The Bad Kids: The must-watch Chinese thriller that broke the internet

Dubai: Sure, we all love a celestial showdown between glowing immortals in silk robes. But if you're in the mood for a dark, grounded thriller with real-world stakes, The Bad Kids (2020) is the Chinese drama you can’t afford to skip.

This critically acclaimed crime thriller blends the eerie atmosphere of Stranger Things with the psychological tension of Gone Girl—set not in a mystical realm, but in a deceptively peaceful seaside town in China.

At the heart of the story are three kids who accidentally film a cold-blooded murder. Zhu Chaoyang is the quiet overachiever with emotional baggage. Yan Liang is his scrappy, street-smart childhood friend. And Pupu? She’s a tragic wildcard with a sick brother and a survival instinct that could slice steel. Together, they spiral into a chilling game of cat-and-mouse with a murderer who just happens to be their substitute math teacher.

This C-drama isn’t here to comfort you. It throws morality out the window, asking: how far would you go to protect yourself—or your secrets? And yes, the now-iconic line “Shall we go climbing?” became a viral code for betrayal and looming danger across Chinese social media.

The Bad Kids earned rave reviews from critics and fans alike. On Douban, China’s top review platform, it boasts a near-perfect rating. Even legendary actress Zhang Ziyi praised its production, calling it as gripping as any Western prestige series. With its haunting cinematography, slow-burn suspense, and psychologically rich plot, this 12-episode Chinese mini-series redefined what a modern crime drama can be.

So if you’re searching for the best Chinese thrillers to binge, The Bad Kids should be at the top of your list. No magic powers. No ancient realms. Just one camera, one murder, and one very bad decision.