Maria (2001) - Asian drama recommendation
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Maria (2001)(マリア)

2001Japan
Doctor Female LeadDramaFamilyFemale Centered PlotFriendshipHalf-sisters' RelationshipMedicalMiniseriesSismanceSisters' Relationship

Sora, the third sister out of a total of four siblings, takes over her father's Sakamoto Medical Practice located in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. Despite encountering many patients who cannot afford medical care, the waiting room is always filled with individuals in need. Sora faces challenges in keeping the struggling clinic afloat, but she remains determined and cheerful, earning admiration from the local community. The eldest sister, Umi, is a single doctor specializing in gene therapy, while the second sister, Riku, is married to the owner of a prominent hospital. The youngest sister, Mimi, is a medical intern with aspirations of fame. With each sister holding differing beliefs about the responsibilities of a doctor, family gatherings often result in heated arguments. One day, Umi gathers her sisters and introduces them to an unfamiliar young girl, who is revealed to be Hiyo - their previously unknown half-sister from Hokkaido. Hiyo is seriously ill, battling a severe illness that is taking a toll on her health.

Asian dramas like
Maria 2001

Recommendation: Battle of the Seven Sisters similar to Maria (2001)
45%Match
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Battle of the Seven Sisters(七公主)

2021Hong Kong
DramaFamilyFemale Centered PlotFriendshipSisters' RelationshipRich Female Lead

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Female Centered Plot, Friendship, and Sisters' Relationship themes with a 45% similarity match.

Barrister Koo Ling Shan, a successful professional, is struggling to find the right partner. Her relationship with her younger sister, Ching Tung, who works as a rideshare driver, is strained. Yu Yin, a manager at a shared workspace, is dealing with the grief of losing her husband. Through a series of events related to inheritance, the three women find themselves facing different challenges. Along the way, they encounter Sheung Yi, who grapples with a split personality that leads to potential disasters. Kwan Yuet is pessimistic and harbors negative energy, while Fong Chor Yu is new to fencing but passionate about it. Their main goal is to locate the missing seventh princess, all while learning to value themselves and reconcile with their family regrets.

Recommendation: Itsuka Hi no Ataru Basho de similar to Maria (2001)
45%Match
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Itsuka Hi no Ataru Basho de(いつか陽のあたる場所で)

2013Japan
DramaFemale Centered PlotFriendshipMiniseriesSismanceEx-Convict Female Lead

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Female Centered Plot, Friendship, Miniseries, and Sismance themes with a 45% similarity match.

Hako received a 7-year prison sentence for a robbery related to a beloved host

Recommendation: My Family Doctor Season 2 similar to Maria (2001)
40%Match
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My Family Doctor Season 2(我的家庭醫生 II)

2016Hong Kong
DramaFamilyMedicalMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 40% similarity match.

Recommendation: Doctor X Season 6 similar to Maria (2001)
40%Match
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Doctor X Season 6(ドクターX ~外科医・大門未知子~)

2019Japan
Doctor Female LeadDramaFriendshipMedicalMiniseriesSismanceComedyEmotionally Strong Female LeadGenius Female LeadPower StruggleSurgeon Female Lead

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Doctor Female Lead, Drama, Friendship, Medical, Miniseries, and Sismance themes with a 40% similarity match.

Totei University Hospital is facing a significant financial shortfall. Investor Nicholas Tange, known as Vulture, devises a strategy to revitalize the hospital by introducing restructuring and reducing expenses. At the behest of Nicholas Tange, Michiko Daimon returns to work at Totei University Hospital.

Recommendation: Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu similar to Maria (2001)
38%Match
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Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu(私が恋愛できない理由)

2011Japan
DramaFemale Centered PlotFriendshipMiniseriesSismanceLifeMultiple CouplesRomance

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Female Centered Plot, Friendship, Miniseries, and Sismance themes with a 38% similarity match.

Emi works as a lighting technician at a company that specializes in lighting. Due to her predominantly male colleagues, she has adopted a more tomboyish behavior. Emi is not interested in typical girly things like fashion and has a cynical view on love. Despite this, she harbors feelings for her ex-boyfriend, who is also her coworker. Mako is a diligent office worker who is somewhat clumsy and hesitant to pursue romantic relationships. She had never been intimate with anyone until she developed feelings for a colleague. Saki is a stunning and confident young woman with aspirations of becoming a journalist. However, she ends up working as a hostess in a bar to support her family. Saki fabricates stories about working at a prestigious publishing company to her family. She becomes romantically involved with a married man who is kind and supportive.

Recommendation: Six Sisters similar to Maria (2001)
36%Match
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Six Sisters(六姊妹)

2025China
DramaFamilyFemale Centered PlotSisters' RelationshipWeb Novel Adaptation

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Female Centered Plot, and Sisters' Relationship themes with a 36% similarity match.

Following He Chang Sheng's relocation to Huainan for socialist development, he fathers six daughters prior to his untimely death in a traffic accident

Recommendation: Night Hospital similar to Maria (2001)
36%Match
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Night Hospital(ナイトホスピタル)

2002Japan
Doctor Female LeadDramaMedicalMiniseriesHospital Setting

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Doctor Female Lead, Drama, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 36% similarity match.

The scene of this human narrative is a distinctive medical facility that exclusively operates during nighttime to cater to outpatients. During these late hours, the medical team encounters a variety of illnesses presented by a diverse group of patients. Maki, a new addition to the team, was trained as a pathologist but has been assigned to work as a clinical physician at the hospital. Despite her extensive medical knowledge, her lack of practical experience (and her discomfort with administering injections) creates a distance between her and the rest of the staff. The enthusiastic and positive Maki is particularly disliked by Keiko, a pragmatic and results-driven clinical physician.

Recommendation: Nichiyo no Yoru Gurai wa… similar to Maria (2001)
36%Match
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Nichiyo no Yoru Gurai wa…(日曜の夜ぐらいは…)

2023Japan
DramaFemale Centered PlotFriendshipMiniseriesSismanceLifeLonelinessTaxi Driver Supporting CharacterWheel Chair User

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Female Centered Plot, Friendship, Miniseries, and Sismance themes with a 36% similarity match.

Aged apartment buildings, leased residences in the outskirts, and taxis traversing the urban areas. These settings may seem commonplace, yet each holds a unique narrative. A young woman balancing a part-time job to assist her disabled mother; a lady estranged from her family who persists as a taxi driver; a granddaughter residing in a rented dwelling and laboring alongside her grandmother at a factory. This depicts the tales of three women living in disparate locations, unaware of each other's presence until a serendipitous encounter via a radio broadcast.

Recommendation: Doctor X Season 7 similar to Maria (2001)
35%Match
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Doctor X Season 7(ドクターX~外科医・大門未知子~)

2021Japan
Doctor Female LeadDramaFriendshipMedicalMiniseriesSismanceCOVID-19ComedyGenius Female LeadHospital SettingPandemicPower StruggleSurgeon Female Lead

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Doctor Female Lead, Drama, Friendship, Medical, Miniseries, and Sismance themes with a 35% similarity match.

During a global pandemic, the healthcare system experiences a breakdown globally, including in Japan. In response to this challenging situation, Totei University Hospital, known as the top university hospital in Japan, opts to prioritize infectious disease and internal treatments while delaying non-essential surgeries. The hospital grapples with internal conflicts amidst the infectious disease crisis, yet Daimon Michiko remains steadfast in her role as a surgeon.

Recommendation: Accoucheul similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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Accoucheul(产科男医生)

2014China
DramaFamilyFriendshipMedicalHospital SettingLife

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Friendship, and Medical themes with a 33% similarity match.

Life, the son of a renowned obstetrician and gynecologist, struggles with his career choice and conflicts with his father. He also holds a grudge against his father's female protégé, Zheng Zheng. Meanwhile, the new male director, Dong Su Xian, finds fulfillment in his work of bringing new life into the world, despite facing personal challenges in his marriage with Qian Lei. As the characters navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives, they learn valuable lessons about love, responsibility, and the miracles of obstetrics and gynecology. Ultimately, they find happiness and fulfillment in their work and relationships.

Recommendation: Doctor Eggs: Kenshui Arihara Ryohei similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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Doctor Eggs: Kenshui Arihara Ryohei(ドクターエッグス~研修医・蟻原涼平~)

2021Japan
Doctor Female LeadDramaMedicalMiniseriesDoctor Male LeadHospital Setting

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Doctor Female Lead, Drama, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 33% similarity match.

Recommendation: The Threat of Love similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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The Threat of Love(Loving You 我愛你)

2000Hong Kong
DramaFamilyFriendshipMiniseriesLifeRomance

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Friendship, and Miniseries themes with a 33% similarity match.

Ten episodes featuring a consistent cast, each presenting a unique storyline centered around various types of love relationships such as heterosexual, familial, LGBTQ+, and platonic.

Recommendation: Tokyo Friends similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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Tokyo Friends(東京フレンズ)

2005Japan
Female Centered PlotFriendshipMiniseriesSismanceComedyRomance

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Female Centered Plot, Friendship, Miniseries, and Sismance themes with a 33% similarity match.

Rei, a young woman from a small town, relocates to a bustling metropolis in pursuit of her aspirations. Upon her arrival in Tokyo, she secures a job at a bar where she forms friendships with three fellow female employees: Maki, a student of art; Ryoko, who is opportunistic; and Hirono, an aspiring actress. The establishment they work at is called Yume no Kura, meaning "Dream Warehouse", reflecting each girl's quest for their dreams. (Asiatorrents)

Recommendation: Dear Sister similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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Dear Sister(ディア・シスター)

2014Japan
DramaFamilyFemale Centered PlotFriendshipMiniseriesSisters' RelationshipAutoimmune DiseaseComedyFirst Love ReturnsInfidelityMelodramaMother-Daughter RelationshipRomanceSibling Rivalry

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Female Centered Plot, Friendship, Miniseries, and Sisters' Relationship themes with a 33% similarity match.

Fukazawa Misaki, 27, and her sister Hazuki, 29, have contrasting personalities. Misaki is charismatic but laid-back, while Hazuki is a detail-oriented ward office employee who is determined to get married early. When Misaki unexpectedly moves in with Hazuki, their hidden secrets and childhood conflicts resurface. Living together causes tension as their beliefs start to evolve.

Recommendation: Country Princess similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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Country Princess(위풍당당 그녀)

2003South Korea
DramaFamilyFriendshipSismanceLifeRomance

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Friendship, and Sismance themes with a 33% similarity match.

Born on the same day, Lee Eun Hee and Lee Keum Hee find themselves living as sisters despite their twisted fate. Eun Hee, a kind and selfless girl, sacrifices her own educational opportunities to support her older sister Keum Hee in their impoverished family. Unbeknownst to Eun Hee, their lives take a dramatic turn when a wealthy man arrives at their home claiming one of them as his long-lost granddaughter. Tragically, due to a misunderstanding caused by their mother's grief over her husband's death, the real granddaughter is left to face a life of hardship while the imposter is taken into a life of luxury.

Recommendation: More Beautiful Than a Flower similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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More Beautiful Than a Flower(꽃보다 아름다워)

2004South Korea
DramaFamilyFemale Centered PlotSisters' RelationshipMultiple MainsRomance

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Female Centered Plot, and Sisters' Relationship themes with a 33% similarity match.

This series focuses on the dedicated and loving mother Go Doo Shim, portrayed by Lee Young Ja, who strives to provide her family with a joyful life. Unfortunately, her husband Joo Hyun, played by Kim Do Chil, disrupts their happiness by engaging in an affair that results in another woman expecting his child. The eldest daughter Bae Jung Ok, as Mi Oak, proposes that her mother consider a divorce, while the youngest daughter Han Go Eun, as Mi Soo, is drawn to the charming appearance of an investor who conceals a troubling secret. Will this family be torn apart, or is there a chance for reconciliation?

Recommendation: Kong Fang Zi similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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Kong Fang Zi(空房子)

2004China
DramaFamilyFemale Centered PlotFriendshipNovel AdaptationRomance

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Female Centered Plot, and Friendship themes with a 33% similarity match.

Derived from the book "Kong Fangzi" authored by Wan Fang.

Recommendation: Platinum Age similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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Platinum Age(プラチナエイジ)

2015Japan
DramaFamilyFemale Centered PlotFriendshipLifeOlder Woman-Younger Man

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Female Centered Plot, and Friendship themes with a 33% similarity match.

Isayama Kaori and Hayami Chieko have shared a friendship for two decades, able to have open conversations about any topic. Iwamura Kazuko, recently relocated to Shonan with her husband Goro nearing retirement, found common ground with them due to their similar ages. Kaori transitioned smoothly into married life with her children, supported by her kind and loving lawyer husband, Koji. The most relaxing moments for her involved contemplating the renovation of a 70-year-old kitchen in their old house, sparking a new chapter in her life. Chieko, who manages an imported furniture store in Shonan, has led a childless but fulfilling life with her husband Junichi, until his dementia diagnosis caught her off guard. Goro, Kazuko's husband, achieved all his goals as planned, leading a content life that left Kazuko yearning for something extraordinary. This desire led her to seek excitement in the company of a young host club employee. (Tokai TV)

Recommendation: Zebra (2019) similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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Zebra (2019)(ゼブラ)

2019Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseriesSisters' RelationshipAge GapAge GapOlder Man-Younger Woman

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Miniseries, and Sisters' Relationship themes with a 33% similarity match.

There are four sisters in the family. Yasuko, the second daughter, and Miharu, the fourth daughter, are both married. The third daughter, Nao, and the eldest daughter, Moe Edamoto, live together in a house. The mother is in the hospital experiencing hallucinations, and the father has left home. Sakaki is preparing for her wedding, bringing together her four sisters and their husbands under one roof for the first time in a while. However, each sister harbors a hidden secret. Suddenly, two mysterious men show up, leading to the revelation of the women's hidden circumstances one by one.

Recommendation: Three Sisters (2010) similar to Maria (2001)
33%Match
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Three Sisters (2010)(세자매)

2010South Korea
DramaFamilyFemale Centered PlotSisters' RelationshipNice Female LeadRestaurant

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Female Centered Plot, and Sisters' Relationship themes with a 33% similarity match.

This drama revolves around the experiences of two generations of three sisters, highlighting their connections and the challenges they face. The eldest sister of the second generation, Eun Young, encounters issues with her spouse and ultimately endures the turmoil associated with a divorce.

Recommendation: Hankei 5 Metoru similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Hankei 5 Metoru(半径5メートル)

2021Japan
DramaFemale Centered PlotFriendshipMiniseriesSismanceCo-workers' RelationshipEccentric Female LeadHardworking Female LeadReporter Female LeadStrong Female LeadTakarazuka

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Female Centered Plot, Friendship, Miniseries, and Sismance themes with a 31% similarity match.

Maeda Fumika, a journalist working for a weekly publication, makes a mistake at work that results in her being reassigned from the entertainment beat to covering everyday life stories. She partners with experienced reporter Kameyama Takako to showcase the challenges faced by women that often go unnoticed by the media.

Recommendation: Mama wa Joisan similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Mama wa Joisan(ママは女医さん)

2004Japan
Doctor Female LeadDramaFamilyMedicalMother-Daughter RelationshipSingle Female LeadSingle Mother

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Doctor Female Lead, Drama, Family, and Medical themes with a 31% similarity match.

Natsuko found herself raising her daughter alone after leaving home following her parents' disapproval. After nine years, she finally returns to her parents' house, showcasing her journey as a mother and aspiring doctor. [TBS]

Recommendation: Shoni Kyumei similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Shoni Kyumei(小児救命)

2008Japan
Doctor Female LeadFamilyMedicalMiniseriesHospital SettingLifePediatrician Female Lead

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Doctor Female Lead, Family, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 31% similarity match.

Due to the recent reduction in pediatric services, pediatrician Aoyama Sora has taken a stand against the hospital administration in order to revive and enhance the pediatric specialty.

Recommendation: Godhand Teru similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Godhand Teru(ゴッドハンド輝)

2009Japan
Doctor Female LeadDramaMedicalMiniseriesAdapted From A MangaComedyDoctor Male Lead

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Doctor Female Lead, Drama, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 31% similarity match.

The plot centers on a young man named Teru Mahigashi. Following the tragic death of his father, a skilled surgeon who saved Teru's life before passing away, Teru is determined to follow in his father's footsteps and become a remarkable surgeon dedicated to saving lives. Despite being inexperienced and clumsy at the hospital where he works, Teru surprises everyone with his exceptional surgical skills when faced with critical situations, thanks to his extraordinary "god hands."

Recommendation: Umareru. similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Umareru.(生まれる。)

2011Japan
DramaFamilyMedicalMiniseriesMother-Daughter RelationshipPregnancyPregnant Female Lead

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 31% similarity match.

The Hayashida family consisted of a father, mother, two boys, and two girls, living happily together. However, their lives took a sudden turn when the father, Shinpei, passed away unexpectedly. As the family mourned his loss, they received surprising news from their mother - she was pregnant at the age of 51. This unexpected pregnancy brought new challenges for the four children, especially for the eldest sister, Manami, who had to take on the role of the family leader. She faced the difficulties of raising a child and maintaining family bonds while grappling with profound existential questions. This touching story portrays a realistic and emotional human experience.

Recommendation: Emergency Room 24 Hours Season 5 similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Emergency Room 24 Hours Season 5( 救命病棟24時)

2013Japan
Doctor Female LeadDramaMedicalMiniseriesDoctor Male LeadDoctor Supporting CharacterHospital Setting

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Doctor Female Lead, Drama, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 31% similarity match.

Kojima Kaede is in charge of a team at Minato University Hospital's emergency and critical care center. Despite being skilled, the staff members are all unique individuals, with emergency doctor Honjo Masaharu being particularly noteworthy. The team lacks cohesion and struggles to work together effectively. Although Kaede is the most competent emergency doctor, she is hesitant about leading the team. The hospital management is disappointed with the center's lack of organ donors since the organ transplant act was revised. In an effort to increase both the number of lives saved and organ donors, they bring in the unconventional emergency doctor Natsume Mamoru. Kaede is overwhelmed with daily tasks and has no time to focus on this new development. However, on Natsume's first day, Tokyo experiences its worst major incident in history.

Recommendation: Women's Special Investigation Unit Frontline similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Women's Special Investigation Unit Frontline(女たちの特捜最前線)

2016Japan
Female Centered PlotFriendshipMiniseriesSismanceComedyInvestigationMystery

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Female Centered Plot, Friendship, Miniseries, and Sismance themes with a 31% similarity match.

Muromachi Kyoko, Ichijo Yayoi, and Yasaka Misuzu are employed at a police station in different departments - Kyoko in general affairs, Yayoi in public relations, and Misuzu as a cook in the cafeteria. Despite not being detectives, they gather information related to cases and meet in the cafeteria to discuss and analyze the details. Surprisingly, they often uncover valuable clues that help in solving cases.

Recommendation: Code Blue: Another Everyday similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Code Blue: Another Everyday(コード・ブルー -もう一つの日常-)

2018Japan
Doctor Female LeadDramaMedicalMiniseriesDoctor Male LeadEmergency ServiceShort Length Series

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Doctor Female Lead, Drama, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 31% similarity match.

The series depicts the daily routines of medical professionals including doctors Yokomine, Natori, Haitani, nurse Yukimura, and Doctor Tachibana. It delves into the previously undisclosed events from Season 3, exploring whether Haitani successfully conquers his fear of flying in Doctor Heli.

Recommendation: Alive - Gan Senmoni no Karte similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Alive - Gan Senmoni no Karte(アライブ がん専門医のカルテ)

2020Japan
DramaFamilyFriendshipMedicalCancerIllnessStrong Female Lead

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Friendship, and Medical themes with a 31% similarity match.

Oncologist Onda Kokoro, known affectionately as Dr. Onkoro, was believed to be destined for her career path. She was happily married to Takumi, whom she had known since her student days, and they had a son together. However, tragedy struck three months ago when Takumi was involved in an accident and remained in a coma after emergency surgery. Despite putting on a brave front at work, Kokoro struggled to come to terms with the harsh reality. A ray of hope entered her life when she met Kajiyama Kaoru, a skilled gastroenterologist who had recently joined their hospital. Kaoru provided much-needed emotional support with her cheerful personality and understanding of the importance of oncology as a surgeon. She quickly became a dear friend to Kokoro, bringing a newfound brightness to both her personal and professional life.

Recommendation: Doki no Sakura similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Doki no Sakura(同期のサクラ)

2019Japan
DramaFamilyFriendshipMiniseriesEccentric Female LeadOffice Worker Female LeadOlder Woman-Younger Man

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, Friendship, and Miniseries themes with a 31% similarity match.

Sakura was raised on a secluded island and harbors a strong desire to construct a bridge connecting her community. In 2009, she becomes a member of a prominent construction firm and eagerly shares her ambition with her coworkers. Sakura's unwavering dedication to realizing her dream inspires those around her at the company.

Recommendation: Single Ladies Senior similar to Maria (2001)
31%Match
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Single Ladies Senior(高塔公主)

2018Taiwan
DramaFemale Centered PlotFriendshipSismanceBest Friends RelationshipRomanceYouth

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Female Centered Plot, Friendship, and Sismance themes with a 31% similarity match.

A group of close friends who met in college are excelling in their professional lives as independent women. Wang Mi Na, Yin Ge Li, Weng Mei Yan, and Bai Ya Xuan are often compared to princesses in a tower due to their dedication to their jobs. However, as they navigate the complexities of balancing career and relationships, they are forced to contemplate whether they can have it all or if they must make a difficult choice.

Recommendation: The Family (2014) similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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The Family (2014)(亲情保卫战)

2014China
DramaFamilyFriendship

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Friendship themes with a 30% similarity match.

Tale of youngsters and their guardians, and familial connections.

Recommendation: Konnichiwa, Kaasan similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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Konnichiwa, Kaasan(こんにちは、母さん)

2007Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Recommendation: Jump Class similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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Jump Class(跳班)

2015China
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Wang Xiao Feng's tranquil existence was disrupted by a sudden and extraordinary journey. This experience lifted him out of his mundane routine and introduced him to a mysterious power that allowed him to traverse different dimensions. The unconventional and innovative "Lele Primary School" captivated Wang Xiao Feng, sparking a newfound sense of joy and wonder within him. As he encountered the eccentric inventions of Dr. Wu Zhi and the unconventional approach of the school's staff, Wang Xiao Feng felt compelled to bridge the gap between his old life and this new, fantastical world. His father, usually preoccupied with work in the "Kuai Kuai World," transformed into a devoted stay-at-home dad in "La La World." Similarly, seemingly ordinary individuals in "La La World" revealed unexpected talents and quirks, such as Ada, who traded her efficient demeanor for a fascination with ants. The once stern principal emerged as a whimsical and optimistic figure in this alternate reality. Amidst these transformations, Wang Xiao Feng's encounter with the enigmatic Xu Wen Wen in Lele World sparked his curiosity and thirst for adventure. This drastic shift from his previous unremarkable existence propelled Wang Xiao Feng into an extraordinary and enchanting journey.

Recommendation: Azalea similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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Azalea(映山红)

2015China
DramaFemale Centered PlotFriendship

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Female Centered Plot, and Friendship themes with a 30% similarity match.

Four women form a close bond in the early stages of the Chinese Revolution, only to experience different destinies as China undergoes three decades of transformation and turmoil

Recommendation: Golden Trio similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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Golden Trio(老家伙)

2024China
DramaFamilyFriendship

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Friendship themes with a 30% similarity match.

Xiao Chang Qing, Sun Qian Cheng, and Chen Xin Cheng dedicated themselves to their work for many years. Upon retiring, they joined forces to establish a welcoming retirement community. Together, they addressed challenges commonly experienced by the elderly residents, leading to personal growth and improved relationships with their families and themselves.

Recommendation: My Family Doctor similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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My Family Doctor(我的家庭醫生)

2014Hong Kong
FamilyMedicalMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Family, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

The television series aims to explore the themes of primary care and family doctors by presenting interactive stories. These include: an elderly individual at risk of falling due to social and health issues, a woman experiencing psycho-somatic symptoms and doctor shopping, a taxi driver with uncontrolled diabetes and his friend battling colorectal cancer, a teenager struggling with internet addiction, and a young woman dealing with side effects from cosmetic procedures.

Recommendation: Namida wo Fuite similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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Namida wo Fuite(涙をふいて)

2000Japan
DramaFamilyFriendship

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Friendship themes with a 30% similarity match.

Onishi Katsuo, a 35-year-old carpenter and former college football player, views life through the same lens as a football game - filled with courage, honor, and teamwork. When he receives the devastating news that his college football teammate has passed away in a house fire, leaving behind his wife in a coma and their four children homeless, Katsuo steps up to help. He invites the children to stay with him in his small apartment above his boss's house. Despite the children's initial trauma, Katsuo's kind and lively nature brings them hope and comfort during this difficult time.

Recommendation: Saigo no Kazoku similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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Saigo no Kazoku(最後の家族)

2001Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Recommendation: Mama no Idenshi similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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Mama no Idenshi(ママの遺伝子)

2002Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Yakushimaru Hiroko portrays Nanami, a 35-year-old woman who is navigating her desires and needs, such as finding a job, improving her relationship with her mother-in-law, and securing good schools for her children. She resides in a Tokyo suburb with her husband Wataru and their three young kids. When Wataru's father proposes that they move in with him and his wife to save money, Nanami reluctantly agrees, hoping that her mother-in-law can help care for the children while she seeks employment. Unbeknownst to her, this decision will bring about a host of unexpected challenges.

Recommendation: Kino no Tomo wa Kyo no Teki? similar to Maria (2001)
30%Match
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Kino no Tomo wa Kyo no Teki?(昨日の友は今日の敵?)

2004Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Recommendation: Otona no Natsu Yasumi similar to Maria (2001)
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Otona no Natsu Yasumi(おとなの夏休み)

2005Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Miyuki, a 34-year-old Japanese homemaker, lives with her husband who works as a salaryman and their son. Despite feeling like her dream has come true, she secretly grapples with the realization that her life depends entirely on her husband. On the other hand, her childhood friend Sumiko, a single woman who was recently promoted to a managerial position at a large company, enjoys a high salary and independence but struggles with loneliness. Meanwhile, Yu, who is approaching thirty, still lives with her father and relies on him for support. Feeling lost and unsure of her aspirations, Yu is uncertain about her future. When Miyuki encounters an elderly woman she is caring for as part of her part-time job, the woman unexpectedly leaves her a beach house upon her passing. It turns out that the elderly woman was Yu's grandmother. Initially unsure of what to do with the property, Miyuki ultimately decides, with encouragement from Sumiko whom she reconnects with after two decades, to turn it into a business venture. As Sumiko and Yu also become involved as partners, tensions arise as each of them has conflicting ideas for the beach house.

Recommendation: Shiawase ni Naritai! similar to Maria (2001)
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Shiawase ni Naritai!(幸せになりたい!)

2005Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Hikari is responsible for looking after her ailing mother and two younger siblings. They receive the news that their father, who had been missing, has passed away and left them with a significant debt of 10 million yen. The family, already struggling financially, is left with no money or food. In order to repay the debt, Hikari secures a job as a cleaner at UBS TV company. Meanwhile, Masako Nagai, a drama producer at UBS TV, faces challenges at work due to sexist colleagues. After a chance encounter at UBS, Masako recognizes Hikari's creative talents and hires her as an assistant producer, despite facing opposition from her coworkers. Hikari is motivated by the opportunity to provide for her family and pay off her father's debt, while Masako aims to earn respect at UBS by excelling in her role as a drama producer.

Recommendation: Tomorrow (2008) similar to Maria (2001)
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Tomorrow (2008)(トゥモロー)

2008Japan
DramaMedicalMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Eight years ago, Moriyama Kouhei made the decision to leave his position as a doctor and transition to working at the city hall. Since his career change, he has developed a more positive and upbeat attitude, earning the admiration of those around him. Despite this transformation, he still carries emotional scars from the past, causing him to rely solely on himself for important matters. Everything changes when he crosses paths with a dedicated nurse named Tanaka Aiko, sparking his ambition to establish a new hospital. It is through this experience that he comes to the realization that "Losing is not the end. Giving up is what ends everything."

Recommendation: Kazoku no Urajijo similar to Maria (2001)
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Kazoku no Urajijo(家族の裏事情)

2013Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

The Isawas are a typical Japanese family living in Tokyo. Yasuhiko and Yukari are a married couple who run a restaurant called Isawaya in the historic downtown area. Despite their differences, they are a content pair. However, the arrival of Takagi Rui, the girlfriend of their eldest son Haruhiko, and Yukari's long-lost mother Mimatsu Hanae, who has been estranged since divorcing her husband, bring to light a hidden secret within this multi-generational family, putting their family bonds to the test.

Recommendation: Naruyouni Narusa Season 2 similar to Maria (2001)
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Naruyouni Narusa Season 2(なるようになるさ。シーズン2)

2014Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

After Nagashima Daigo and Aya's three sons got married and moved out, Aya decided to renovate the kitchen and living room to open up Cafe Restaurant Aya. The restaurant has been successful, with Daigo also pitching in whenever he can. As former employees Uchida Yoko, Otake Noboru, and Nakatsu Eri moved on, Aya welcomed Nakano Kyoko, a unemployed graduate with an attitude, and Togawa Tatsu, a customer in need. Despite their challenges, Tatsu proves to be a skilled cook and great with customers, much to Aya's relief. Things take a turn when Noboru shows up with his dropout junior, Okumura Ryo, who is struggling to find his way. Ryo's unconventional appearance and behavior at the restaurant come as a shock to Aya and the rest of the staff. The Nagashima family is once again facing challenges with their new employees.

Recommendation: Hana Saku Ashita similar to Maria (2001)
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Hana Saku Ashita(花咲くあした)

2014Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Located in Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, the story revolves around five siblings, with the eldest being Asa, each dealing with their own challenges. Upon returning to Japan from Italy, their 60-year-old mother Fuko brings her bright and grandiose personality back into their lives. Despite facing disagreements with Fuko, the mother ultimately guides her five children towards a fresh start.

Recommendation: Hajimemashite, Aishiteimasu similar to Maria (2001)
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Hajimemashite, Aishiteimasu(はじめまして、愛しています)

2016Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

Umeda Mina, a talented pianist, comes from a family with a renowned conductor as her father. Her goal is to win a prestigious international piano competition, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. At 35 years old, this competition marks her final opportunity to achieve her dream. Mina has been married to her husband, Shinji, for a decade, yet they have been unable to have children. One day, a neglected boy with a stoic demeanor intrudes into their yard. After discovering the boy's abusive past, he is placed in a care facility. However, he reappears in their garden a few days later. Feeling a sense of destiny, Shinji begins researching child adoption in secret, believing the boy's return to be fateful.

Recommendation: Unsung Cinderella: Another Story similar to Maria (2001)
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Unsung Cinderella: Another Story(アンサング・シンデレラ ANOTHER STORY ~新人薬剤師 相原くるみ~)

2020Japan
DramaMedicalMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Medical, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.

In the hospital, a series of puzzling events have occurred involving two high school students named Mikito and Airi. Despite battling serious illnesses, they have been identified as the individuals behind these incidents. Their motive is to grant Airi's final wishes before she passes away. Witnessing their selfless actions, Kurumi, a pharmacist contemplating leaving her job, decides to assist the teenagers. Through this experience, she gains insight into the concept of "living for someone". (Drama Wiki)

Recommendation: Octo: Futatsu no Kazoku similar to Maria (2001)
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Octo: Futatsu no Kazoku(オクトー ~ふたつの家族~)

2022Japan
DramaFamilyMiniseries

Like Maria (2001), this drama also features Drama, Family, and Miniseries themes with a 30% similarity match.