The short‑drama industry has kicked off 2026 with fierce competition. From the powerful twists of Shi Ba Sui Tai Nai Nai Jia Dao Chong Zheng Jia Zu Rong Yao 4 to the gentle healing of Hong Tang Jiang Zhi, these shows are totally addictive.
This ranking is based on view counts, platform popularity, trending indexes and online buzz. Key points:
- Hong Tang Jiang Zhi: 4th place
- Man Tuo Luo: 8th place
- No.1: a clear leader with no dispute
Gone are the days of cheap and melodramatic short dramas. Today’s hits feature solid plots and impressive acting, offering either satisfying excitement or touching healing, with unforgettable highlights.
10. Bian Ci Yu Xin Tiao
Cast: Zhang Jinyi, Yi HangA sweet workplace romance about a decisive divorce lawyer and a straightforward younger musician. No complicated plots—just sincere love.
- Launch day popularity: 62.55 million
- Collections: over 1.61 million
9. Tao Jin Jiu Chong Tian
Cast: Yue Yuting, Liu RunmingA xianxia tragic love story between a cold heavenly emperor and a vengeful peach spirit, tangled in fate for 300 years.
- Launch day popularity: 75.47 million
- Collections: 968,000
8. Man Tuo Luo
Cast: Chen Si, Li KeyiPerfectly presents yandere aesthetics, breaking the stereotype of sweet girls and dominant CEOs.
- Launch day popularity: 97.93 million
- Collections: over 1.5 millionChen Si has become a main star of 2026 short dramas with stable acting skills.
7. Shi Li Hun De Guan Xi
Cast: Chen Si, Gong WanyiA fresh urban romance about subtle emotional entanglement between adults, from contractual marriage to reunion after divorce.
- Peak popularity: 76.21 million
- Total views: over 1 billion
6. Jing Hun Nong Yin
Cast: Hou Chengyue, Liang SiweiA love story between a Beijing tycoon and a shy secretary, deeply loved by viewers.
- Total views: over 1.5 billion
- Collections: over 3.81 million
5. Yi Jia San Kou Zai Tong Ban
Cast: Wang Xiaoyi, Wang Yilei, Zhang ChiA creative and warm story: divorced parents travel back to 18 and study in the same class with their rebellious son.
- Launch day popularity: 93.59 million
- Total views: over 1 billion
- Collections: 5.14 million
4. Hong Tang Jiang Zhi
Cast: Wang Kaimu, Yu YinA healing romance about a childhood engagement, broken promise and ten years of silent protection.
Popularity exceeded 100 million on the second day (the first drama on Hongguo to reach this milestone)
3. Shao Fu Ren Lai Zi Dong Bei
Cast: Liang Wenjing, Ye WenA funny and sweet story about a straightforward Northeast girl and a lonely nobleman from Southeast Asia.
- Total views: over 2 billion
- Douyin topic views: over 1 billion
2. Zhou Yi Ji Ye
Cast: Tan Yanyan, Zhai Yiying, Zhang JinyiA female group drama focusing on urban women’s growth, facing desire and bottom line bravely.
- Total views: over 2 billion
1. Shi Ba Sui Tai Nai Nai Jia Dao Chong Zheng Jia Zu Rong Yao 4
Cast: Li Keyi, Zeng HuiUndisputed No.1, a hit sequel with strong plot and high completion rate.
- Launch day peak popularity: 170.62 million
- Total views: over 2 billion
- Completion rate: 89.7%
2026 short dramas are highly competitive and each has its own charm. Which ones have you watched? Do you agree with this ranking? Leave your favorite short drama in the comments!
