10 Must-Watch Chinese Donghua Anime to Add to Your Watchlist
Chinese animation, or donghua, has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years. With stunning visuals, captivating stories, and diverse genres, donghua offers a unique and compelling experience for anime fans.
Here's a list of 10 must-watch donghua to add to your watchlist:
1. The King's Avatar (全职高手)
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Sports
This anime follows Ye Xiu, a professional gamer who gets kicked from his team and must start from scratch. With his exceptional skills and a new virtual reality game, he embarks on a journey to rise to the top once again. The King's Avatar is praised for its realistic depiction of esports, captivating plot, and likable characters.
2. Mo Dao Zu Shi (魔道祖师)
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Romance, Supernatural
Mo Dao Zu Shi is based on a popular novel of the same name. The story centers on Wei Wuxian, a powerful cultivator who is betrayed and resurrected years later. This anime explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of past actions.
3. The Daily Life of the Immortal King (仙王的日常生活)
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Slice of Life
This donghua follows Wang Ling, an immortal king who lives a seemingly ordinary life as a high school student. However, his true powers remain hidden, and the story is filled with hilarious situations as he tries to navigate both the mundane and the supernatural.
4. Hitori no Shita: The Outcast (一人之下)
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Hitori no Shita: The Outcast tells the story of Zhang Chulan, a normal college student who discovers he has extraordinary powers. He gets involved with a secret society of powerful individuals, and his life takes an unexpected turn as he learns about his true heritage.
5. Ling Cage: In the Cage (灵笼)
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans live in giant mobile fortresses, Ling Cage: In the Cage follows a group of survivors struggling to survive against monstrous creatures called "Farms". This anime is praised for its stunning visuals, thrilling action, and exploration of themes of survival and hope.
6. The Legend of Vox Machina (传奇的 Vox Machina)
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Comedy, Adventure
Based on the popular tabletop role-playing game campaign Critical Role, The Legend of Vox Machina follows a group of misfit heroes who embark on a quest to save their kingdom. The anime boasts a unique blend of humor, action, and compelling characters, making it enjoyable for both fans of the original source material and newcomers.
7. Heaven Official's Blessing (天官赐福)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural, Historical
This donghua, based on a popular Chinese novel, tells the story of Xie Lian, a beloved god who was demoted after failing to protect his kingdom. He is later resurrected and tasked with a new mission that will lead him to rediscover his purpose.
8. Under One Person (一人之下)
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Similar to Hitori no Shita: The Outcast, Under One Person follows Zhang Chulan as he delves deeper into the world of the supernatural. He encounters a variety of powerful individuals and faces challenges that threaten his newfound abilities.
9. Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (指环王：力量之戒)
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is a prequel to the original Lord of the Rings trilogy. Set thousands of years before the events of the books, this donghua explores the creation of the Rings of Power and the rise of Sauron.
10. Scissor Seven (刺客伍六七)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
Scissor Seven is a lighthearted and action-packed donghua about a struggling assassin who tries to find his place in the world. With a comedic tone and unexpected twists, this anime offers a unique and entertaining experience.
This list only scratches the surface of the vast world of donghua. With so many talented creators and studios pushing boundaries, Chinese animation continues to grow and innovate. Whether you're looking for epic adventures, thrilling battles, or heartwarming stories, there's a donghua waiting to captivate your imagination.