7 Zhang Ruonan Movies and Dramas That Show Why She Is a Chinese Rising Star

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Zhang Ruonan is one of the Chinese rising stars who has built a steady acting career in a short time. She first gained attention through youth roles and later appeared in romance, workplace, medical, and historical productions. Zhang Ruonan movies and dramas show how she has taken on characters with different ages, backgrounds, and life situations, reflecting her expanding experience across several popular genres in Chinese television and film.

In this article, we will look at some popular Zhang Ruonan movies and dramas that helped build her career and reputation. Each title shows a different side of her acting journey.

Where to Watch: Netflix

"The First Frost" is a romantic drama released in 2025 starring Zhang Ruonan and Bai Jingting. The story follows two former high school classmates who meet again years later and unexpectedly become roommates. As they face past misunderstandings and emotional wounds, their relationship slowly grows deeper. The drama is adapted from the web novel of the same title written by Zhu Yi, which already had many loyal readers before the series aired.

Where to Watch: Rakuten Viki

In "A Date with The Future," Zhang Ruonan plays Xu Lai, who was saved by firefighter Jin Shichuan during a deadly earthquake when she was in high school. She promised to find him again. Ten years later, he saves her once more in a highway accident but does not recognize her. After her news report causes trouble for his team, she becomes a rescue dog trainer to work closer to him. The drama stars William Chan, is directed by Jin Sha and Yu Bo, and is adapted from the novel "Shi Guang Ru Yue" by Xiao Lu.

Where to Watch: Rakuten Viki

"My Boss" is a 2024 workplace romance where Zhang Ruonan plays Cheng Yao, a new lawyer at a top law firm. She soon discovers that her strict supervisor, played by Chen Xingxu, is also her roommate. The series follows her growth in the legal field while handling daily conflicts with her boss. The drama is adapted from the novel "You Ye You Jin Tian" by Ye Feiran.

Where to Watch: Viki, iQIYI (US region availability may vary)

"Love is Panacea" is a medical romance starring Zhang Ruonan and Luo Yunxi. The story begins when Gu Yunzheng, an associate professor of neurosurgery, joins a medical aid mission in the foreign city of Lacaya and meets Su Wei’an, a former medical student who left her studies to enter the business world. As they reconnect under unexpected circumstances, past ties and hidden struggles slowly surface. The series is adapted from the novel "Zhi Yu Zhe" by Ning Meng Yu Yan.

Where to Watch:-

"Cry Me a Sad River" is a 2018 coming-of-age drama directed by Luo Luo, loosely adapted from the novel "Bei Shang Ni Liu Cheng He" by Guo Jingming. Set in Shanghai, it centers on Yi Yao, a high school student trapped in rumors and bullying that strain her bond with childhood friend Qi Ming. Zhang Ruonan plays Gu Senxiang, a kind and respected student whose tragic involvement in the escalating conflicts becomes a key turning point in the story. The film marked Zhang Ruonan’s acting debut.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Rakuten Viki

"Be Yourself" is a 2021 campus drama directed by Li Zhi that follows four freshmen majoring in communication as they spend four years at university. Zhang Ruonan plays Huang Fu Shu Min, a dependent and sheltered student who struggles with independence at the start of college. Through conflicts with roommates, academic setbacks, and emotional experiences, Shu Min slowly learns to rely on herself and reshape her identity.

Where to Watch: Rakuten Viki

"Defying the Storm" is a 2022 historical drama directed by Jin Chen, set during the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Zhang Ruonan plays Meng Haitang, a young lecturer who is forced to leave her home and continue teaching as war disrupts the country. Alongside Zhang Qi, she helps protect students and preserve education while facing separation, hardship, and the uncertainty of wartime life.