The world of Chinese animation, or donghua, has exploded onto the global stage in recent years. Titles like Soul Land, Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation), Heaven Official’s Blessing, and Link Click have garnered massive international fanbases, dazzling viewers with stunning animation, intricate stories, and captivating characters.
While the hype surrounding these giants is well-deserved, the rapid growth of the industry means that many other gems, lauded by critics and dedicated fans within China and beyond, might fly under the radar of a casual viewer. These are shows that push creative boundaries, offer unique perspectives, or simply execute their genre exceptionally well, yet don’t always achieve the same level of mainstream buzz.
If you’re looking to delve deeper into the rich and diverse landscape of donghua beyond the absolute biggest hits, here are five critically acclaimed series you might have overlooked:
1. Fog Hill of Five Elements (Wu Hai Wu Xing)
- Why it’s Acclaimed: This is a technical and artistic masterpiece. Almost entirely hand-drawn by a tiny studio (Samsara Studio, led by the incredibly talented Lin Shang), Fog Hill boasts some of the most fluid, dynamic, and breathtaking action animation seen in any medium. The fight choreography is intricate and visceral, set against a visually striking world inspired by classical Chinese aesthetics and the Five Elements theory. The animation itself is the primary draw, showcasing an ambition and skill level that’s truly rare.
- Why You Might Have Overlooked It: Its production is notoriously slow due to the small team and demanding quality. The seasons are short (initially just 3 episodes), making it feel more like an animated short film series than a conventional show. Its pure martial arts fantasy genre might also be more niche than cultivation or romance.
- Why You Should Watch: If you appreciate animation as an art form and want to see the cutting edge of 2D action, Fog Hill of Five Elements is an absolute must-see. Every frame is a painting, and every fight is a dance of unparalleled energy.
2. Rakshasa Street (Zhen Hun Jie)
- Why it’s Acclaimed: Based on a popular webcomic, Rakshasa Street tells a compelling urban fantasy story with deep emotional resonance. It blends intense supernatural action with themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and confronting one’s past. The world-building, centered around “Requiem Street” where spirits reside and “Guardian Spirits” protect their masters, is well-developed. The characters, particularly the main protagonists (the Cao brothers and Xia Ling), have engaging backstories and development.
- Why You Might Have Overlooked It: The initial 3D animation style of the first season might feel a bit dated compared to newer shows, though it improves significantly later. It also came out before donghua truly hit its current peak international popularity, so it didn’t ride the wave of hype that later series did.
- Why You Should Watch: Don’t let the animation style deter you. Rakshasa Street offers a gripping narrative with high stakes, memorable characters, and genuinely impactful emotional moments. It’s a solid dark fantasy adventure.
3. The Legend of Luo Xiaohei (Luo Xiaohei Zhan Ji)
- Why it’s Acclaimed: This long-running series (and its highly successful movie prequel) is celebrated for its incredibly charming art style, expressive character animation, and unique blend of cute, slice-of-life moments with surprisingly complex fantasy world-building and action. It follows the adventures of Luo Xiaohei, a adorable black cat spirit, interacting with both humans and other spirits. It has a consistent quality and heartfelt storytelling that has built a dedicated fanbase over many years.
- Why You Might Have Overlooked It: Its simple, almost minimalist art style might lead some to dismiss it as solely a children’s show (though it’s enjoyed by all ages). The series initially had very short episodes, giving it a more episodic feel before developing longer narratives. It’s not a flashy epic based on a famous novel, but a creator-driven project with a distinct voice.
- Why You Should Watch: Luo Xiaohei is pure joy. It’s funny, heartwarming, and features some incredibly creative uses of animation to convey personality and action. It’s a delightful and often profound journey into a world where the mundane and the magical intertwine.
4. A Will Eternal (Yi Nian Yong Heng)
- Why it’s Acclaimed: While adaptations of Xianxia (immortal hero) novels are popular, A Will Eternal stands out for its protagonist and tone. Bai Xiaochun is not your typical stoic or OP cultivation hero; he’s cowardly, self-serving, a bit narcissistic, but ultimately kind-hearted and hilarious. The donghua perfectly captures the novel’s comedic spirit, making it one of the funniest cultivation series out there. The 3D animation is high-quality, and the pacing successfully adapts a massive story into an engaging series.
- Why You Might Have Overlooked It: The sheer volume of Xianxia adaptations can make it hard to pick one, and the overtly comedic tone of A Will Eternal might be seen as less “serious” than others, despite the underlying depth. It also might not have received the same marketing push internationally as titans like Soul Land.
- Why You Should Watch: If you’re looking for a cultivation donghua that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still offers exciting action, world-building, and significant character growth (albeit growth marked by hilarious misadventures), A Will Eternal is a refreshing and highly entertaining choice.
5. The Westward (Xi Xing Ji)
- Why it’s Acclaimed: This series offers a darker, more mature, and action-packed re-imagining of the classic Journey to the West tale. Sixteen years after their failed mission to retrieve the scriptures, Tang Sanzang and his disciples must embark on a perilous journey back to the West. The 3D animation is consistently high-quality, featuring intense fight choreography, detailed character models, and a visually rich fantasy world. It received praise for its bold take on a beloved story, complex character motivations, and thrilling plot.
- Why You Might Have Overlooked It: While based on a famous myth, this specific adaptation isn’t as widely known internationally as the direct adaptations of Journey to the West. It might also blend in with the many other high-quality 3D action/fantasy donghua without viewers realizing its unique premise and connection to the classic fable.
- Why You Should Watch: If you enjoy high-octane fantasy action and are intrigued by a fresh, grittier spin on a classic, The Westward delivers stunning visuals and a compelling narrative that keeps you hooked.
These five titles represent just a fraction of the quality content being produced outside the most talked-about donghua series. Each offers something unique, be it groundbreaking animation, compelling storytelling, or a fresh take on a familiar genre. So, step “beyond the hype” and discover your next favorite series in the ever-expanding universe of donghua!