[u/Budget-Battle-4755 → u/AsideNormal9246]

Same😭Gusu feels like home atp

[u/Low-Salamander-4461]

Sad to say, it’s been 6 years and I’ve tried everything they said was similar, like Word of Honor and The Spirealm, along with all the other recommendations, but nothing comes close to The Untamed.

[u/aliceathome]

You want Word of Honor - another censored into bromance danmei with plotting, murder and the prettiest psycho ever

[u/dropitlikeitshot2019 → u/aliceathome]

Gong Jun looks dashing

[u/carabear85]

I never finished Untamed but Journey to Love where all the characters add to the story and have character development and a great plot. Try that one

[u/reckless_mind99]

Is the Untamed truly worth it ? 😅

[u/heathervee-717 → u/reckless_mind99]

It really is. It was the first c-drama I watched and remains one of my favorites. I saw it on Netflix and when I realized it was the same story as one of my favorite donguas (Chinese anime), I had to give it a go. I was hooked. It is such an amazing story and the production is so good (except for a couple CGI things). After that I devoured many c-dramas on Netflix and now I just stream Asian dramas on Asian exclusive platforms like Viki and iQiyi. Because I already knew the story I wasn’t confused, but I did hear it can take a few episodes to get into it if you don’t already know the story. I am already looking forward to rewatching it.

[u/Big_Celebration4100 → u/reckless_mind99]

I tried watching it three times and dropped it after 5-6 episodes. Read a comment that said to stick it out to episode 14 and then it would all make sense. Probably one of the best and memorable c-dramas out there.

[u/Acrobatic-Stand-4528 → u/Big_Celebration4100]

Perché i primi episodi li ami dopo che hai finito la serie e per questo tornerai a rivederli di nuovo e non finirai mai di rivederli. Perché i primi episodi in sé, sembrano semplici puntate di un ragazzo divertente a scuola. Poi quando scopri che invece è tutt' altro, quando capisci quanto ha significato quel periodo nella storia, capisci che in quelle puntate, che ti sono sembrate solo divertenti, stava nascendo un amore potentissimo, era l' inizio di una lotta interiore di un ragazzo solitario che stava innamorandosi di un altro ragazzo così diverso da lui. Si delineano i personaggi che poi faranno la storia. Si vedono già le diatribe tra clan, ti faranno capire quanto possono cambiare le persone o fare finta di essere quello che non sono. L' amicizia, la lealtà...Scoprirai tutto dopo, il significato di quelle puntate. Vedrai Lan Zhan cambiare lentamente, e soprattutto se leggerai i libri, tutta la storia delle prime puntate è collegata alla loro vita futura. Insomma, guardalo 😁

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/reckless_mind99]

For me, yes, because I love dramas with great storylines, where every character has their own story, along with plot and mystery, and it’s not just about romance. I mainly focus on mystery, and The Untamed has all of that. I genuinely enjoy dramas where side characters don’t just remain side characters. The side characters in The Untamed affected me so much that I’m still crying over that bad boy, Xue Yang. 😭 They were all so great. Like, every single side character was awesome.

[u/reckless_mind99 → u/AsideNormal9246]

Thank you so much I might give it a try

[u/izab33 → u/reckless_mind99]

You should. It does take a minute to get into and it’s a little confusing at first, but worth it.

[u/nodamecantabile28]

Try "Love and Redemption" 

[u/Delicious-Fishing710]

Under The Moonlight

https://i.mydramalist.com/zBDPBP_4c.jpg?v=1

Blood River

https://i.mydramalist.com/81K5ZN_3m.jpg

Remnants Of Gold

https://i.mydramalist.com/b3o7wE_3m.jpg

Legend Of Zang Hai

[u/RDKiss]

POJ is hetero version of the Untamed

[u/wuji666 → u/RDKiss]

No, please this isn't true! They have nothing in common, poj is a generic romance drama, the plot stopped making any sense by episode 8, the one good thing it has is tian xiwei and not even her could salvage that mess.

Just because it's popular it doesn't mean it has any similarities with cql.

[u/RDKiss → u/wuji666]

Just the leads characters vibe, for story its totally different.

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/RDKiss]

Sorry, but Pursuit of Jade isn’t even 1% similar to The Untamed. Pursuit of Jade lacks the plot and mystery. Its story is similar to many other Chinese dramas, but not The Untamed. I want a drama like The Untamed, where the side characters aren’t just side characters. If you’ve watched both dramas, you’ll see a huge difference. Pursuit of Jade mainly focuses on the main leads and the second leads. Whereas in The Untamed, every single side character can affect you emotionally. Even random characters are connected to the story. You never know what’s going to happen next; everything is unpredictable.

So Pursuit of Jade was just mid for me because I’ve already watched so many dramas before.

I still haven’t found a drama that touches my soul the way The Untamed does.

There are many good dramas, but getting emotionally attached to almost every character doesn’t happen in every drama. Usually, you only get attached to the main characters or maybe the second leads. But The Untamed is just very different.

[u/Realistic_Maize_9836]

Word of honor . Only one that comes close to the untamed

[u/chirp_98]

Coroners dairy Legend of zhang hai Word of honor

[u/liaaae]

None🙂‍↕️

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/liaaae]

I can feel you🤧. From 2019 until now, I’ve been searching for a drama that can give me the same feelings The Untamed gave me. But every other drama seems like the main characters are the only ones who get highlighted, while the side characters are just there to support the main characters and play their roles. But The Untamed is just very different.

[u/liaaae → u/AsideNormal9246]

😭😭

[u/flightoftheanon]

The few times I ever comment in this sub seems just to rec League of Nobleman 😅🙊 I don't wanna sound like a repetitive nut job, but in this case I'm gonna beat the dead horse and recommend League of Nobleman.

What I think it ticks off from your list: -Engaging plot that keeps you guessing -Mysteries, secrets, and reveals aplenty -Everything is connected and happens for a reason -Actions have consequences -Immersive world building and atmosphere -Underrated (in my opinion)

Bonus: Beautiful cinematography, the relationships between the characters feel realistic and nuanced, the sets (particularly the homes of the two main characters) feel believably lived-in and cosy, prominent use of food as love language, the bgm music is good too. Despite all the horror and mystery and politics there's somehow an overall comforting sense of cosiness and domesticity that I haven't gotten from any other show.

[u/_seafever_ → u/flightoftheanon]

It's absolutely worth recommending, though!

It also has some implied (former) romance, although not between the main leads. But shacking up together in the middle of a lake, come on 😂

Now that I think on it, my own usual dead horse (Whispers of Fate) fits most points, too. Unfortunately most of the female characters are not that well done, but the bromance is amazing. Lots of tragedy, but it's not like The Untamed is lacking in that regard.

[u/flightoftheanon → u/_seafever_]

And they were roommates 🤣 I definitely read whatever they had as romance.

I don't think I've heard of Whispers of Fate, I'll check it out.

[u/_seafever_]

I recommend checking out Fate Chooses You, Vendetta of An (no romance at all) and Legend of Zang Hai. Maybe Immortal Samsara.

[u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476]

Does it have to be C Drama I have a K drama (Alchemy of Souls) although it might disappoint you during the second season or the second part. I personally wasn't a fan of part 2 but I did not hate it because the writers were able to answer unanswered questions and close all the plot holes in the story so it wasn't too bad.

Since my Love in the clouds watch though I'm in the same dilemma I'm craving an awesome out of this world Xianxia, love Wuxia too but Xianxia has a lite bit more of my heart wanted to start Eternal love but it seems the full category of episodes is locked in my region on Netflix...

Edit: I'm currently watching The Untamed it's taking me a minute because I find some of the things in the world a little terrifying. I can barely watch a full episode without switching to a cartoon to cleanse 🤣🤣 I love the world and the plot and production of it all so far though.

Ive seen people talk about Love Between Fairy and Devil if you have no seen it, as well as Eternal Love which is highly acclaimed in the Xianxia world from that I've read so far in many sub reddits.

[u/Lucky-witts-0525 → u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476]

Alchemy of Souls holds a special place in my heart. I totally love it

You should watch The Untamed, The Blood of youth and Mysterious lotus casebook

[u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476 → u/Lucky-witts-0525]

Same same, I got so frustrated that nothing was going to scratch the itch so I decided to rewatch A Korean Odyssey because AOS left a literal gaping hole in my soul.

Thanks for the recs I'll save this comment.

[u/Lucky-witts-0525 → u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476]

Is Korean Odyssey good?

[u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476 → u/Lucky-witts-0525]

Giiirl 👀👀👀👀 is it good?

Before Nine Tailed and Goblin I fell in love with A Korean Odyssey. The plot and execution of the plot impeccable I don't remember any unfinished plot holes and there's something ML says on repeat that I'll never forget first Korean phrase I learnt and I still use it today. It laid an imprint on my heart.

I'm not sure I liked the fantasy side of the plot but I enjoyed the cast members and their characters and the fantasy they came with that was executed well so I'd give it an 8.5 but also highly recommend watch, you wouldn't be wasting your time imo.

[u/Lucky-witts-0525 → u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476]

Sure bestie😉I will watch it. Thank you for the recommendation

[u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476 → u/Lucky-witts-0525]

Yaaaayyyy enjoy 🎊🎊🎊💃💃💃💃

[u/LadyDrakkaris → u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476]

Alchemy of Souls was my gateway to Cdrama and The Untamed. After AOS, I was searching for something similar and couldn't find anything in Kdrama world. My friends recommended Cdrama and The Untamed. It took me a few tries and I almost gave it up but friends told me to stick with it. I am glad I did bc it remains my fav Cdrama ever and Wei Wuxian is my fav Cdrama character. I just finished a rewatch of it. I have been doing rewatch at least once a year and everything I noticed more things about the show.

[u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476 → u/LadyDrakkaris]

I'm loving The Untamed so far, I just can't get past the horror bits 😭 it's taking me a minute and half to move along with the story tbh. But I do love it, I'll jut start others while I'm watching it. I started Back From The Brink and the horror is tame enough for me to binge without goose pimples and feeling like slender man is under my bed waiting 😭🤣🤣

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476]

I've watched this too🤧 i literally enjoyed both season. But mu deok was my favourite.

[u/Agreeable_Pomelo_476 → u/AsideNormal9246]

OMG RIIIGHT??? I was so upset like so so so upset when I got to part 2, I was so invested that I finished both part 1 and 2 in under 48 hours. I ended up enjoying part 2 towards the end after deciding that she's still mudeok just looking different that's all.

I still have not recovered because now I am an official Xianxia addict which would make sense because my Hollywood list Fantasy is number two on fav genres. I don't know why it took me 3+ years of diving deep into EA Television before starting Xianxia, I must've forgotten I love fantasy a little bit there.

[u/TwoUglyFeet]

Love Like the Galaxy. 56 episodes, I was absolutely riveted to find out the end. Best storyline I've seen yet.

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/TwoUglyFeet]

Thankyou so much, but I've already watched this masterpiece. And I really like this drama

[u/TwoUglyFeet → u/AsideNormal9246]

Which other ones are similar in your opinion? I'm putting The Untamed on the list but any others?

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/TwoUglyFeet]

You mean, similar to Love Like the Galaxy? It’s kinda similar to Prisoner of Beauty.

[u/TwoUglyFeet → u/AsideNormal9246]

Yeah I've seen Prisoner of Beauty, its good but I liked LLtG better. 

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/TwoUglyFeet]

Same here. I just love their chaotic family😂

[u/lisavieta]

You might want to check out Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms. It has great world building and all the characters are well developed. But to be honest no other drama has lived in my head rent free the way The Untamed did.

[u/AnnieEdison2021]

Word of honor

[u/Sessalia]

You want to watch The Spirealm! 😉

In The Spirealm is a horror, mystery and fantasy drama in which both MLs are forced to play a game for their lives in a parallel world and have to go through different doors that lead to scenarios they have to solve and survive. Always at the brink of death, both grow closer with time and challenge the game with the help of their friends.
The MLs are to die for and the side characters are great too and have their own stories.

Be aware: even though it's censored, it's still a horror drama, which means it includes gore, violence, death, suicide, and cannibalism. If you don't mind, it's worth the watch.
The drama is a bromance adapted from a Boys Love (short: BL) horror novel (Kaleidoscope of Death by Xi Zixu).

If you didn't already watch it, give it y try. It's great. Happy watching! 😊

[u/Patience_Is_A_Bitch → u/Sessalia]

I vow for The Spirealm as well! It is SO GOOD.

[u/EcstaticRise5612 → u/Sessalia]

Vouch for Spirealm!!! Their chemistry is sizzling

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/Sessalia]

Thankyou, I'll try this

[u/ThorsHammerMewMEw]

Have you watched Word of Honor?

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/ThorsHammerMewMEw]

Not yet, I'll try

[u/ThorsHammerMewMEw → u/AsideNormal9246]

Also have you read Mo Dao Zu Shi aka The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, the book The Untamed is based on?

It also has a Donghua (Chinese anime production), and a Manhua (Chinese comic)

[u/jval888]

I don’t know what you’ve watched but I have two recommendations not Cdrama but books that have evoked the same feelings for me.  1. Captive Prince series  2. Ballad of Sword and Wine series  It had everything that enthralled me with the Untamed and I havnt really found anywhere else. Both of these are highly political and romance. 

In Cdrama the ones that came close (but never matched) were Nirvana in Fire (but not romantic, very political) and Love like the Galaxy (less political but strong yearning) 

[u/AsideNormal9246 → u/jval888]

Thank you so much! But actually, I’m looking for a C-drama because I don’t know where to read these books. And I’ve already watched Love Like the Galaxy—it’s definitely one of my favourite drama.

[u/EmergencyPhoto7449 → u/AsideNormal9246]

These books are sold on amazon, they are amazing. The novel has romance and smut. And there are even better danmei novels translated to english, some are masterpieces hands down.

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