Best tv shows like King Sejong the Great
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
"The Great King, Sejong" is a full-scale political drama describing how King Sejong and his loyal retainers cooperate and contrive to make his dynasty a better place. While King Sejong was on the throne, the Joseon Dynasty enjoyed increasing prosperity. The drama shows the dramatic processes of how so many new cultural heritages have been devised. At that time, "Hangul", the native phonemic alphabet system for Korean language was first invented and introduced. Before it was made, Chinese characters had been used for a written communication, which makes it extremely difficult for ordinary people to learn and use. "Hangul" is easy to learn for its simple and scientific principles. Other than "Hangul" itself, there had been so many cultural heritages during his regime including a rain gauge, a sundial, an hourglass to name a few. Also, King Sejong’s pragmatic diplomacy is concentrated in the drama. Then, the Joseon Dynasty was facing a powerful Ming dynasty of China, and King Sejong demonstrates the essence of pragmatism with dignity.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 34
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: sageuk, atmospheric, serious, political, realistic, stylized, historical drama
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Gye Baek, Warrior’s Fate (2011)
Plot Summary:
Set in the Baekje kingdom in the mid-7th century, the drama chronicles the life and times of the storied warrior General Gyebaek who is remembered in history for leading Baekje's last stand against the Silla in the Battle of Hwangsanbeol.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 214
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: tense, captivating, suspense, suspenseful, historical drama
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Ming Dynasty in 1566 (2007)
Plot Summary:
A series based on the events in the reign of the Jiajing Emperor of the Ming dynasty.
IMDB Rating: 9.0
IMDB Votes: 348
Genere: Drama, History
Country: China
Duration: 42 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, suspense
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The Confidant (2012)
Plot Summary:
"The Confidant" depicts how a group of eunuchs survive in the weakening Qing empire, and closely traces imperial eunuch Li Lianying's early life from the first day he entered the imperial palace to become one of the most powerful political figures in the latter years of the Qing Dynasty. The drama also follows Li's relationship with Empress Dowager Cixi, and how he eventually becomes her closest confidant.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 10
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Hong Kong
Duration:
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, suspense, disturbing
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The Accursed Kings (1972)
Plot Summary:
Set during the reigns of the last five kings of the Capetian dynasty and the first two kings of the House of Valois, the series begins as the French King Philip the Fair, already surrounded by scandal and intrigue, brings a curse upon his family when he persecutes the Knights Templar. The succession of monarchs that follows leads France and England to the Hundred Years' War.
IMDB Rating: 8.6
IMDB Votes: 400
Genere: Drama, History
Country: France
Duration: 616 min
Plot tags: historical drama
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The Face Reader (2013)
Plot Summary:
Nae-kyung, the most skillful face reader in Joseon dynasty, was living in seclusion when he was offered a lucrative partnership by Yeon-hong, a Korean geisha. Nae-kyung accepts the proposal to read the faces of Yeon-hong’s guests only to get involved in a murder case. With his face reading skills, Nae-kyung successfully identifies the murderer and his skills are soon acknowledged by King Moonjong who orders him to identify the potential traitors who threaten his reign. However after the unexpected death of Moonjong, Nae-kyung is courted by Grand Prince Sooyang who yearns to become King himself by killing the young successor Danjong. Nae-kyung decides to keep his loyalty to the late King and help KIM Jong-seo protect the young King which forces him into the biggest power struggle in the history of the Joseon dynasty.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: South Korea
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, atmospheric, psychological, tense, serious, stylized, period drama
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The Empress Ki (2013)
Plot Summary:
The story of the woman that would become Empress Ki, and her struggles as she worked her way through war, political conspiracies, and the imperial palace to become Empress of China. This Korean Drama re-imagines the historical figure as a fierce, independent woman who goes to extreme lengths to protect those she loves.
IMDB Rating: 8.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Drama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: suspenseful, romantic, harsh, multicultural, semi serious, captivating, epic, sageuk, political, costume drama
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The Terrible (2020)
Plot Summary:
Ivan the Terrible is the most discussed Character in the Russian history. At the same time, Ivan is the most unsolved mystery of the Russian Czars. The scale of his political achievements has always overshadowed a living person, and the unparalleled cruelty that entered folklore literally ruled out the possibility of a more complex view of character. The series is an humble attempt to understand the origins of the actions of Ivan IV and look into the dark labyrinth of his soul. Ivan IV of Russia is gradually reborn into the same Ivan the Terrible - a cruel tyrant. And now rumors of his ruthlessness and violent temper are becoming true, and these changes in the character of the king are changing history. Enemies are approaching Russia - will the country be able to survive?.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 98
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Russia
Duration: 52 min
Plot tags: psychological, tense, thought provoking, enigmatic, captivating, suspense, disturbing
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Maximilian (2017)
Plot Summary:
In 1477 Charles the Bold dies, his only child is a girl which cannot rule without a husband. Meanwhile in Austria, Emperor Frederick III and his antagonist Louis XI France battle over said marriage prospects, battles ensue, tragedy falls.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Austria, Germany, Hungary
Duration: 275 min
Plot tags: sentimental, serious, captivating, realistic, erotic, period piece, historical drama
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Masquerade (2012)
Plot Summary:
During the confusing and conspiratorial Joseon Dynasty King Gwang-hae orders his councilor, HEO Kyun, to find him a double in order to avoid the constant threat of assassination. HEO Kyun finds Ha-sun, a jester who looks remarkably like the king, and just as feared, Gwang-hae is poisoned. HEO Kyun proposes Ha-sun fill the role as the king until Gwang-hae recovers fully and grooms Ha-sun to look and act every bit the king. While assuming the role of the king at his first official appearance, Ha-sun begins to ponder the intricacies of the problems debated in his court. Being fundamentally more humanitarian than Gwang-hae, Ha-sun’s affection and appreciation of even the most minor servants slowly changes morale in the castle for the better. However, his chief opposition, PARK, notices the sudden shift in the king’s behavior and starts to ask questions.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 131 min
Plot tags: suspenseful, captivating, realistic, stylized, inspirational, serious, period drama, mad
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Ekaterina (2014)
Plot Summary:
The life of the Russian Empress Ekaterina II (Catherine the Great), a German born princess who came to Russia as bride for the young Peter III, chosen by his aunt Elisabeth, and who, once she came into power, transformed the Russian empire.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Russia
Duration: 44 min
Plot tags: captivating, historical drama, suspenseful, sentimental, romantic, touching, lyrical, period drama
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Lee San, Wind of the Palace (2007)
Plot Summary:
Yi San, also known as Wind of the Palace, is a 2007 South Korean historical drama, starring Lee Seo-jin, Han Ji-min, Park Eun-hye, and Lee Jong-soo. It aired on Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation from September 17, 2007 to June 16, 2008 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55. The series was produced by Lee Byeong-Hoon, who also produced award-winning television series Dae Jang Geum. It won "Top Excellence Acting Award" for Lee Seo Jin and "Best Actress" for Han Ji-min at MBC's Acting Awards.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 656
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: romantic, touching, captivating, political, harsh, sageuk
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The Crowned Clown (2019)
Plot Summary:
The story takes place at a time in Joseon history, when upheaval and power struggles surrounding the throne had reached extreme levels. In order to escape those who plan to assassinate him, the king puts a clown, who looks exactly like him, on the throne.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 80 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, suspense, realistic, suspenseful, romantic, epic, romantic drama, political
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Jumong (2006)
Plot Summary:
Jumong examines the life of Jumong Taewang, founder of the kingdom of Goguryeo. Few details have been found in the historical record about Jumong, so much of the series is fictionalized. The fantastic elements surrounding the original Jumong legend have been replaced with events more grounded in reality.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: family saga, serious, captivating, suspense, sageuk, gothic, epic, period drama
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Haechi (2019)
Plot Summary:
Set during the Joseon Dynasty period, the series follows three people from different walks of life who came together to help Prince Lee Geum claim the throne and reform the Saheonbu.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 341
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 35 min
Plot tags: political, dorama, sageuk, captivating, disturbing
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The Iron Empress (2009)
Plot Summary:
Empress Cheonchu is a 2009 South Korean period television series based on the titular character, an actual historical figure and her lifelong struggle to protect the country her ancestors built. The granddaughter of Goryeo Dynasty founder Taejo Wanggeon, the empress ruled as the regent for her son Mokjong, the dynasty's seventh ruler. Determined to realize her ambitious goals for the kingdom of Goryeo, she dons armor, battles against foreign invaders, and tramples her lover, her son and brother in her rise to power.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 54
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: historical drama
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The Kingdom of the Winds (2008)
Plot Summary:
The Kingdom of The Winds, also known as The Land of The Wind, is a 2008 South Korean historial drama, broadcast on KBS from 10 September 2008 to 15 January 2009. It was directed by Kang Il-soo, written by Choi Wan-gyu, Jung Jin-ok, Park Jin-woo; adapted from manhwa by Kim Jin.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Fantasy, History
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: sageuk, exciting, serious, captivating, suspenseful
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The First Churchills (1969)
Plot Summary:
Based on Winston Churchill's biography of his ancestors.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 261
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance, War
Country: UK
Duration: 50 min
Plot tags: historical drama, epic, serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, period drama
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May 18 (2007)
Plot Summary:
The citizens of Gwangju lead a relatively peaceful life, until one day the military takes over the city, accusing the residents of conspiracy and claiming that they are communist sympathisers preparing a revolution against the current government. Seeing as the soldiers beat defenceless people, mainly students, to death, the citizens are in for retaliation and form a militia.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, suspenseful, touching, disturbing
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Payitaht Abdulhamid (2017)
Plot Summary:
The fight of Abdulhamid II to keep Ottoman Empire and caliphate alive.
IMDB Rating: 5.0
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: Turkey
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, captivating, islamic, historical drama
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Atsuhime (2008)
Plot Summary:
The 47th NHK Taiga Drama is a life story of Princess Atsu, who was born in Kagoshima Prefecture, then called Satsuma, and became the wife of Tokugawa Iesada, the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. She accedes to the highest rank in Ooku, the inner palace of the Edo castle where women related to the reigning shogun resided. Iesada dies soon after their marriage and Atsuhime assumes the name Tenshoin at the age of 23. She exerts herself for the Tokugawa clan and for the nation during the upheaval in the Meiji Restoration, headed by those from Satsuma.
IMDB Rating: 8.3
IMDB Votes: 248
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Japan
Duration: 45 min
Plot tags: tense, thought provoking, captivating, disturbing, costume drama
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Queen Insoo (2011)
Plot Summary:
Queen Insoo focuses on the fierce power struggle among three women in the royal court of the Joseon Dynasty.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 33
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 70 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, disturbing, period drama
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Secret Door (2014)
Plot Summary:
A re-imagining of the legendary tale of the troubled father-son relationship between King Yeongjo and his only son Prince Sado. While his father insists on a strong and centralized government, Crown Prince Sado promotes social justice and equality throughout the kingdom. Throughout eight fateful years, the strain on their relationship — both familial and political — eventually evolves into a total breakdown, ending with one of the most tragic stories in Joseon history.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 117
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: tense, captivating, disturbing
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The Throne (2015)
Plot Summary:
Ancient Korea, July 4, 1762. The Crown Prince Hyojang, posthumously named Sado, son of King Yeongjo of Joseon, is accused of treason. Thus, the king asks him to commit suicide, but his closest vassals prevent it, so the king orders the prince to get inside a wooden rice chest, where he suffers deprivation of food and water.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 125 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, captivating, psychological, serious, political, historical romance, period drama
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Control by Zhen Guan (2006)
Plot Summary:
Emperor Taizong of the Tang appoints capable and incorruptible people to important positions because he knows his ministers well, and he understands how to harness them. Taizong often invites frank advice or even criticism from his ministers. Trying hard not to abuse his absolute power, he shows his respect for life. Through his employment of upright ministers such as Wei Zheng, he turns out to be a modest Emperor who welcomes advice. In his reign, he puts agriculture first and practices thrift. Also, culture and religion are rejuvenated; the imperial examination system is further completed. Under these circumstances, a stable society is achieved. In military, he puts down the turbulence caused by Tujue power. In ethnic relations, he respects ethnic minorities' mores. As a result, the stability in Tang's border areas is also accomplished. Emperor Taizong's reign title is Zhenguan (from 626 to 649), known as the Reign of Zhenguan in Chinese History. His reign is considered the first golden age of Tang Dynasty, which lays a solid foundation for the Kaiyuan era.
IMDB Rating: 8.6
IMDB Votes: 25
Genere: Drama, History
Country: China
Duration: 45 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, captivating, political
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The Queen (2009)
Plot Summary:
The Queen was a 2009 British drama-documentary showing Queen Elizabeth II at different points during her life. Broadcast on Channel 4 over five consecutive nights from 29 November 2009, the Queen was portrayed by a different actress in each episode. The Queen was portrayed by Emilia Fox, Samantha Bond, Susan Jameson, Barbara Flynn and Diana Quick. Katie McGrath played Princess Margaret in the first episode and Lesley Manville played Margaret Thatcher in the third episode.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 150
Genere: Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration:
Plot tags: psychological, thought provoking, captivating, disturbing
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Tut (2015)
Plot Summary:
Explores the drama of power, political back-stabbing, war and murder and chronicles King Tut's rise to glory, his efforts to rule a chaotic empire and the enigma surrounding his death.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Canada
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, historical drama, tense, thought provoking, erotic, sexy, political
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Aristocrats (1999)
Plot Summary:
Based on a true story, Aristocrats draws back the curtain on an 18th century English family near the summit of society, revealing a tapestry of romance, prejudice, infidelity, and revolution.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: UK, Ireland, USA
Duration: 300 min
Plot tags: period piece, captivating, serious, historical drama, realistic, stylized, costume drama, romantic drama, historical romance, period drama
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The Hollow Crown (2012)
Plot Summary:
The Hollow Crown is a series of British television films featuring William Shakespeare's History Plays. The first Season is an adaptation of Shakespeare's second historical tetralogy, the Henriad: Richard II, Henry IV, Part I and Henry IV, Part II (treated as one film in two parts in the series) and Henry V. The Second Season is subtitled "The Wars of the Roses" as a reference to its scope. It is based on Shakespeare's first tetralogy: Henry VI: Part I, Henry VI: Part II, Henry VI: Part III (treated as two films in the series) and Richard III.
IMDB Rating: 8.2
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama, History, War
Country: UK
Duration: 150 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, historical drama, epic, stylized, harsh, costume drama, funny, political, anthology
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Wolf Hall (2015)
Plot Summary:
England in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the King dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years and marry Anne Boleyn. The Pope and most of Europe oppose him. Into this impass steps Thomas Cromwell: a wholly original man, a charmer, and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people, and implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of his triumph?.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 360 min
Plot tags: historical drama, serious, captivating, period piece, costume drama, stylized, suspense, factual, political, educational
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Jang Yeong Sil (2016)
Plot Summary:
Drama series follows the life Jang Yeong-Sil: a scientist, technician and inventor during the Joseon period. Jang Yeong-Sil was born in the lower class nobi. King Sejong notices his abilities and brings him to the palace. King Sejong grants him a chance to display his abilities. He invents tools like astronomical instruments, iron printing press and a water clock.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 133
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: sageuk, inspirational, philosophical, uplifting, intellectual, historical drama, costume drama