You've typed "What K-drama has more than 8 IMDb rating?" into Google. I get it. You're tired of sifting through endless lists and taking shots in the dark with new shows. You want a reliable filter, a mark of quality that separates the unforgettable from the forgettable. An IMDb score above 8.0 is exactly that—a crowd-sourced seal of approval from millions of viewers worldwide. But not all 8+ dramas are created equal. This isn't just a list; it's a curated guide to the crème de la crème of Korean television, explaining why these shows earned their scores and how to pick the right one for your next obsession.

What Makes a K-Drama Score Over 8 on IMDb?

Let's clear something up first. IMDb ratings for K-dramas are primarily driven by the international, non-Korean speaking audience. This is crucial. It means the score reflects universal storytelling power—themes, emotions, and pacing that transcend language and culture. A high score here often means impeccable production, tight plotting with minimal filler, and characters that feel real.

I've noticed a pattern after tracking these ratings for years. Dramas that break the 8.5 barrier usually do one of two things exceptionally well: they either execute a familiar genre with flawless precision (like the thriller Signal), or they pioneer something entirely new and profound (like the slice-of-life masterpiece My Mister).

The Definitive List: K-Dramas Scoring Above 8.0

Here’s a focused look at some of the highest-rated K-dramas on IMDb. This table includes the score (as of my last check—remember, they can wiggle a point or two), the core genre, and the key ingredient that pushed it into this elite tier.

Let me zoom in on two from that list, because their scores tell a story.

Case Study: Hospital Playlist vs. Signal

Hospital Playlist (8.7) and Signal (8.5) are both elite, but for opposite reasons. Signal is a masterfully plotted puzzle. Every episode ends on a cliffhanger that makes you immediately click "next." Its high score rewards narrative perfection and suspense.

Hospital Playlist has almost no traditional plot. It's about five doctors who are friends, play in a band, and eat dinner together. Its near-9.0 score is a testament to something else: emotional authenticity and character connection. It proves that a show doesn't need life-or-death stakes every minute to be considered top-tier; it just needs to make you feel like you're part of the friend group. The score reflects the deep, comforting satisfaction it provides.

Beyond the Score: How to Pick Your Next Watch

You have the list. Now what? Don't just pick the highest number. A 9.1-rated heavy drama like My Mister might wreck you if you're looking for a light escape.

Here’s my practical method:

1. Match the Mood: Are you craving adrenaline (go for Kingdom, Signal), heartfelt tears (Move to Heaven), or warm laughs (Hospital Playlist, Prison Playbook)? The genre column is your best friend.
2. Read the "Why It's Rated High" Note: This tells you what the audience collectively loved. If "flawless plotting" matters most to you, Signal is your pick. If "unique premise" excites you, try Move to Heaven.
3. Check the Episode Count: Most on this list are a tight 12-16 episodes. Hospital Playlist has two seasons of 12. This is part of why they score high—minimal filler. If you want a quicker commitment, start with the 10-episode Move to Heaven.

Don't Miss These High-Scoring Hidden Gems

Some incredible dramas fly under the mainstream radar but have fiercely loyal fanbases that have pushed their scores into the 8+ range. They might not have the flashy promotional budget, but their ratings don't lie.

Misaeng: Incomplete Life (8.6): This is the ultimate office drama. Zero romance. It's about the brutal, mundane, and occasionally triumphant reality of corporate life for an underqualified intern. It’s painfully accurate and profoundly moving. If you've ever had a job, it will resonate.

Mother (8.6): A remake of a Japanese series, this is a tense, emotional thriller about a teacher who kidnaps a student she believes is being abused. It's a difficult, heart-wrenching watch, but the performances (especially by Lee Bo-young and the child actor) are legendary. The score reflects its raw power.

These shows often have slightly fewer votes than the Netflix blockbusters, but their high averages mean those who found them really connected with them.

Your K-Drama IMDb Questions, Answered

Let's tackle the specific things you're probably wondering when you look at these ratings.

Are older K-dramas rated fairly on IMDb?

It's a mixed bag. True classics like My Lovely Sam Soon (2005) or Coffee Prince (2007) have scores in the high 7s. Why not 8+? Pacing. Modern viewers used to tight 12-episode Netflix seasons often find the classic 16-20 episode format with more side plots to be slower. Their legacy and influence aren't fully captured in the number. Use the rating as a measure of current watchability for a new viewer, not of historical importance.

Why do some hugely popular dramas have lower scores?

Look at Crash Landing on You (8.6 – it's actually up there!) or Goblin (8.6). They're popular and high-rated. But a drama like Boys Over Flowers (2009) sits in the 7s. Why? Cultural impact vs. critical consensus. Boys Over Flowers was a global phenomenon, but its tropes (bullying, over-the-top reactions) are judged more harshly by today's review standards. The IMDb rating often smooths out initial hype and reflects a more measured, long-term opinion on the writing and execution.

The bottom line is this: An IMDb rating over 8.0 is one of the most reliable tools you have to find a truly great K-drama. It's a filter built by millions of hours of viewing. Use the list here as your starting point, match the show to your mood, and dive in. You're almost guaranteed a remarkable experience.