20 Best Turkish Dramas of All Time
Introduction
As a newly globalized entertainment medium, Turkish dramas weave together a variety of themes including romance, familial strife, ambition, betrayal, and engaging characters. Beginning as a popular form of serialized storytelling on Turkish television, the small screen dramas have captured audiences across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
Turkish television dramas contain well-developed characters and stories that offer multi-episode long family and romantic relationships. Many of the dramas choose a historical context and focus on the personal and interpersonal relationships that develop through the struggles and romances of the characters. The historical Turkish dramas are elaborate due to the majestic and extensive costumes and sets that represent historical Turkish interiors.
With so many series available, deciding where to start can be a monumental task for even the most avid Turkish drama fans. Keeping all of this in mind, we present to you the 20 best Turkish dramas, including your classic historical dramas, romantic comedies, and modern and contemporary dramas that have captured audiences globally.
1. Muhteşem Yüzyıl (Magnificent Century)
As one of the most well-known Turkish dramas around the world, Magnificent Century fictionalizes the reign of the Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, and the rivalries, romances, politics, and intrigues of the court.
The drama focuses heavily on the power, loyalty, ambition, and betrayal that surround the romance of Suleiman and Hürrem Sultan.
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
2. Diriliş: Ertuğrul (Resurrection: Ertuğrul)
The life of Ertuğrul Bey, the father of Osman I, is mapped out in the historical drama Diriliş: Ertuğrul. This series integrates the elements of action, romance, political and tribal conflicts. Its focus on large battles and the themes of loyalty and bravery earned it a huge, international fanbase.
Genre: Historical, Action, Adventure, Drama
3. Kara Sevda (Endless Love)
Widely said to be the most popular of all Turkish dramas in the world, Kara Sevda (Endless Love) focuses on the love story between a man and a woman of differing social classes, who are drawn together by love and circumstance.
Keeping them apart are family members, secretive social disparities, and a dangerous enemy. The series is known for the depth of its drama and the strong emotions portrayed.
Genre: Romance, Drama
4. Ezel
Ezel is a story of psychological drama, betrayal and revenge with romance. The story follows Ömer who is betrayed by people very close to him as he goes on with life, returning to seek his revenge under the new identity of Ezel.
The series is multifaceted and keeps the audience on its toes with the infusion of crime and psychological drama with unpredictable storylines.
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
5. Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne?
After the brutalisation of the main character, the series follows the aftermath of the traumatic and life altering event on the young woman, Fatmagül, in the social drama, Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne?.
Instead of only showing romantic relationships, the series portrays the social structures of the time, the evolution of justice, and the trials of family and individual pressure, and the long, often painful journey of one’s personal recovery. It became famous particularly for depicting numerous different social issues on the back of a single storyline of one series.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Social Issues
6. Aşk-ı Memnu
Aşk-ı Memnu (meaning “Forbidden Love”) is a piece of classic Turkish television and is based on the novel by Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil.
It tells the tale of the young Bihter. Bihter marries the older and much wealthier Adnan. Bihter and Adnan's nephew Behlül become involved in an older, secretive, jealous, and ultimately betrayful, and twisted Adnan affair.
The emotionally complicated, and conflict laden, relationships of the series and its captivatingly dramatic characters help its audience recall it over the years.
Genre: Romance, Drama
7. Çukur
The modern crime drama series centers on the extended Turkish Koçovalı family, and their control over the Çukur neighborhood.
When outside forces threaten both the family’s control and the security of the community they have been protecting, a series of events is triggered. The series captures the various social issues of the day blended with family, crime, action, romance, and betrayal.
The ambiance of the series, coupled with a powerful cast, is part of the reason it is considered one of the most innovative modern Turkish series.
Genre: Crime, Action, Drama
8. Medcezir
Based on the American series The O.C., Medcezir is a coming of age romantic drama.
The central character of the series is Yaman. He comes from a broken home and set against a new, rich and privileged community, his new love is with Mira. He must balance, romance, friendship, and family issues along with the new community's social expectations while in a new environment.
Genre: Romance, Crime, Mystery, Drama
9. Kara Para Aşk (Black Money Love)
The romance in Kara Para Aşk is built around crime and mystery. The main characters are Ömer, a cop, and Elif, a successful young woman, whose lives intersect after a death shrouded in mystery.
This show offers a great combination of suspense and romance, and is an excellent choice for those viewers who are looking for a story that is different from the conventional love story.
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
10. Sen Çal Kapımı (Love Is in the Air)
Known across the world as Love Is in the Air, Sen Çal Kapımı presents a more contemporary and less intense version of Turkish romance.
Eda and Serkan are the Turkish protagonists of this light romance. Their relationship begins through an encounter that is more than just a meet cute. With so many things going against them as a couple, including their opposing personalities, this romance will have you laughing and crying at every turn.
There is no question that the chemistry between the main characters and the unexpected turns of the romance are the reasons for the show's phenomenal success.
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
11. Erkenci Kuş (Daydreamer)
In this light romance series, Erkenci Kuş (also known as Daydreamer), viewers follow Sanem, a young woman with aspirations of a writing career, stuck working at an ad agency.
Sanem's world becomes complicated with the addition of Can, the ad agency's photographer and co-owner, who sparks a romance with Sanem that is a perfect combination of conflict and a lighthearted romance.
This series is perfect for viewers who want to watch a romance that is light and fun.
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
12. Yalı Çapkını (The Golden Boy)
Yalı Çapkını follows the story of Ferit and Seyran after their lives collide from an arranged marriage.
The show dives into themes of relationships, jealousy, personal freedom, the expectations of wealthy families and their impact, as well as generational divides. The rich family dynamics elevate the already strong romantic elements of the show.
This show captivated an audience for its contemporary style focused on families and has since been recognized as one of the notable modern Turkish dramas.
Genre: Romance, Family Drama
13. Masumlar Apartmanı (The Innocents)
Masumlar Apartmanı is also unique amongst Turkish dramas, but for different reasons.
The show stars characters with troubled family backgrounds and emotional issues. These problems ruin their abilities to form healthy, stable relationships. Because of this, the series as a whole is much darker, more serious, and offers much less romance than what is typical for a drama.
This show is an excellent option for viewers with a preference for character based stories.
Genre: Psychological drama, romance
14. Bir Zamanlar Çukurova (Bitter Lands)
Period drama fans will know of the 70s based Turkish show, Bir Zamanlar Çukurova, or Bitter Lands as it is more commonly known.
The show focuses on characters as their paths become intertwined through romance and the struggles of family and personal circumstances. The show is a mix of romance and social and historical elements.
The choice of shooting locations, coupled with the large show budget, infuses the show with a unique visual style.
Genre: Period Based Romance, Family Drama
15. Medcezir
Medcezir deserves to be known amongst the modern Turkish dramas for having a large influence on the younger generations through its combination of romance and coming-of-age storylines.
Class and culture perspectives are illuminated by the crossing of social boundaries and through Yaman’s early experiences of friendship, romance and family.
Genre: Romance, Coming-of-Age, Drama
16. Anne (Mother)
Based on the Japanese series, Mother, Anne is a story of a teacher named Zeynep, who becomes concerned about one of her students and the difficulties they are facing at home. Taking it upon herself to protect the child significantly impacts both of their lives.
The series touches on subjects of motherhood and abuse, family, and the depths of one’s character to protect the vulnerable.
Genre: Family Drama, Emotional Drama
17. Kuzey Güney
Kuzey Güney is the story of two brothers who take on the world in their own unique ways.
The impulsive and rebellious Kuzey is teamed with the controlled, more ambitious Güney. The relationships within the family become layered and complex as the brothers' diverging ambitions and family relationships become increasingly interconnected.
The drama unfolds with loyalty, rivalry and sacrifice in the balance of personal ambition.
Genre: Family Drama, Romance
18. Paramparça (Broken Pieces)
Paramparça (Broken Pieces) opens with two families and the shocking mistake that crossed the social divide and separated two families.
The truth of the mistaken identity is revealed when two children raised in completely different social environments reunite. The lives of the families and the children are forever changed.
The series explores the mysteries of class divide, family, the nexus of secrets and the identity of true parenthood.
19. The Protector
The Protector was the first Turkish show available globally, and its success was a foothold for broader Turkish shows outside of Turkey. The show is about Hakan, a young ordinary man, who finds himself the heir to a line of ancient guardians.
Thanks to the narrative structure, the show combines the modernity of Istanbul with fantasy, action, and a bit of mysticism. It is a good option for people looking for something outside of the traditional Turkish romance and family drama.
Genre: Urban fantasy, Action, Drama
20. Şahsiyet (Persona)
Şahsiyet, or Persona, is a celebrated dark psychological crime drama.
The story is about Agâh, a retired court clerk, who, after receiving a life-threatening diagnosis, decides to do things on his own terms.
The show seamlessly merges crime and mystery with dark humor and psychological depth. It is a fantastic series for people who want a more sophisticated and unconventional Turkish show.
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Psychological Drama
How to Pick What Turkish Drama Is Right for You
The best series for you really depends on what stories you have an affinity towards.
If you enjoy historical narratives, you should start with either Magnificent Century or Diriliş: Ertuğrul. Both of them feature wonderfully elaborate narratives and settings.
For romance, you can start with Kara Sevda, Sen Çal Kapımı, and Erkenci Kuş. You'll find many different styles and structures of romance here.
If you favor crime and suspense, you should watch Ezel, Kara Para Aşk, Çukur, and Şahsiyet.
Viewers who like Shows starring Families may like Anne, Paramparça, Kuzey Güney, or Yalı Çapkını. These Shows focus on Families and the relationships and conflicts that they have.
Masumlar Apartmanı and Şahsiyet are good examples of more Psychological and Serious Turkish Dramas.
Why Are Turkish Dramas So Popular?
There is lots of variety in Plot in Turkish Dramas that draws in an International Audience. There is Romance, Family, Suspense, Social Issues, and even History that combine to form a variety of different Dramas. Viewers are never bored with the variety of different Issues that can be used to continue to draw them in and keep them watching to see what will happen to the Characters that they have become invested in.
Many of the Characters also have good development and are not fully bad or good, which can change throughout the Dramas as the Characters are motivated and relate with their own issues.
Another reason why Turkish Dramas are so Popular is the Quality of the Production and the Emotional Appeal that the Dramas have, even in more unfamiliar Cultures.
What Is the Best Turkish Drama of All Time?
This is a subjective question and has many good answers. Some of the best are the Magnificent Century, Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Kara Sevda, Ezel, and Şahsiyet.
What Is the Best Turkish Drama for Romance?
If you like more Romantic Dramas, then Kara Sevda is a good option. If you want more Romantic Comedies, then Sen Çal Kapımı and Erkenci Kuş are good options.
Which Turkish Drama Should I Watch First?
If you have never watched Turkish drama series before, you might want to consider picking a genre tailored to your taste. For a romantic series, check out Kara Sevda. If you prefer a historical drama, try Magnificent Century. You may also like Ezel or Şahsiyet if you are interested in crime.
Do Turkish Dramas Have a Lot of Episodes?
Most Turkish dramas have quite a bit of episodes, as well as long run times. As a result, the writers of Turkish dramas have a lot of time to develop the characters and storylines compared to a lot of other international series.
Do Turkish Dramas Have English Subtitles?
You can find series that are distributed internationally with English subtitles. Depending on the streaming service and the region, there might be a lot of options.
Conclusion
Turkish dramas are extremely popular around the world because they incorporate a lot of different elements like romance, family, history, crime, suspense, and emotional drama. With historical dramas like Magnificent Century and Diriliş: Ertuğrul as well as contemporary dramas like Sen Çal Kapımı and Yalı Çapkını, there is almost something for everyone.
If you are just getting started with Turkish series, the best way to begin is by picking a drama series in the genre that you already like. Whether it be romance, history, crime or something centered around a family, you will begin to uncover the draw Turkish series have on people around the world.