For decades, the global animation stage was dominated by Japanese Anime and Western features. However, as we move through 2026, a new powerhouse has officially arrived: Donghua. Chinese animation is no longer just a local curiosity; it has evolved into a global phenomenon. From the breathtaking ink-wash aesthetics of Fog Hill of Five Elements to the mind-bending suspense of Link Click, and the high-octane "Cultivation" epics that have redefined CGI action, Donghua offers a fresh cultural perspective combined with world-class production values. Whether you are a fan of dark fantasy, historical drama, or cutting-edge sci-fi, the current landscape of Chinese animation offers something for everyone.
Overview Top 50 Chinese Anime (Donghua)
To help you navigate this vast and diverse landscape, we have organized 50 must-watch titles into five distinct categories, ranging from high-budget cinematic epics to the unique "System-based" comedies trending across global platforms in 2026.
🎬 Part 1: Mythological Epics & Cinematic Masterpieces
The Chinese animation industry has reclaimed its glory through high-budget films that blend traditional folklore with cutting-edge CGI. These works are the gold standard for cinematic quality, offering universal themes of fate, heroism, and identity. In 2026, these titles represent the peak of the industry's technical and storytelling capabilities.
| Title |
Genre |
Key Highlights |
Where to Watch |
| Ne Zha 2 | Mythology / Action | 2026 global box office leader; visual masterpiece. | HBO Max |
| Ne Zha | Mythology / Fantasy | The phenomenon that redefined modern Donghua. | Netflix / Apple TV |
| Chang'an | History / Drama | A grand poetic journey through the Tang Dynasty. | Apple TV / YouTube |
| Deep Sea | Fantasy / Drama | Revolutionary "Particle Ink" 3D technology. | Apple TV / Prime Video |
| White Snake (Series) | Romance / Legend | Breathtaking reimagining of a classic folk legend. | Â Bilibili.tv |
| Big Fish & Begonia | Fantasy / Myth | A visually stunning epic inspired by classic Taoist myths. | Netflix /Â Crunchyroll |
| I Am What I Am | Realism / Sports | A touching story about Lion Dancing and youth. | Prime Video |
| Legend of Hei | Adventure / Healing | World-class 2D film with fluid combat. | Netflix / Bilibili.tv |
| Monkey King: Hero is Back |
Mythology / Adventure |
The "Godfather" of the modern Donghua revival. |
Netflix/Apple TV |
| Jiang Ziya | Mythology / Epic | A mature reflection on divinity and duty. | Prime Video |
| New Gods: Yang Jian | Steampunk / Myth | Ancient gods blended with futuristic technology. | Prime Video |
⚔️ Part 2: Cultivation (Xianxia) & Martial Arts
This is the core of Donghua. These series focus on "Cultivation"—the journey of a mortal seeking immortality through martial arts and Taoist meditation. These stories are the Chinese equivalent of high fantasy, rooted in ancient philosophy, and feature some of the most complex power systems in animation today.
| Title |
Genre |
Key Highlights |
Where to Watch |
| A Record of a Mortal's Journey | Cultivation / Action | The gold standard for realistic 3D tactics. | Bilibili.tv |
| Renegade Immortal | Dark Fantasy | A ruthless lead and fast-paced progression. | Crunchyroll |
| Sword of Coming | Xianxia / Epic | Deep world-building with philosophical themes. | Bilibili.tv |
| Swallowed Star |
Sci-Fi / Cultivation |
The pioneer of "Sci-Fi Xianxia" with cosmic battles. |
Crunchyroll |
| Perfect World | Action / Fantasy | Constant high-octane, massive scale battles. | Bilibili.tv/WeTV |
| Soul Land | Fantasy / Adventure | China’s most popular long-running power fantasy. | WeTV |
| Battle Through the Heavens | Action / Romance | Iconic "zero-to-hero" story with elite CGI. | WeTVÂ |
| Blades of the Guardians | Wuxia / Historical | Gritty, hard-boiled traditional martial arts. | WeTV |
| Shrouding the Heavens | Cosmic / Xianxia | An epic tale spanning planets and millennia. | Bilibili.tv |
| A Will Eternal | Comedy / Action | A rare 2D mix of humor and high-stakes battles. | WeTVÂ |
| Tales of Herding Gods | Fantasy / Myth | Imaginative world with a bold, unique lead. | WeTVÂ |
🧠Part 3: Suspense, Sci-Fi & Psychological Thrillers
Breaking away from tradition, these series experiment with time travel, dystopian futures, and psychological complexity. They represent the cutting edge of modern Chinese creativity and "brain-burning" narratives that challenge the viewer’s perception of reality.
| Title |
Genre |
Key Highlights |
Where to Watch |
| Link Click | Suspense / Sci-Fi | A global masterpiece about memory and time travel. | Crunchyroll |
| To Be Hero X | Superhero / Mystery | 2026's top-rated genre-bender with elite visuals. | Crunchyroll |
| Lord of Mysteries | Steampunk / Horror | High-budget adaptation of the Cthulhu novel. | WeTV / Crunchyroll |
| Ling Cage: Incarnation | Sci-Fi / Dystopian | Gritty survivalism and social commentary. | Bilibili.tv |
| The Outcast | Urban Fantasy | Modern urban setting mixed with Taoist sorcery. | Crunchyroll |
| Slay the Gods | Action / Mystery | Urban monster hunting featuring global myths. | Bilibili.tv |
| My Three-Body | Sci-Fi / Drama | Masterful adaptation of "The Three-Body Problem." | Bilibili.tv |
| The King's Avatar | E-sports / Drama | The ultimate portrayal of competitive gaming. | Crunchyroll |
| White Cat Legend | Mystery / Comedy | Stylish detective mystery with a cat protagonist. | Bilibili.tv |
🌸 Part 4: Aesthetic, Emotional & Supernatural Tales
These titles are famous for their breathtaking art styles, traditional Chinese aesthetics (Guofeng), and complex emotional bonds. They emphasize beauty, folklore, and character depth over pure action, often garnering massive international fanbases for their romantic themes.
| Title |
Genre |
Key Highlights |
Where to Watch |
| Heaven Official's Blessing | Romance / Fantasy | Exquisite art and a poignant 800-year bond. | Netflix / Crunchyroll |
|
The Master of Diabolism |
Supernatural / Action | A cultural phenomenon with 2D elegance. | Crunchyroll |
| Fog Hill of Five Elements | Action / Art | Revolutionary ink-wash style and fluid combat. | Bilibili.tv |
| Fairies Album | Folklore / Healing | Episodic stories of healing mythical spirits. | Bilibili.tv |
| Scissor Seven | Comedy / Action | Quirky humor with a hidden emotional core. | Netflix |
| The Island of Siliang | Fantasy / Romance | Stunning 3D character designs and details. | WeTV / Apple TV |
| Yao: Chinese Folktales | Anthology / Art | Diverse shorts showcasing traditional aesthetics. | Bilibili.tv |
| Nobody | Fantasy / Realism | A poignant metaphor for modern working life. | Bilibili.tv |
| Fox Spirit Matchmaker | Romance / Comedy | Legendary series about love and reincarnation. | Crunchyroll |
| No Doubt in Us | Romance / Comedy | Soul-swapping comedy in the imperial court. | Netflix |
🎮 Part 5: Game-Like Systems & Meta-Humor
This category features the "System" trope—a popular Chinese subgenre where protagonists navigate their world with game-like interfaces, quest systems, or power levels (LitRPG). This section also includes modern cinematic spin-offs based on these RPG-like systems, characterized by meta-commentary on hero tropes and internet meme culture.
| Title |
Genre |
Key Highlights |
Where to Watch |
| Losing Money to be a Tycoon | Satire / Business | Hilarious reverse-logic of a CEO failing to win. | Bilibili.tv |
| The Daily Life of the Immortal King | Parody / School | Overpowered protagonist trying to be average. | Netflix / Crunchyroll |
| Non-Human | Slice of Life | Ancient beings in modern office life. | Bilibili.tv |
| Rakshasa Street | Action / Fantasy | Guardians summoning powerful historical spirits. | Bilibili.tv/ Prime Video |
| Dragon Raja | Urban / Fantasy | Tragic, high-budget tale of dragon-slayers. | Crunchyroll |
| The Ravages of Time | History / Strategy | Brain-burning reimagining of the Three Kingdoms. | Bilibili.tv |
| Spare Me, Great Lord! | Comedy / System | Troll hero gaining power from others' annoyance. | Bilibili.tv |
|
Beanie's Daily |
Healing / Comedy | Adorable episodes about a tiny bean’s life. | Bilibili.tv |
| Beyond Time's Gaze | Dark Fantasy | 2026's rising star of brutal progression. | Youku |
The Elite Dozen: 12 Essential Masterpieces You Cannot Miss
While the Top 50 list offers a complete roadmap, these 12 standout titles are the absolute pillars of the industry. If you only have time to watch a few, these are the trendsetters that have captured the hearts of millions and redefined what animation can achieve.
1. Ne Zha 2
Where to Watch：HBO Max
Core Highlights：The 2025 global box office phenomenon; the new gold standard for 3D animation.
Why It's Great: It pushes the boundaries of the "sequel" formula. While the first film was about personal fate, this one scales up into a grand celestial epic, proving that Donghua can match Hollywood in sheer cinematic spectacle and complex, multi-layered conflict.
The Premise: In the aftermath of the first film, Ne Zha and Ao Bing have survived the celestial tribulation, but their physical bodies are destroyed, leaving their souls intertwined within a protective lotus. As the world believes them to be martyrs, the Dragon Clan—feeling betrayed by the Heavens—launches a massive rebellion from the depths of the East Sea. To save their families and stop a war between gods and demons, Ne Zha and Ao Bing must find a way to reshape their forms while navigating the treacherous "Sea of Chaos," where the boundaries between friend and foe are blurred by ancient grudges.
2. Monkey King: Hero is Back
Where to Watch：Netflix/Apple TV
Core Highlights：The "Godfather" of the Donghua Revival; Gritty Reimagining of a Classic Icon.
Why It's Great: It broke the "animation is for kids" stigma in China. Its rugged, imperfect version of the Sun Wukong resonates because it’s a story about mid-life crises and finding lost passion—making it as much for adults as it is for children.
The Premise: Five hundred years after his riot in Heaven, the once-unstoppable Great Sage Sun Wukong is now a shadow of his former self, his powers suppressed by a Buddha's seal on his wrist. When a young, wandering monk named Liuer inadvertently releases him from his icy prison, Wukong is far from the hero the boy expects; he is cynical, weary, and stripped of his magic. However, when an army of mountain trolls kidnaps children to fuel an ancient ritual, the powerless Monkey King must find the courage to protect the boy and rediscover the "hero's heart" needed to break his chains.
3. Link Click
Where to Watch：CrunchyrollÂ
Core Highlights：Global Viral Sensation; High-Stakes Psychological Suspense.
Why It's Great: It’s a masterclass in "The Butterfly Effect." The show excels at making you fall in love with guest characters in just one episode, only to break your heart with the consequences of time travel, backed by one of the coolest urban soundtracks in animation.
The Premise:  Nestled in a modern city corner is the "Time Photo Studio," run by two young men with extraordinary abilities. Cheng Xiaoshi can dive into a photo and inhabit the photographer's body, while Lu Guang can see everything that happened in the 12 hours following the shot. They operate under three strict rules to avoid altering the present, but as they take on more dangerous requests—from corporate whistleblowing to solving cold cases—they realize that every "click" of the camera carries an emotional weight that is impossible to ignore, eventually drawing them into a deadly game with a mysterious killer who shares their time-warping powers.
4. Fog Hill of Five Elements
Where to Watch：Bilibili.tv
Core Highlights：Revolutionary "Ink-Wash" (Shuimo) Art; Peak 2D Combat Choreography.
Why It's Great: It is the ultimate visual experiment. Watching this feels like witnessing a traditional Chinese scroll painting come to life and then explode into high-octane violence. It’s a rare gem that prioritizes artistic soul over commercial mass-production.
The Premise: In a mythical world where human and spirit realms are separated by the misty Fog Hill, powerful demons are sealed behind a sacred gate. Wen Ren Xuan Xuan, the reckless master of the Fire Element, opens the gate in an attempt to save his mother, accidentally allowing a sacred "Kirin" baby to escape into the human world. This mistake triggers a brutal invasion by demon lords seeking to devour the Kirin's power. Xuan Xuan must now hunt down the escaped beast and fight off waves of terrifying monsters using his devastating fire arts to prevent a total collapse of the balance between worlds.
5. A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality
Where to Watch：Bilibili.tv
Core Highlights：Realistic 3D Motion-Capture; "Hardcore" Tactical Progression.
Why It's Great: It defines the "Smart Protagonist" trope. Unlike heroes who win via "plot armor," Han Li wins through survival instincts and preparation. It’s the most grounded, "realistic" take on magic and immortality ever produced.
The Premise: Unlike typical heroes born with divine talent, Han Li is an ordinary village boy with mediocre spiritual potential. He is recruited into a small sect only to find that the world of cultivators is a pitiless arena governed by greed and deception. Equipped with nothing but a mysterious green vial that can accelerate the growth of spiritual herbs, Han Li adopts a philosophy of extreme caution. He avoids glory, hides his strength, and treats every encounter as a tactical puzzle, slowly climbing the ladder of immortality while navigating grand wars between sects and the betrayals of gods.
6. The Master of Diabolism
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll
Core Highlights：Iconic "Guofeng" (National Style) Aesthetic; Global Mystery Phenomenon.
Why It's Great: It perfectly captures the "beauty and tragedy" of Chinese high-fantasy. The exquisite character designs and the haunting atmosphere of its supernatural world have made it a cornerstone of modern Chinese pop culture worldwide.
The Premise: Â Thirteen years after he was hunted down and killed for practicing "demonic cultivation," the infamous Wei Wuxian is forcibly reincarnated into the body of a village lunatic. Once a brilliant and optimistic cultivator, he was driven to darkness by war and loss. Now, reuniting with his stoic and noble former rival, Lan Wangji, he must clear his name of past crimes. As they travel the land to solve a series of gruesome, supernatural murders involving a dismembered enchanted arm, they uncover a massive conspiracy that dates back to the very war that led to Wei Wuxian's original downfall.
7. To Be Hero X
Where to Watch：CrunchyrollÂ
Core Highlights：2D/3D Hybrid Visual Marvel; Satirical Take on Superhero Tropes.
Why It's Great: It is the "Spider-Verse" of Donghua—stylistically daring and constantly surprising. It uses its flashy visuals to deliver a sharp critique of modern fame and the true meaning of heroism in a commercialized world.
The Premise: In the hyper-stylized metropolis of X-City, "Heroism" is a professional sport fueled by public belief. The higher your fans' "Belief Rating," the stronger your superpowers become. The top-ranked heroes are global celebrities living in luxury, but the system is rigged. Enter "X," a mysterious newcomer with no memory and an unconventional power set that doesn't follow the rules of the Belief system. As he climbs the tournament ranks to find his identity, he exposes the dark underbelly of the hero industry, where battles are staged and the line between "saving people" and "gaining followers" has vanished.
8. Swallowed Star
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll
Core Highlights：Sci-Fi Meets Cultivation; Grand Cosmic Power-Scaling.
Why It's Great: It provides a unique "Techno-Fantasy" thrill. Seeing traditional internal energy powers clash with futuristic mechs and extraterrestrial civilizations offers a sense of wonder and scale that traditional historical Donghua can't achieve.
The Premise: After the "Great Nirvana" virus transformed Earth's animals into mutated monsters, humanity retreated into massive fortified cities. Luo Feng, a student from a poor family, dreams of becoming a "warrior" to provide for his disabled brother. After discovering his hidden talent for psychic control, he rises through the ranks of Earth's defense forces. However, his journey doesn't stop at Earth's borders. He soon discovers that Earth is merely a "nursery" planet in a vast Milky Way empire, and he must evolve his powers to a cosmic scale to protect his home from interstellar soul-hunters and ancient galactic civilizations.
9. Heaven Official’s Blessing
Where to Watch：Netflix / Crunchyroll
Core Highlights：Peak Aesthetic Elegance; Poignant Exploration of Faith and Devotion.
Why It's Great: It’s a breathtakingly beautiful show that treats its mythology with immense grace. It’s not just about romance; it’s a profound look at how gods are shaped by their believers and the heavy cost of staying true to oneself for centuries.
The Premise: Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the beloved Crown Prince of a prosperous kingdom who ascended to Heaven as a god at a young age. Now, after being banished twice and stripped of his divinity, he ascends for a third time—only to become the laughingstock of the Three Realms. Tasked with hunting down ghosts to pay off his spiritual debts, he encounters a mysterious, red-clad man who possesses the power of a "Supreme" Demon King. As they solve celestial mysteries together, Xie Lian realizes that this demon has been watching over him through his centuries of suffering, waiting for the chance to fulfill a vow made long ago.
10. Scissor Seven
Where to Watch：Netflix
Core Highlights：Dark Comedy with Emotional Depth; Expressive Hand-Drawn Style.
Why It's Great: It has a "hidden soul." What starts as a series of goofy gags slowly weaves into a tragic, badass epic about redemption. It’s a testament to how simple art can deliver the most powerful emotional punches.
The Premise: Seven is a bumbling assassin with amnesia who can control a pair of hair-cutting scissors with his mind. Living on the quirky Chicken Island, he takes on cheap contracts to regain his memories, but his kind heart usually leads him to save his targets instead of killing them. However, his peaceful life is shattered when "Shadow Assassins" from his past arrive, revealing that Seven was once the most dangerous killer in the Xuanwu Kingdom. Caught between his bloody past and his simple present, Seven must decide if he wants to remain a barber or return to the sword to protect the people he has come to love.
11. Big Fish & Begonia
Where to Watch：Netflix/ Crunchyroll
Core Highlights：Philosophical High-Fantasy; Hand-Drawn Cinematic Dreamscape.
Why It's Great: It captures the "Melancholy of the Divine." Inspired by the ancient texts of Zhuangzi, it offers a world-building experience that feels ancient, spiritual, and deeply rooted in Chinese perspectives on life, death, and sacrifice.
The Premise: Within a mystical realm that exists beneath the human ocean, a girl named Chun takes part in a rite of passage: she transforms into a red dolphin to explore the human world for seven days. When a human boy dies while saving her from a fishing net, she becomes consumed by guilt. Returning home, she makes a pact with the "Soul Keeper" to bring the boy back to life, hosting his soul in the form of a tiny white fish. As the fish grows into a massive whale, its presence causes cataclysmic weather in her realm, forcing Chun to choose between her forbidden love for the boy and the safety of her entire civilization.
12. Chang’an
Where to Watch：Apple TV / YouTube
Core Highlights：3D Historical Epic; Cultural Time-Capsule of the Tang Dynasty.
Why It's Great: It is a rare "Intellectual Epic." By focusing on poetry and the passage of time, it creates an immersive experience that allows global audiences to feel the romanticism and the tragic weight of China's most celebrated historical era.
The Premise: Set against the backdrop of the Tang Dynasty's decline during the An Lushan Rebellion, the story is told through the memories of Gao Shi, a disciplined general now trapped in a besieged city. He reflects on his decades-long, tumultuous friendship with Li Bai, China’s most legendary and eccentric poet. From their idealistic youth in the golden city of Chang'an to the tragic realities of war and age, the film captures a world of poetry, wine, and swordplay. It is a grand historical tapestry that explores why Li Bai’s poems became the soul of a nation even as his world crumbled around him.
Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Here
The rise of Donghua in 2026 marks a new chapter in global storytelling. It is an industry that honors its 5,000-year heritage while embracing the most advanced technology of the future. Whether you are moved by the poetic tragedy of Chang'an or energized by the cosmic battles of Swallowed Star, there has never been a better time to dive into Chinese animation. Pick a title from our Elite Dozen, find your preferred platform, and witness the golden age of Donghua for yourself.