Dramas, those Asian series that have won the hearts of the public, are increasingly popular in Brazil. Whether due to their rich culture, their captivating plots or their incredible performances, these dramas have been gaining space on screens and in chats.
Finding a place to watch this content that is affordable and of good quality can be a challenge. There are many options, but not all of them deliver what they promise.
With that in mind, this guide was created to help you find the best application to watch dramas and free series or with options that fit your budget. Ready to binge-watch your favorite dramas? Let's go!
The Dorama Phenomenon: Why are they so successful?
Have you ever wondered why dramas are so addictive? The word “dorama” encompasses soap operas and drama series produced mainly in South Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan. What attracts Brazilian audiences so much are the plots that capture attention, the talented actors and the opportunity to experience different cultures.
The so-called “Korean wave” (Hallyu), which spread South Korean music, fashion and entertainment across the globe, has had a huge impact on drama consumption. People are falling in love with the stories, customs and beauty of Asian productions, increasingly seeking out content of this type. In fact, in recent years, interest in these productions has grown a lot here in Brazil.
What are the best free (and almost free) apps to enjoy the world of dramas?
Nowadays, it is very easy to find applications for watch subtitled dramas on your Android or iOS phone, on your Smart TV and even on your computer. The hard part is choosing the best one! To help you, we have selected some stand-out options:
Viki Rakuten
Viki Rakuten is a favorite among drama lovers. What makes Viki a good option? It has a huge library of Asian content, with professionally subtitled content in several languages, including Portuguese. You can watch it for free, but there is also a paid option, which allows you to download episodes to watch offline, you know?
On Viki, you can find everything: K-dramas (Korean dramas), C-dramas (Chinese dramas), J-dramas (Japanese dramas), Asian films and even Korean variety shows. It's a great place to explore Asian culture!
Kocowa
If you are a fan of K-dramas and Korean variety shows, Kocowa is the right choice. Why is Kocowa special? It focuses on Korean content, with subtitles that come out very quickly and everything is legally licensed, ensuring the quality of what you are watching.
The platform offers a wide variety of K-dramas, TV shows, and even K-pop concerts. It’s perfect for those who want to stay up to date with everything that’s happening in South Korea.
WeTV
For those who love C-dramas (Chinese dramas), WeTV is a must-watch. What's different about WeTV? It offers a wide variety of Chinese dramas, with quality subtitles and an easy-to-use interface.
WeTV has a lot of exclusive content that you won't find anywhere else. It's the perfect choice for anyone looking to explore Chinese dramas and discover new stories.
AsianCrush
AsianCrush is a great option for those who like variety. Is AsianCrush good for those looking for diversity? It has a diverse library of Asian movies and series, with both free content (with ads) and ad-free subscription options.
On AsianCrush, you can find dramas and movies from different Asian countries, which gives you the chance to experience different cultures and stories.
Netflix
Netflix has also jumped on the drama bandwagon and has been investing more and more in this type of content. Is Netflix a good option for dramas? It has a growing catalog of dramas, produces original content and offers high video quality.
On Netflix, you can find K-dramas and Korean films, as well as other Asian productions. It's worth checking out to see what you like! In fact, in 2023, Netflix increased its investment in Korean dramas by 30%, showing how successful this type of content is.
What does each app offer?
All of these apps have a few things in common: subtitles, the option to download episodes, good video quality, and an easy-to-use interface. But each one has its own features and advantages.
Free options usually have ads and slightly lower video quality. Paid options give you access to more content, remove ads, and allow you to download episodes to watch whenever you want. Some apps also offer the option to watch live shows and update their content frequently, always bringing new content.
How to start binge-watching dramas today?
Want to start watching dramas now? The first step is to download and install the application of your choice on your cell phone, tablet or Smart TV. Then, just search for the drama that interests you and start watching.
Most apps allow you to adjust subtitles, choose video quality, and set other preferences. Some also offer the option to try the paid version for free for a while, so you can see if you like it before subscribing.
How to make the most of the resources?
- Explore each app's library.
- Adjust subtitles to your preferred language.
- Use the download option to watch offline.
- Create favorites lists so you don't miss your favorite dramas.
What kind of Asian stories can you find on these apps?
Dramas are known for their variety of genres and themes. There are romance, comedy, suspense, action, fantasy, historical dramas and even stories with LGBTQIA+ themes.
Most dramas come from South Korea (K-dramas) and China (C-dramas), but there are also productions from Japan (J-dramas), Taiwan (T-dramas) and Thai dramas.
Are you just starting? A good tip is to look for the most popular and acclaimed titles on each platform, or ask other drama fans for suggestions in online communities. For beginners, dramas like “Landing on Love” (K-drama), “Love is Sweet” (C-drama) and “Alice in Borderland” (J-drama) are great options.
What are the advantages of using apps to watch dramas?
Using an app to watch dramas gives you a lot of freedom. You can watch whenever and wherever you want, on your cell phone, tablet or TV. This convenience makes all the difference, right?
In addition, the apps offer good video quality, professional subtitles, and a wide variety of content. You can download episodes to watch offline, create favorites lists, and even receive notifications when new episodes of your favorite dramas are released! And the best part: all of this in one place, with a focus on the Asian content you love so much.
How to watch dramas without worries?
It is very important to use applications that are licensed to display dramas, such as Viki and Kocowa. This way, you can be sure that you are watching quality content and that you are not breaking any laws.
Using pirated apps can be dangerous, as they can bring viruses and other malicious programs to your phone or computer. In addition, the quality of the videos and subtitles is usually very poor. And of course, safe apps have data protection and privacy policies, ensuring that your information is protected.
How to protect your data?
- Use strong, different passwords for each application.
- Check the permissions the app asks for before installing.
- Please read the privacy policy to learn how your data is used.
Besides apps, how else can I enjoy dramas?
In addition to apps, there are other ways to enjoy dramas. You can watch them on legal streaming sites, join online fan communities, and even attend events and conventions dedicated to Asian culture.
In these communities, you can meet people who share your interests, discuss the dramas you watch, ask for and give suggestions, and stay up to date with the latest news. And if you like collecting products related to your favorite dramas, you can find online stores that sell DVDs, CDs, books, t-shirts, and other items.
What to expect from the future of dramas and streaming apps?
Streaming apps are increasingly investing in original content, which means we'll have even more quality dramas to watch. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are also expanding their drama catalogs, which increases the options for those who enjoy this type of content.
Additionally, dramas from other Asian countries, such as Thailand and the Philippines, are becoming increasingly popular. And with technology advancing, we can expect innovations in applications, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, that will make the experience of watching dramas even more immersive.
Dramas are only growing in popularity, and choosing a reliable and affordable streaming app is super important to make the most of this phenomenon. Try out the apps we’ve mentioned here and see which one you like the most, taking into account the content, features, and price. Now, just get some popcorn ready and start binge-watching!
So, what’s your favorite drama app? Leave a comment telling us about your experience! Want to keep discovering new options? Check out our article on the best platforms to watch movies online!
