Asian dramas like
Midnight Thriller

Sakai Yoichi, a self-employed video producer, was feeling trapped in his current circumstances, barely scraping by with odd jobs. Upon returning to his apartment, which doubled as his workspace, he discovered a package along with a note. The message read, "Interested in filming my activities? Get in touch. I believe you'll find it intriguing." Despite being swamped with work, Sakai opened the package absentmindedly and was taken aback. Inside was a severed human finger. Speechless, he hesitated to contact the authorities and instead reflected on the situation. "Perhaps this could be a turning point in my life..." With this intuition, he decided to reach out to the provided contact number. Subsequently, he paid a visit to the designated residence in the outskirts, where he was welcomed by a man named Mitsumi Kei. What adventures awaited Sakai after he began documenting murders following his encounter with Mitsumi Kei?

Former police officer turned mystery author, Han Bing, discovered a disturbing pattern as his high school classmates began to die in the same manner as the characters in his novels. With suspicions mounting, Han Bing delved deeper into uncovering the dark secrets lurking behind the scenes.

Detective Seiichiro Watari from the Otaru Police Precinct in Hokkaido is retiring soon with unresolved business from seven years ago. The unidentified skeleton of a woman was discovered in the sea of Otaru, halting the investigation. Watari is determined to identify her before leaving the precinct. Three years after retirement, he stumbles upon a clue that could solve the case, despite his limited life expectancy. With the help of detective Kaoru Saotome, he begins reinvestigating, much to the dismay of his wife Suzuko. They travel to Tokyo to meet a jewelry designer who provided a clue, but she has mysteriously disappeared. Watari's obsession with the case stems from the tragic drowning of his daughter Kozue 20 years ago. As he delves deeper, he encounters architect Haruyuki Kiryu, whose connection to the case remains unclear. Kiryu is determined to succeed in his company, even as he becomes involved with Akane Seike, the president's daughter who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased girlfriend. Their entangled fates lead to a dangerous pursuit of ambition and truth.

Detective Shibasaki Sachio's daughter, who was a member of the First Investigation Division, is tragically murdered. Together with Kawasumi Shigekatsu, a young detective who looks up to Shibasaki as a mentor, they try to uncover the truth behind the heinous crime. Despite their efforts, the case remains unsolved. Fast forward 15 years, Shibasaki is now retired and caring for his sick wife, Miwako. Things take a turn when a new unit is formed to reinvestigate cold cases, with Kawasumi joining the team. As they revisit the case, a suspect emerges, leading Shibasaki to seek justice on his own. A fateful phone call sets off a chain of events that ultimately lands him in a difficult situation. (jdramas.wordpress.com)

A cold case involving the murder of a young girl resurfaces two decades later, stirring up memories in a tranquil town. Shan Feng, who had witnessed the crime in the past, comes back to the town as a police officer, haunted by the painful recollections. Determined to uncover the truth, he finds that everyone connected to the case has experienced significant transformations.

After a tragic incident with poachers resulted in the death of a forest ranger and left another in critical condition, ex-officer Wei Jiang is enlisted to assist in locating missing ranger Qin Chuan. During their search, they team up with veterinarian Ye Xiao Wan and animal rights advocate Saina. Together, they unveil a poaching operation, confronting peril from both merciless criminals and savage wolves as they strive for justice unflinchingly.

Oda Naomi had dreams of working as a curator in an art gallery, but she currently holds a position at a department store where she caters to VIP clients. Despite her job, she is dissatisfied with her current situation. One day, her college friend, Hattori Kanako, pays her a visit at her apartment and reveals that she is being physically abused by her husband, Tatsuro, who is a high-ranking employee at a bank. Kanako is hesitant to leave her husband out of fear for her life, as he becomes violent when under stress. When Naomi spots a Chinese stowaway who bears a striking resemblance to Kanako's husband, she devises a plan to eliminate him. With Kanako's cooperation, they put their plan into action.

At the age of nine, Koichi's father was accused of murdering his mother and younger sibling, followed by taking his own life. Contrary to belief, Koichi's father was falsely incriminated, and Koichi witnessed the true culprit responsible for his family's tragedy. Despite his attempts to share the truth, the authorities dismissed his account, and his relatives labeled him as dishonest. Refusing to abandon his version of events, Koichi was dubbed "Usotsuki" (Liar) as he grew up. Eventually, Koichi relocated abroad, assuming a new identity and pursuing a career as a con artist. Years later, Koichi encounters the perpetrator of his family's demise, prompting him to return to Japan seeking vengeance.

Michinari Shiga is employed as an assistant editor at the weekly publication Shukan Jiryu, which has experienced an increase in sales thanks to its coverage of various scandals. He leads a life dedicated to journalism ethics, until his own son, who is in university, commits a double murder before taking his own life. Now, instead of uncovering scandals, Shiga is thrust into the midst of one. Facing pressure from his colleagues, he is demoted to a monthly magazine and his marriage begins to deteriorate rapidly. Despite his challenging circumstances, Shiga is resolute in his mission to uncover the truth surrounding his son's actions.

In a quaint museum located in the Suiren region of western China, there is a statue situated next to a well that was sculpted during the Xihan Dynasty over 2200 years ago, making it a priceless treasure. Throughout history, various governments have enacted laws to safeguard the statue, particularly during times of conflict. However, it has been frequently photographed, smuggled abroad, and exploited for profit through unauthorized rubbings.

Taking place at a household appliance company in Nagoya, the story unfolds as Meio Electrics, a leading home appliance manufacturer, receives a warning letter from Zestar Research Company in the United States. Accusing Meio of infringing on their solar panel patents, Zestar demands a significant amount in compensation and licensing fees. Hasegawa, a member of the Intellectual Property Department, is suspected of espionage amidst this unexpected turn of events, which occurs just as he embarks on his new life with his wife, Aoi. Zestar Research Company, known as a "Patent Troll," is controlled by a mysterious figure named Sawada. Meanwhile, Hama, responsible for preventing legal disputes within the company, faces criticism and disrespect from his superior, Muraoka. In a fit of rage, Hama ends up assaulting Muraoka and burying him in the mountains, sparking a tense conflict that jeopardizes the "love" and "pride" of the characters involved.

"I always seem to realize it afterwards... but it's always what she desired from the start!" Have you ever experienced that sensation? The secretive practice of "Dark Shinri-Jutsu" (also known as "Dark Psychology") involves utilizing everyday conversations, hints, words, and actions to influence the thoughts and feelings of others in order to control them according to your wishes, whether for positive and innocent purposes or to fulfill even the most sinister desires of the heart. Kuronosaki, a enigmatic, sharp-tongued, and sadistic individual, resolves numerous psychological issues, enigmas, and cases by employing this prohibited method. She may unexpectedly appear, chuckling, and ask a person struggling with interpersonal relationship problems, "Are you foolish?" before guiding them in using "black psychology" through a range of manipulative tactics such as storytelling, active listening, prompting speculation, interpreting and guiding body language, glances, gestures, and other triggering mechanisms that can be practiced in various settings, such as at home, work, or school, to effectively captivate the heart, instill motivation, guide emotional reactions, or promote communication and self-examination. A suspenseful drama filled with dark humor! Is it a life of manipulation or a life of being manipulated? (Nogizaka46.com)

Tono Risa, a skilled writer in her thirties, is feeling stuck in her career despite her previous success

Cheung Sing Hei served time in prison after being convicted of killing his stepfather. Surprisingly, his cousin Tong Lap Yeen was the main witness in the case. After a decade behind bars, Sing Hei is released, only to find that Lap Yeen has become a prominent figure in the city, while his own reputation is tarnished. Feeling frustrated and suspicious about the events of ten years ago, Sing Hei is determined to uncover the truth behind his stepfather's murder. Through his own investigation, he identifies the true culprit, but struggles to find a motive or concrete evidence. This is a story of Sing Hei's quest to reveal the truth and clear his name.

Once, there existed a special mailbox where children could seek justice against abusive adults. The Neverland Devil would punish these wrongdoers upon receiving a letter from a child. However, after a certain incident, the Neverland Devil vanished without a trace. A decade later, a man named Soejima Rikiya, who used to be a mail carrier but now works at a hospice, receives a cryptic message hinting at the Neverland Devil's return. In response, Soejima decides to return to his former job at the post office. Meanwhile, a murder victim is discovered by the river, with a note in their mouth suggesting the Neverland Devil's resurgence. Soejima Rikiya finds himself entangled in the investigation of this serial killer known as the Neverland Devil.

A collection of fantasy dramas that encompasses a range of creative ideas, enigmas, and suspenseful elements.

A murder investigation unfolded in Xincang City involving the death of Xiao Hai Yun, the owner of a real estate company. Xiao had recently teamed up with Zhou Guo Qin, a police captain, to uncover corruption within the development zone led by Xu Zhong Lu. Tragically, Zhou died while pursuing the killer. This led to suspicions falling on Jiang Dong Zhi, a taxi driver involved in the case, who decided to go on the run. As young officer Lu Yang searched for Jiang, he unraveled the complexities surrounding the case. Jiang, evading capture, used clues left by Zhou and his own methods to seek the truth.

Currently, Jeon Yeong Ha's peaceful existence overseeing a holiday cabin in the forest is thrown into disarray by the sudden appearance of a enigmatic lady named Yoo Seong A. Twenty years ago, Koo Sang Jun, who was also in charge of the cabin, endured a devastating summer that led to his downfall. Yun Bo Min, who was a local police officer at the time, is now the chief of police at the same precinct and begins looking into Jeon Yeong Ha with great curiosity.

Saijo Kinuka, a homemaker, resides in a Western-style house in Kamakura with her husband and two teenage children after inheriting it from her late father-in-law. She fulfills her dream of opening a flower arrangement school in the salon of her new home. However, her past resurfaces when her ex-boyfriend, Seno Itsuki, unexpectedly shows up at her housewarming party. Strange occurrences begin to unfold in the household, such as missing food and clothing, as it is revealed that Seno has been secretly living in the attic. This leads to the unraveling of hidden secrets among those close to Kinuka, ultimately impacting her mental state. The situation escalates when a murder occurs, drastically altering her fate.

Kozono Yohei, the secretary general of Shoto University, was discovered dead from stab wounds in his residence. Hoshino Naoto, a detective at Fujimi Police Station, hurries to the crime scene and observes the murder scene in the living room. Tanimura Kaho, a lecturer in the Department of International Studies at Shoto University, is determined to advance in life by any means necessary and has been involved in a romantic relationship with Kozono, who oversees personnel matters, for six months. Following Kozono's murder, Kaho is taken into custody as the prime suspect. Meanwhile, journalist Maruyama Sota receives details about the affair through an anonymous email and suspects that someone is trying to manipulate the narrative of the incident. He initiates his own inquiry. Amidst this, Hoshino grows uneasy with the investigative approach taken by senior police officials, who hastily conclude that Kaho is the perpetrator. He eventually comes to the realization that Kaho may have been set up by someone.

As law enforcement hurries to apprehend suspects in a highly publicized murder investigation, the enigmatic death marks the onset of a cascade of sinister truths waiting to be revealed. The narrative centers on Dalah, a fashionable floral designer tasked with creating flower arrangements for the eagerly awaited wedding of Ohm, the frontrunner for Prime Minister, and his fiancée Risa. Their impending marriage has garnered widespread media attention as it is set to merge two of the nation’s most influential families. However, when the groom is discovered deceased on the day of the wedding, all attendees find themselves under suspicion in the murder inquiry. Caught in a tangled web of clandestine relationships and elite scandals, Dalah takes it upon herself to investigate, uncovering dark secrets and a conspiracy that connects to her own history.

In reality, every individual on this planet is like a marionette, with invisible strings controlling their actions. Two decades ago, the renowned psychologist Ouyang Qiu, along with his friend and colleague Ruan Haotian, traveled to Dawn City for a confidential research project. Tragically, Ouyang met his demise by falling from a building, while Dr. Ruan vanished under mysterious circumstances. Subsequently, the project was abruptly terminated. Fast forward twenty years, Ouyang Qiu's son, Ouyang Yiming, has grown up and joined a specialized SCI Team as an agent. When a gruesome mutilation case arises in Dawn City, Ouyang Yiming takes it upon himself to investigate. However, just as he nears a breakthrough, the perpetrator takes their own life, prompting Ouyang to delve deeper into the mystery. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that Pandora's Box is on the verge of being opened... (Q1Q2)

In order to solve a perplexing case, rookie police officer Chen Mo launched a thorough investigation. Assisted by the honorable successor Wang Zi and the courageous and resolute presenter Su Wen, they were able to successfully apprehend the perpetrators.

Crystal, Louisa, and Leila grew up as siblings after being orphaned at a young age. Each of them was adopted into different families with diverse backgrounds. When Louisa was imprisoned for a crime she committed, Crystal took the blame to protect her sister. Leila, known for her kindness, attempted to help by falsifying evidence but ended up being incarcerated as well. Tensions between the three sisters and the prison owner escalate, leading to a desire for revenge. This series delves into the underworld of women in prison, exploring their struggles and conflicts.

Shirakawa Jiro, a renowned author specializing in mystery novels filled with intricate plots, finds himself facing writer's block while working on his 100th book, following the success of his previous 99 bestsellers. Adopting the persona of skilled interviewer Aonuma Kiryu, he delves into the perplexing Tulip Murders - a series of gruesome homicides targeting housewives occurring a year apart. Utilizing his keen intellect and the support of his editor, he delves into the hidden secrets of the town, pursuing a real-life mystery rather than mere facts.

Yuri Ishikawa and her colleagues work on solving long-standing unsolved cases in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. This project is inspired by the American television show "Cold Case" from 2003.

In Tokyo, freelance writer Harada Ririko and former folklore lecturer Shimano Hitoshi explore hidden spots with chilling stories. They encounter various spirits in well-known locations across the 23 wards. These include an office lady searching for her missing mother in Shibuya's underground drains, a mistress concealing a body on Yume no Shima in Koto ward, and the enigmatic Ikebukuro woman finding love in her later years. Other tales involve a female CEO encountering a ghostly figure in a late-night taxi in Minato ward, a doctor's wife tied to a tree in Itabashi ward believed to sever relationships between men and women, and the mystery of a woman connected to the Suzugamori execution grounds in Shinagawa ward. (jdramas.wordpress.com) ~

Upon returning home, Kyoichiro learns that his 14-year-old son Kyosuke has been fatally stabbed. The perpetrator, 13-year-old Mitsuru, was a fellow classmate of Kyosuke. Despite the severity of the crime, Mitsuru will not face appropriate consequences under Japan's juvenile law. Kyoichiro directs his frustration towards Mitsuru and his mother, Hatsumi. However, he also recognizes the suffering that Hatsumi endures as a result of her son's actions.

Rugawa is an enigmatic individual who manages a video streaming platform known as Joker, where she generates income by uploading videos. She persuades Yanagi, a middle-aged man facing financial struggles after losing his job, to team up with her. Together, they produce videos that delve into controversial topics on Joker, such as the dark truths behind idol culture, fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable elderly individuals, and matchmaking services disguised as legitimate businesses. Rugawa's audience is captivated by the intricate schemes she orchestrates, as she fearlessly exposes societal issues as a representative of online users. The question remains: what drives Rugawa to create such provocative content?

The lifeless body of a woman is discovered wrapped in a beige sheet and suspended from the roof of a dilapidated apartment building. A note claiming responsibility for the act is attached to the sheet, stating, "Today, I caught a frog and experimented with a bagworm." This peculiar incident captures the attention of the media. Kotegawa Kazuya, a rookie detective, and the experienced Watase from the Saitama Prefectural Police's First Investigation Division are assigned to the case. Criminal psychiatry expert Omaezaki Munetaka notes the immaturity of the crime and suggests it may lead to more murders. As Kotegawa and Watase search for the perpetrator, another killing occurs, with a mutilated body found in a car trunk at a scrapyard. A similar message is left behind, instilling fear and confusion among the public. Can Kotegawa and Watase uncover the identity of the elusive "Frog Man" and bring him to justice?

Kaburagi Keiichi was taken into custody on suspicion of murder and given the death penalty. He managed to escape from prison during transport, but instead of fleeing, he helped the individuals he encountered in his hiding spot. As these individuals discovered Kaburagi's identity as a death row escapee, they questioned whether he was truly a killer.

Derived from Sidney Sheldon's book "Master of the Game."

The narrative revolves around a family that unexpectedly inherits a substantial fortune, leading to a significant transformation in their lives. (en.taicike.com)

A judge and a gang leader find themselves in a difficult situation involving their sons. Song Pan Ho is a respected judge who has raised his son, Song Ho Young, with strong morals. On the other hand, crime boss Kim Kang Heon is known for his calm demeanor, except when it comes to his son Kim Sang Hyuk, who takes after his ruthless and violent father. Their lives become intertwined due to a certain incident, leading the two fathers to make drastic decisions for the sake of their children. This drama is a Korean adaptation of the American TV series "Your Honor" [2020], which is originally based on the Israeli TV series "Kvodo" [2017].

Toko Kisaragi, a fresh addition to the female detective team, recently joined the 11th Section of the 1st Investigation Division at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, fulfilling her desire to follow in her father's footsteps. A murder case was reported on March 9, with the victim's body discovered encased in cement. The following day, the perpetrator, who goes by the name Toremi, boldly contacts the police department. Kisaragi is appointed as Toremi's point of contact, as he continues to disrupt the investigation by providing details about his crimes. Toremi eventually leads the police to another crime scene where another victim's body is found cemented.

Tanuma Yuriko is a homemaker residing with her spouse Kazuo, their two kids, and mother-in-law Hatsue. When Saori, the spouse of Kazuo's friend Kusumoto Masafumi, is found murdered, Kazuo admits to having an affair with her. Yuriko suspects him of being responsible for Saori's death. Despite Kazuo's attempt to turn himself in to the authorities, Yuriko stops him, choosing to conceal his crime to maintain their family's tranquility. As Yuriko grapples with the situation, a newfound determination to protect her family emerges within her.

Sawamura Masahiko works as a journalist for the local newspaper Shin Kanagawa Nippo. One day, he comes across a lead on a hit-and-run incident involving Morimoto Atsukoa, the widow of the deceased. Masahiko is thrilled to have uncovered this story, his first major scoop in a while. However, it is later revealed that the information was fabricated by his colleague Kirino Hiroshi. Masahiko's university friend Mitazono, who is now the chief editor of an online news platform, helps him uncover the truth. As Masahiko tries to track down Kirino, he is approached by Oga Masakazu, a former journalist and a close friend of Masahiko's father Ippei. Oga is investigating the possibility that the suicide of their former colleague Kakiuchi Tomonari was linked to a false story published 15 years ago.

A deceased body is discovered in a storage space. The deceased is a young woman who owned a small eatery. Subsequently, a 19-year-old male is apprehended for the homicide and disposal of the body. Former judge turned attorney, Daisaburo Kikuchi, takes on the young man's legal defense. Initially appearing to be a straightforward case due to the man's confession, the situation takes a turn when he denies the allegations during the trial. Daisaburo Kikuchi delves into the case and uncovers the true circumstances behind it.

As they entered their late thirties, Komoto Maya, Kagami Riko, and Sakaki Yurika realized they regretted marrying for the sake of happiness. They started to feel the limitations of their careers and questioned the direction of their lives. These three college classmates often went out for drinks together, sharing complaints about their husbands and releasing their pent-up frustrations. One fateful evening, Maya and Riko were summoned to Yurika's home, where she shockingly confessed, "I have killed my husband!" Subsequently, Maya's husband mysteriously disappeared, setting off a chain of events that would alter the destinies of these three women. Thus begins the tale of their vengeance as they strive to reclaim the happiness stolen from them by their marriages.

Ueshima Michiko, a homemaker, is set to inherit the Japanese-style eatery Hanazumi located near Lake Hamana. Unexpectedly, Yahagi Tae arrives claiming to be Shunpei's lover and presents Michiko with divorce papers signed by her husband. Michiko suggests that Shunpei transfer ownership of the restaurant to her in exchange for the divorce. Unaware of the restaurant's financial struggles, Michiko agrees to the deal only to discover later that it is on the brink of bankruptcy. Following the divorce, Michiko finds herself in a business partnership with both Shunpei and Tae, embarking on a challenging journey filled with obstacles.

Located in the gritty industrial region of northeastern China, this story follows a young police officer as he delves into the investigation of a taxi driver's murder. As he uncovers clues, he realizes that a childhood friend may have a connection to the crime. Unraveling the mystery layer by layer, he exposes a past that was buried 12 years ago. This storyline is based on the novel "Moses on the Plain" by Shuang Xue Tao.

Taking place in the Republican era, Cheng Ci Hang is a respected law enforcement officer known for his unwavering dedication to justice. However, his life takes a twist when he becomes entangled in a series of mysterious murder investigations and embarks on a tumultuous romantic journey with a woman.

Legal intern Okumori Rei is about to tie the knot when he is confronted by an individual from his past, revealing a long-held secret. Eight years earlier, as a high school student, Rei was forced to take drastic measures to protect his mother Akiko from an abusive situation by staging his father Kosuke's disappearance. This act created a bond of secrecy between Rei and his mother, shaping his cautious and solitary lifestyle as he pursued a career in law. Everything changes when he meets Tachibana Saya at law school, bringing light into his shadowed existence and leading to a blossoming romance. However, as Rei's wedding to Saya approaches, he starts receiving threatening messages from someone privy to his dark past.

Revenge can be a risky driving force. Mozu, a professional killer, comes back to Japan posing as a spy from North Korea in order to seek vengeance. Kuraki Naotake, Osugi Ryota, and Akeboshi Misa join forces once more to probe into a political plot aimed at concealing a massacre at a hospital. The connection between the lethal assassin and this case remains a mystery.

Following the uncovering of a homicide reminiscent of a long-unsolved case from over two decades ago, the chief investigator, a rising political figure, and a new recruit in law enforcement find themselves entangled in a complex web of political maneuvering. (Credit: FilmPoliceReviews)

With the rise of advanced criminals and intricate crimes, law enforcement is required to utilize faster and more advanced methods of analyzing evidence and identifying suspects. This is where forensic laboratories play a crucial role. Mariko Sakaki, a skilled forensic scientist, faces challenges such as stereotypes and negative remarks from experienced detectives.

There is a rumor going around that Kureshida has the ability to help people with their issues, causing a sudden surge in their popularity on social media. Kureshida is made up of leader Hitomi, along with Yusaku, Tomoki, and Kimito, although their individual identities remain unknown to the public. Each day, the four members of Kureshida meet at the library where Tomoki is employed. They choose a client from those who have submitted their stories, gather information about them, and work towards resolving their problems.