K-drama weekend watchlist: 7 K-dramas to watch If you love anime
If you love anime-style storytelling, these seven K-dramas deliver fantasy worlds, supernatural battles, emotional depth, and isekai-like twists. From monster-infested apartments to magic-filled realms and ghostly hotels, each series captures the charm and intensity of your favourite anime genres.
New Delhi: The Hallyu wave has taken over the internet as much as anime. The storytelling magic often overlaps with what we see in mainstream cinema. From high-stakes action to heart-fluttering romance, some capture the very essence of anime.
A mind-bending plot, exaggerated expressions and characters that feel straight out of a manga panel- K-dramas more or less bring the anime vibe to live action. If you love anime’s unique storytelling, here are seven K-dramas that will feel like home. Scroll down to read about them in detail.
1. Alchemy of Souls (2022-2023)
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Go Youn-jung, Hwang Min-hyun
Synopsis: In a mystical world where magic is controlled by the powerful, a young mage-in-training crosses paths with an elite warrior trapped in a frail body. Together, they navigate destiny, forbidden spells, and secrets buried deep in the past.
IMDB rating: 8.6/10
Why to watch it: Think of Alchemy of Souls as the love child of Fullmetal Alchemist and Demon Slayer. It blends breathtaking action with deep emotional connections, all wrapped up in a fantastical setting. Plus, the fight sequences are nothing short of shonen perfection.
2. Sweet Home (2020)
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young
Synopsis: After losing his family, a reclusive teen moves into a rundown apartment complex—only to find it overrun by horrifying monsters. As his neighbours fight to survive, he discovers a terrifying secret about himself. What is it?
IMDB rating: 7.3/10
Why to watch it: If you’re into horror anime like Tokyo Ghoul or Parasyte, Sweet Home is your next obsession. The grotesque monsters, the psychological tension, and the protagonist’s struggle with his own identity all scream classic anime horror.
3. The Uncanny Counter (2020)
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Jo Byeong-kyu, Yoo Jun-sang, Kim Se-jeong
Synopsis: A group of seemingly ordinary people work at a noodle shop by day and hunt down evil spirits by night. As they battle supernatural forces, a young recruit discovers his hidden potential.
IMDB rating: 8.1/10
Why to watch it: If you love Jujutsu Kaisen or Bleach, this is your go-to K-drama. It’s packed with insane fight scenes, cool power-ups, and a team dynamic straight out of a shonen anime.
4. Tomorrow (2022)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Cast: Kim Hee-sun, Rowoon, Lee Soo-hyuk
Synopsis: A young man finds himself in a coma after an accident—only to be recruited by a team of grim reapers who save people from suicide. As he takes on his new afterlife job, he learns the tragic stories behind each soul.
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Why to watch it: The deep emotional storytelling and supernatural themes will remind you of Death Parade and Noragami. It’s dark and philosophical in all the right ways.
5. My Love from the Star (2013-2014)
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun
Synopsis: An immortal alien stranded on Earth for 400 years falls in love with a quirky, self-absorbed actress just as his time to leave approaches.
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
Why to watch it: If you enjoy Your Name or The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, this drama’s mix of sci-fi, romance, and humour will be right up your alley. Plus, the chemistry between the leads is nothing short of electric.
6. Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki
Cast: IU, Yeo Jin-goo
Synopsis: A mysterious hotel exists solely for ghosts before they pass on to the afterlife. The cold and beautiful owner harbours a tragic past, and a young man finds himself entangled in her eerie world.
IMDB rating: 8.2/10
Why to watch it: It gives off major Spirited Away and Natsume’s Book of Friends vibes. The blend of fantasy, romance, and emotional storytelling makes it a must-watch for fans of supernatural anime.
7. W: Two Worlds (2016)
Where to watch: Viki, Netflix
Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Han Hyo-joo
Synopsis: A woman gets pulled into the world of a webtoon created by her father and falls in love with its protagonist. But as the story unfolds, she realises the dangers of blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
IMDB rating: 8.1/10
Why to watch it: It’s basically a live-action isekai. If you’re a fan of Re: Zero or Sword Art Online, the concept of jumping between dimensions will have you hooked.
Whether you love fantasy, action, horror, or romance, these dramas bring anime-like storytelling to life. So grab your bowl of ramen and get ready to binge your next obsession!