Cultivation Donghua has grown into one of the most exciting fantasy genres in animation. By 2026, it’s no longer just about ancient sects and power levels—it now spans epic mythology, cosmic battles, modern systems, and wildly different styles of storytelling. With so many series releasing every year, the hardest part isn’t finding something to watch—it’s knowing where to start. That’s why this guide brings together 40 must-watch cultivation Donghua, organized to help you quickly understand the genre and find what fits your taste. From there, we spotlight The Golden Twelve—the standout masterpieces that define what cultivation anime does best right now. Whether you’re new to Donghua or already deep into the genre, this list is built to help you jump in with confidence.
Top 36 Cultivation Donghua at a Glance
Cultivation Donghua isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some series stick closely to classic realm progression, others go all-in on high-fantasy spectacle, while newer titles experiment with modern settings and system-based power growth. To keep things clear, we’ve grouped the 40 titles below into three main categories—so you can quickly see what each series offers and where to watch it.
Group I: Hardcore "Xiu Zhen" Classics
This category represents the "pure bloodline" of the cultivation genre. It strictly follows traditional realms: Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and Soul Transformation. The stories focus on resource competition, sect power plays, and the MC’s philosophical enlightenment.
| Title | Key Highlights |
Where to Watch |
2026 Status |
| A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality | The "Standard" of realistic cultivation; cautious MC Han Li; heavy emphasis on logic and survival. | Bilibili.tv | Hiatus (Returning Q2 2026) |
| Renegade Immortal | Dark, ruthless, and emotionally intense; MC Wang Lin's cold path to defying fate. | Crunchyroll/WeTV | Ongoing (Yearly) |
| The Founder of Diabolism |
The global icon. Masterpiece of sect politics and demonic cultivation. |
WeTV |
Completed (3 Seasons) |
| Beyond Time's Gaze | Post-apocalyptic eerie world; gods' curses; highly strategic and intelligent MC Xu Qing. | Youku | 2026 New Mega-Hit |
| A Will Eternal | Perfect blend of alchemy, comedy, and high-stakes sect wars; MC Bai Xiaochun. | WeTV | Season 3 Ongoing |
| Sword of Coming | Philosophical and slow-burn; deep world-building; focus on "Heart of Dao" and morals. | Bilibili.tv | Ongoing (Yearly) |
| Stellar Transformations | Unique cultivation path creating an internal galaxy; massive universe-scale adventure. | WeTV | Season 6 Ongoing |
| Immortality | Cold and domineering MC Fang Han; focuses on consuming resources and predatory growth. | Bilibili.tv | Season 5 Ongoing |
| I Shall Seal the Heavens | Based on the massive novel; MC Meng Hao’s journey to "Seal the Heavens." | WeTV | In Production / Special |
| Pursuit of the Truth | A tragic masterpiece of destiny and fate; deeply emotional and darker in tone. | WeTV | In Production / Special |
|
Legend of Xianwu |
"Hard-grinding" MC with countless battles; very fast-paced realm breakthroughs. | Youku | Ongoing |
| Apotheosis | Refining the body into a divine tool; laws of the universe; spectacular combat animation. | Youku | Season 3 Ongoing |
| Jade Dynasty | Traditional sect conflicts; classic tragic romance; beautifully rendered classic Xianxia. | WeTV |
Season 3 Ongoing |
| The Westward | A unique cultivation take on the Journey to the West myths with intense action. | WeTV | Ongoing |
|
Wonderland（Wan Jie Xian Zong） |
Fast-paced, tactical cultivation; focuses on sect politics and strategic schemes. | WeTV | Long-running |
Group II: High-Fantasy "Xuanhuan" Epics
These works blend cultivation with broader fantasy elements such as Heavenly Flames, Soul Power, Supreme Bones, and Bloodline Awakenings. The battle scenes are often more grand and visually explosive, offering high-octane action and satisfying "underdog revenge" arcs.
| Title |
Key Highlights |
Where to Watch |
2026 Status |
| Soul Land |
The Legend. The most-watched series ever. Spirit Ring system. |
WeTV |
Completed |
| Perfect World | Non-stop, high-budget warfare; MC Shi Hao's lonely but supreme path to godhood. | WeTV | Ongoing (Yearly) |
| Fights Break Sphere | The most iconic "Alchemy & Flame" system; Xiao Yan's journey to the Central Plains. | WeTV | Ongoing (Yearly) |
| Shrouding the Heavens | Cosmic mythological mystery; Nine Dragons pulling a coffin; ancient clans and holy lands. | Bilibili.tv | Ongoing (Yearly) |
| The Great Ruler | Visually stunning animation; MC Mu Chen’s growth; connects BTTH and Martial Universe. | iQIYI | Season 2 Airing |
| Martial Universe | Focuses on Mental Energy and Ancestral Runes; MC Lin Dong’s quest for artifacts. | WeTV | Season 6+ Ongoing |
| Against the Gods | Arrogant and vengeful MC Yun Che; rapid power-ups and intense confrontations. | iQIYI | Ongoing |
|
Soul Land 2: The Peerless Tang Clan |
Successor to the legendary Soul Land; tactical team combat and spirit tool innovation. | WeTV | Ongoing (Yearly) |
| Throne of Seal | Knight-style cultivation; clear numeric power levels; MC Long Haochen's pure path. | WeTV |
Ongoing (Yearly) |
| The Sacred Ruins | Post-apocalyptic evolution; spiritual awakening; the final part of the "Shrouding" trilogy. | WeTV | 2026 Major Release |
| Martial Peak | Legendary for its massive episode count and MC Yang Kai’s incredibly fast progression. | Bilibili.tv | Ongoing |
|
Myth of Eternity |
Focuses on the awakening of ancient bloodlines and primordial spiritual powers. | iQIYI | Ongoing |
| Peerless Martial Spirit | Classic revenge story driven by spirit-awakening and persistent cultivation. | Bilibili.tv | Ongoing |
Group III: New Era & Specialized Systems
These push the boundaries of traditional Xianxia. They blend cultivation logic with modern urban settings, sci-fi technology, or "System" mechanics (LitRPG). While they might not feel like ancient Daoist tales, they retain the core thrill of power progression and spiritual awakening in a contemporary or futuristic world.
| Title |
Key Highlights |
Where to Watch |
2026 Status |
| Big Brother | The pinnacle of "Gou" flow; MC hides power to survive tribulations. | Youku | Ongoing (Yearly) |
| The Other Side of Deep Space | Modern-day spiritual awakening; "Old Arts" vs. High Tech. | WeTV | New Premiere (Jan 16, 2026) |
| The Demon Hunter | Unique ink-wash art style; intense focus on defending humanity. | Youku | Season 2 Airing |
| Tale of Herding God | Dark and unique; MC challenges gods using "villain" techniques. | WeTV | Ongoing (Yearly) |
| Slay the Gods | Urban guardians protecting humans from fallen gods; modern myth. | Bilibili.tv | Season 2 Airing |
| Spirit Realm Walker | Modern MC entering supernatural "Game Zones" for trials. | WeTV | 2026 New Mega-Hit |
| The Daily Life of the Immortal King |
Parody of OP cultivators; high school life with god-tier power. | Netflix / Crunchyroll | Season 5+ Ongoing |
| Scumbag System |
Parody of cultivation tropes; "Isekai" into a sect master. |
Crunchyroll/WeTV |
Season 2 Pending |
The Golden Twelve: Must-Watch Masterpieces
From this vast sea of 40 titles, we have handpicked the 12 most unmissable masterpieces; whether you seek the ultimate logic of realistic cultivation or crave the adrenaline of high-stakes cosmic warfare, these 12 series will open the gates to the cultivation world for you.
1. A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality
Where to Watch：Bilibili.tv
Core Highlights：Industry-Leading Motion Capture (Mo-cap); Realistic Martial Arts Choreography; Logical Power System.
Why It's Great: Known as "Han the Cautious," the MC is the ultimate pragmatist. Fans love that he isn't a "Chosen One"—he wins because he sets traps, brings backup, and runs away when the odds are bad. It’s a rewarding watch for those who prefer intelligence and survival strategy over shouting for power.
The Premise: Han Li, an ordinary boy from a poor village, joins a martial arts sect only to find he has mediocre talent. His life takes a dark turn when he discovers his mentor, Doctor Mo, is grooming him for a soul-possession ritual to steal his body. This early betrayal transforms Han Li into an extremely cautious survivor who trusts no one. His only edge is a mysterious Green Vial that can accelerate medicinal herb growth from years to days. He uses this secret to brew endless potions, compensating for his lack of talent while navigating a ruthless cultivation world where "Righteous" and "Demonic" sects are equally predatory.
2. Renegade Immortal
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll/WeTV
Core Highlights：Dark & Ruthless Atmosphere; Rapid Power Progression; Philosophical "Domain" Systems.
Why It's Great: Wang Lin is the most famous "No-Nonsense" anti-hero in the genre. Overseas fans appreciate his "zero-tolerance" policy toward enemies—he doesn't give speeches or forgive betrayals. It’s a cathartic, emotional roller-coaster that explores the heavy psychological toll of the path to godhood, making it a must-watch for fans of darker fantasy.
The Premise: Wang Lin starts as a kind-hearted boy with "trash" talent who finds a mysterious Stone Bead that houses a powerful soul. After a rival sect massacres his entire clan just to seize this treasure, he abandons his mercy to become a cold, calculating killing machine. Driven by vengeance and the slim hope of resurrecting his family, he walks a lonely, bloody path to defy the heavens. He realizes that in a world governed by the law of the jungle, one must become the ultimate predator to survive and find peace in a heartless universe.
3. Beyond Time's Gaze
Where to Watch：Youku
Core Highlights：Lovecraftian Cosmic Horror; Atmospheric Post-Apocalyptic Setting; Tactical "Poison-Master" Combat.
Why It's Great: It's the 2026 "New Wave" hit because it feels completely different from classic fantasies. Xu Qing is a silent, observant predator who values results over glory. If you enjoy mystery, suspense, and a setting where every breath is a gamble, this is your top pick.
The Premise: In a post-apocalyptic world polluted by the gaze of a fallen god, the sky and earth are filled with lethal "Anomalies." Xu Qing, a scavenger who survived in the ruins, lives with the silence and lethality of a wolf. He discovers a purple crystal that allows him to refine the very pollution that kills others. Along his journey, he joins a sect that specializes in the eerie arts, using his "poison-master" skills to survive the mutations of the wasteland and eventually slay the cosmic entities that turned his home into a nightmare.
4. Perfect World
Where to Watch：WeTV
Core Highlights：Breathtaking UE5 Visuals; Non-stop High-Budget Action; Grand-Scale Primeval Warfare.
Why It's Great: Known as the "God of War" of Donghua, this series offers pure adrenaline and some of the most explosive visual effects in the industry. Shi Hao is a charismatic powerhouse who transitions from a mischievous "Bear Child" into a legendary Emperor. It’s perfect for fans who want spectacular battles and a protagonist who never backs down from a fight.
The Premise: Born with a "Supreme Bone" marking him as a future god, the infant Shi Hao was betrayed by his own kin who ripped the bone from his body to transplant it into his cousin. Left to die in a remote wilderness, he was raised in the secluded Stone Village, where he survived by consuming the blood and meat of primordial beasts. As he grows, his innate talent regrows even stronger than before. Shi Hao sets out from the wasteland to find his parents and seek justice, eventually standing alone against the darkest forces of the universe to protect humanity.
5. Soul Land
Where to Watch：WeTV
Core Highlights：RPG-style "Spirit Ring" Leveling System; Team-Based Tactical Combat; Iconic Character Designs.
Why It's Great: Often called the "Naruto" of Donghua, it is the most-watched series in the history of the genre. Its clear progression system and focus on friendship make it the perfect entry point for Western fans. It strikes a beautiful balance between personal growth and epic world-shaping conflicts, keeping viewers hooked on Tang San’s rise from an underdog to a god.
The Premise: Tang San, a genius from a legendary martial arts sect, is reincarnated into "Douluo Continent," a world where everyone possesses a "Spirit." While most are born with powerful weapons or beasts, Tang San is told his "Blue Silver Grass" spirit is useless. However, he uses the forbidden knowledge from his past life—merging secret weapon crafting with modern tactical soul-power—to defy expectations. Alongside his teammates, the "Shrek Seven Devils," he challenges the continent's strongest powers, eventually uncovering the truth about his mother’s death and the corruption of the powerful Spirit Hall.
6. The Founder of Diabolism
Where to Watch：WeTV
Core Highlights：Revolutionary "Ink-Wash" (Shuimo) Art; Peak 2D Combat Choreography; Deep Emotional Storytelling.
Why It's Great: This is a global narrative masterpiece known for its heartbreaking drama and complex characters. It moves beyond simple action to explore themes of prejudice, the price of power, and the grey areas of morality. The incredible chemistry between the leads and the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack have made it a cultural phenomenon that transcends the cultivation genre.
The Premise: Wei Wuxian, the founder of the terrifying Demonic Path, was once a bright young cultivator who was eventually hunted down and killed by the very sects he helped protect. Reincarnated 13 years later in the body of a village lunatic, he is forced to reunite with his stoic former rival, Lan Wangji. Together, they embark on a journey to solve a series of gruesome supernatural mysteries involving a dismembered corpse. As they uncover the truth, it becomes clear that the "Righteous" sects of the past were far more villainous than the man they branded a monster.
7. Shrouding the Heavens
Where to Watch：Bilibili.tv
Core Highlights：Interstellar Cosmic Scale; Grand Mythological Mystery; High-Fidelity 3D Cinematic Visuals.
Why It's Great: It is the "Star Wars" of cultivation. The sense of awe created by the Nine Dragons and the Bronze Coffin is unmatched in scale. Fans love the grand scope and the feeling of uncovering ancient secrets that span across millions of years and billions of miles. It is a true epic that blends deep Eastern mythology with the vastness of deep space.
The Premise: During a college reunion, nine massive dragon carcasses pulling a mysterious bronze coffin descend from the sky, whisking the classmates away to a cosmic cultivation world. The protagonist, Ye Fan, finds himself on an interstellar journey that takes him from the ruins of Mars to ancient, desolate stars. He discovers that Earth is just a tiny, hidden corner of a grand universe where ancient myths are real and dying stars serve as the battlegrounds for supreme immortals. To survive, Ye Fan must unlock the potential of his "Ancient Eucharist" body, a physique once legendary but now considered cursed by the heavens.
8. Fights Break Sphere
Where to Watch：WeTV
Core Highlights：Iconic "Alchemy & Flame" System; High-Stakes Revenge Arcs; Top-Tier 3D Character Modeling.
Why It's Great: This is the ultimate "underdog" story. Xiao Yan's journey is incredibly satisfying because it pioneered the "slap-back" genre—where the hero makes everyone who looked down on him regret their arrogance. Its "Three-Year Agreement" arc is legendary, representing one of the most emotional and visually spectacular peaks in all of Donghua.
The Premise: Xiao Yan, once a world-class prodigy, suddenly loses all his spiritual power and becomes the laughingstock of his clan. After being publicly humiliated by his fiancée who breaks their engagement, he discovers an old soul named Yao Lao residing within his mother’s ring. Under Yao Lao’s mentorship, Xiao Yan embarks on a dangerous journey to collect "Heavenly Flames"—sentient fires with world-shattering power. He vows to reclaim his honor and reach the peak of the continent, proving that "a man's future should never be underestimated" regardless of how low they fall.
9. A Will Eternal
Where to Watch：WeTV
Core Highlights：High-Quality 2D Animation; Brilliant Slapstick Comedy; Epic Large-Scale Sect Warfare.
Why It's Great: It is the perfect breath of fresh air in a genre often filled with "brooding" heroes. Bai Xiaochun is a hilarious break from tradition, making fans laugh one moment and cheer for his brilliant, unconventional mind the next. The series masterfully shifts from lighthearted comedy to high-stakes, emotional drama, proving that a "coward" can be the most epic hero of all.
The Premise: Bai Xiaochun is a young man with a unique motivation: he is absolutely terrified of dying and cultivates solely for the sake of living forever. Armed with a lighting-rod for bad luck and a genius-level talent for alchemy, his pursuit of longevity often leads to hilariously catastrophic "accidents"—like causing it to rain acidic diarrhea or accidentally summoning shadow monsters that haunt his own sect. However, beneath his cowardly exterior lies a deeply loyal friend. When his sect is pushed to the brink of war, his hidden courage emerges, turning him into a tactical nightmare for his enemies while he desperately tries to stay out of harm's way.
10. Sword of Coming
Where to Watch：Bilibili.tv
Core Highlights：Deeply Philosophical Script; Stunning Art-House Visual Style; Masterful World-Building.
Why It's Great: This is "High Art" for the patient viewer. It moves away from fast-paced power-ups to focus on dialogue, ethics, and the psychological weight of cultivation. It’s a slow-burn masterpiece where every conversation feels like a chess match. For those who want a story with the literary depth of a classic epic, Chen Ping’an’s journey is unparalleled and deeply moving.
The Premise: Chen Ping’an is an orphaned clay-worker in a mysterious small town that serves as a "hidden pond" where celestial beings farm divine artifacts. In a world where immortals treat mortals like ants and scheme over fragments of divinity, Chen Ping’an has nothing but his honesty and a rigid set of moral principles taught by his elders. When the town's protective veil is lifted, he is thrust into a vast world of high-level power plays. Carrying a heavy sword and an unwavering heart, he embarks on a long journey, proving that true "invincibility" comes not from strength, but from maintaining one's humanity in a world that has lost it.
11. Legend of Xianwu
Where to Watch：Youku
Core Highlights：High-Speed Progression; Satisfying "Face-Slapping" Arcs; Vibrant and Fluid Combat Animation.
Why It's Great: This is the quintessential "fast-paced" Xianxia. It’s incredibly addictive because of its relentless momentum—the protagonist is constantly overcoming impossible odds and punishing those who betrayed him. If you enjoy the thrill of seeing a suppressed hero rise to power at lightning speed with constant action, this series provides the perfect dopamine hit.
The Premise: Ye Chen, a loyal disciple of his sect, is betrayed and cast out after his cultivation is destroyed during a dangerous mission. Just as he hits rock bottom, he accidentally obtains a "True Flame" that falls from the sky, which not only repairs his body but grants him the power to cultivate both Martial Arts and Immortal Arts simultaneously. Now a "Dual Cultivator," he returns to the world under a new identity to seek justice. He must navigate a world of arrogant elites and ancient conspiracies, proving that a discarded disciple can become the supreme ruler of the nine heavens.
12. The Demon Hunter
Where to Watch：Youku
Core Highlights：Revolutionary "Ink-Wash" (Shuimo) Art; Peak 2D/3D Hybrid Combat; Heroic Sacrifice Themes.
Why It's Great: Visually, it is one of the most unique Donghua on this list. The art style feels like a moving painting, and the combat is incredibly high-impact with creative camera work. It tells a powerful story of sacrifice and duty that resonates deeply with fans who prefer a more grounded, heroic narrative with high emotional stakes.
The Premise: In a world under constant siege by demon hordes from other realms, humans survive behind city walls protected by warriors known as "Godfiends." To avenge his mother and fulfill his duty, young Meng Chuan trains his speed and blade skills to the absolute limit. It is a focused, heroic story about a young man rising through the ranks of the military to become a shield for humanity. Every victory comes at a cost, and Meng Chuan must learn to carry the weight of those he couldn't save as he fights a war that seems endless.
Conclusion
At its core, cultivation is about the journey—how a character grows, survives, and pushes forward when the world keeps stacking the odds against them.The 40 series in this guide show just how diverse the genre has become, while The Golden Twelve represent the best starting points and the strongest long-term investments for viewers. These are the shows that stay memorable long after the battles end.
No matter which one you start with, you’re stepping into a world where effort matters, choices have consequences, and power is never free. Pick your path. The climb has just begun.