'All Because of Love' Loses! Top 10 Most-Watched Chinese Dramas of the Last 8 Years Revealed — Champion Breaks 200 Million Views and Achieves Legendary Status

Which Chinese dramas have truly dominated the online viewing market over the past eight years? This article analyzes Yunhe Data's publicly released annual drama reports from 2018 to 2025, selecting mainland Chinese dramas with outstanding online performance each year, then consolidating them into a single ranking using the 'average V30 effective play count per episode' metric. This indicator calculates the total valid full-episode views accumulated within 30 days of each episode's release, divided by the total number of episodes, while excluding trailers, behind-the-scenes clips, specials, and abnormal clicks. This approach better mitigates data discrepancies caused by differences in drama length and release timing.

Since Yunhe's 2020 annual report did not publish V30 data, 'Love Apartment 5' uses the 'peak-period average effective play count' of 116 million from the same report, resulting in a slight difference in measurement compared to other entries. From 'Breaking the Ice' and 'All Because of Love' to 'The Knockout,' which achieved an average play count of around 200 million, this article presents the top 10 most-watched Chinese dramas of the past eight years, detailing their online performance, plot highlights, and audience reception.

Top 10 Most-Watched Chinese Dramas Over the Past 8 Years — #10: Huang Jingyu and Wu Gang in 'Breaking the Ice' | Play Count: 102 Million

'Breaking the Ice' achieved an average V30 effective play count of 102 million. Huang Jingyu plays Li Fei, an anti-narcotics police officer who investigates a drug case and enters Tazhai Village, a place dominated by powerful clan forces and complex internal relationships. Wu Gang plays Li Weimin, deputy director of the anti-drug bureau, who, along with Ren Jiahua as Zhao Jialiang, works from different angles to dismantle the underground drug network formed by the drug syndicate and local protectors. Inspired by real anti-narcotics cases, the story is driven by the investigation and sacrifice of two generations of police officers.

Audience praise for 'Breaking the Ice' focuses on the bold realism drawn from actual cases, the fast pacing in the early episodes, intricate character relationships, the focused treatment of the anti-drug theme, and the strong performances by veteran actors like Wu Gang, Wang Jinsong, and Ren Jiahua. Viewers commented, 'Finally, a genuine anti-drug drama,' describing the initial viewing experience, and some likened the cat-and-mouse game between police, drug dealers, and protectors to a large-scale game of 'Werewolf.' Although the latter half and ending sparked debate, the suspense, oppressive atmosphere, and intense actor confrontations in the first half received widespread acclaim.

Top 10 Most-Watched Chinese Dramas Over the Past 8 Years — #9: Guo Qilin and Song Yi in 'My Fair Lady' | Play Count: 107 Million

'My Fair Lady' achieved an average V30 effective play count of 107 million, ranking first for 2021. Guo Qilin plays Ning Yi, a modern businessman who marries into the Su family and uses contemporary business strategies to help Song Yi's character, Su Tan'er, run her textile business. From launching promotions and securing the family seal to expanding their commercial empire, the couple builds both their business and relationship. Ning Yi later becomes entangled in regional unrest and the political turmoil of the Wu Dynasty.

Audience comments frequently highlight the drama's light-hearted comedic rhythm, creative business battles, Guo Qilin's natural humor, Song Yi's elegant ancient costumes and career-driven character, and the ensemble of comedic supporting roles like the steward Geng. One viewer said, 'Honestly, I found the drama version of 'My Fair Lady' quite enjoyable.' Ning Yi's application of modern sales and negotiation tactics in an ancient setting delivers satisfying 'power fantasy' moments while generating abundant everyday humor. The evolving relationship between Ning Yi and Su Tan'er, from business partners to spouses, keeps the overall tone light and smooth.

Top 10 Most-Watched Chinese Dramas Over the Past 8 Years — #8: Yang Zi and Deng Lun in 'Ashes of Love' | Play Count: 109 Million

'Ashes of Love' achieved an average V30 effective play count of 109 million, topping the 2018 annual ranking. Yang Zi plays Jin Mi, the daughter of the Flower Deity, whose emotions are sealed by a magical pill. By fate, she meets Xu Feng, played by Deng Lun, the son of the Heavenly Emperor, and Run Yu, played by Luo Yunxi, the Night Deity. Unaware of love, Jin Mi is drawn into a power struggle in the heavenly realm, and misunderstandings, revenge, and a war across the three realms push the fates of the three characters toward irreversible tragedy.

Many viewers praised Yang Zi's natural and lively performance, the chemistry between Yang Zi and Deng Lun, the lighthearted humor in the early episodes, the emotional intensity in the later arcs, the xianxia special effects, and Luo Yunxi's portrayal of Run Yu. Audiences commended 'tight plot, high-quality effects, and Yang Zi's natural acting,' noting the clear contrast between Jin Mi's innocent early self and her painful transformation after experiencing heartbreak. The bittersweet romance between Xu Feng and Jin Mi, Run Yu's restrained yet obsessive personality, and the mythological atmosphere created by the costumes and sets have sustained long-term audience discussion.

Top 10 Most-Watched Chinese Dramas Over the Past 8 Years — Tied #6: Luo Jin and Wang Likun in 'Investiture of the Gods' | Play Count: 116 Million

The 2019 version of 'Investiture of the Gods' achieved an average V30 effective play count of 116 million. Luo Jin plays Yang Jian, who possesses the power of the Black Heaven Eye, while Wang Likun plays Daji, who enters the royal palace to avenge her family. The plot centers on Yang Jian, reimagining his relationships with Daji, Jiang Ziya, and the fox spirit Zi Xu, weaving together the fall of the Shang Dynasty, the campaign against King Zhou, and the grand Investiture of the Gods battle. This version differs significantly from the original, with major reinterpretations of character designs and romantic subplots.

Positive feedback for 'Investiture of the Gods' mainly centers on a few standout performances, including Deng Lun as the fox spirit Zi Xu, Yu Hewei's comedic portrayal of Jiang Ziya, Luo Jin's graceful ancient costumes, and the reimagined character arc of Yang Jian. One viewer wrote, 'At least this fox, Zi Xu, knows how to charm,' while others appreciated Yu Hewei's portrayal of Jiang Ziya as endearingly clumsy and humorous, adding levity to the otherwise heavy mythological narrative. The drama's inclusion reflects its massive online viewership at the time, not necessarily its critical acclaim.

Top 10 Most-Watched Chinese Dramas Over the Past 8 Years — Tied #6: Lou Yixiao and Li Jiahang in 'Love Apartment 5' | Play Count: 116 Million

'Love Apartment 5' achieved a peak-period average effective play count of 116 million, making it the only new drama in 2020 to surpass 100 million. The final season continues the lives of the apartment residents: Hu Yifei, played by Lou Yixiao, marries Zeng Xiaoxian; Lü Ziqiao and Chen Meijia prepare for parenthood; and Zhang Wei, played by Li Jiahang, meets Zhuge Dali. The characters navigate work, marriage, parenting, and friendship, moving into the next phase of life and concluding the long-running series.

Initially poorly received, the show gradually gained positive feedback in the latter half. Audiences praised the original cast's chemistry, the romantic arc between Zhang Wei and Zhuge Dali, the character growth of Lü Ziqiao and others, experimental formats like interactive episodes and danmu (live comments), and the emotional finale that provided a satisfying closure. Some viewers said Season 5 'exceeded expectations and delivered many surprises,' and many long-time fans appreciated how it resolved lingering romantic threads, allowing this decade-long youth memory to begin and end with a wedding.

Top 10 Most-Watched Chinese Dramas Over the Past 8 Years — #5: Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng in 'All Because of Love' | Play Count: 138 Million

'All Because of Love' achieved an average V30 effective play count of 138 million. Zhao Liying plays Sheng Minglan, a concubine-born daughter of the Sheng family, who, after losing her mother at a young age, is raised by her grandmother. She hides her talents and observes human nature within the complex household, gradually seeking justice for her mother. Feng Shaofeng plays Gu Tingye, who, after a rebellious youth, rebuilds himself following family turmoil and battlefield trials, and together with Minglan faces challenges in marriage, family, and court politics.

Audience praise for 'All Because of Love' centers on Zhao Liying's perfect embodiment of Minglan, the authentic Song Dynasty atmosphere, candle-lit cinematography, costumes and sets, intricate household intrigues, and the vivid ensemble of female characters. Viewers said, 'The Minglan in my heart is Zhao Liying,' praising her portrayal of the character's early restraint and later decisiveness and composure. The everyday humor from supporting characters like the Sheng family's head wife, the different life paths of the Sheng daughters, and the intricate details of marriage intertwined with family interests give this long drama a rewatchable, lifelike quality.

Top 10 Most-Watched Chinese Dramas Over the Past 8 Years — #4: Yao Chen and Ni Dahong in 'All Is Well' | Play Count: 176 Million

'All Is Well' achieved an average V30 effective play count of 176 million. Yao Chen plays Su Mingyu, a career woman who was neglected by her mother and made her way independently. Ni Dahong plays Su Dacheng, who, after his wife's sudden death, reveals his selfish and dependent nature. The unexpected death of their mother reunites the three siblings, bringing to light issues of gender bias, elder care, marital conflict, and the scars of their original family.

Many viewers praised the drama's portrayal of social issues, the performances of Yao Chen and Ni Dahong, the character development of supporting actors like Guo Jingfei, the realism of family conflicts, and the flawed yet relatable nature of the characters. Audiences said it 'reflects many social problems' and called the cast 'all seasoned actors.' Su Mingyu repeatedly returns to handle family crises despite wanting to cut ties, while Su Dacheng, Su Mingcheng, and Su Mingzhe each represent different family struggles, evoking a mix of anger, sympathy, and helplessness in viewers.

Top 10 Most-Watched Chinese Dramas Over the Past 8 Years — #3: Zhang Ruoyun and Li Qin in 'Joy of Life Season 1' | Play Count: 1.