Okay, let’s be real for a second – we’re halfway through 2025 already?! I don’t know about you, but my watchlist has been absolutely packed with incredible donghua this year. It feels like every time I finish one banger, two more pop up to take its place.
Seriously, trying to pick the “best” shows is like trying to pick your favorite snack – it’s impossible and totally depends on your mood! But based on what’s had me screaming at my screen, what my group chat won’t shut up about, and which animations made me forget to blink, here are the ones that genuinely made the first half of this year unforgettable:
1. You Know That One Sequel We All Stayed Up Late For
Come on, you know exactly which one I’m talking about. Whether it’s our boy Xiao Yan still causing chaos or Shi Hao being his usual overpowered self, these long-running legends came back swinging. The animation this season? I actually gasped during some fight scenes. Like, paused the video and made my roommate come look. And the story actually moved forward in ways that mattered – not just spinning wheels but giving us real “oh snap!” moments that changed everything.
Why it’s living in my head rent-free: The fights are cinematic, the quality keeps getting better (how is that even possible?), and it treats the original story with so much respect while still surprising us.
2. That Sci-Fi Show That Made My Jaw Drop
Shows like Swallowed Star are why I need a bigger monitor. The spaceships? The alien planets? The tech that makes my smartphone look like a rock? Absolutely insane. This season went places I never expected – without spoiling anything, let’s just say I had to rewatch several episodes immediately because my brain couldn’t process the awesome.
Why you’re missing out if you skip it: The visuals alone are worth it, but the main character’s journey this season hit different. I found myself actually caring about space politics? Who am I?
3. Link Click Season 3 – My Emotions Still Haven’t Recovered
I went into this season thinking “they can’t possibly top last season.” Famous last words. This show continues to be that friend who gives you emotional whiplash in the best way possible. The time travel rules got even more complex, the stakes felt terrifyingly real, and I’m pretty sure I held my breath through entire episodes. That cliffhanger in episode 7? I’m still not okay!
What makes it special: There’s this one scene where Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang just look at each other and you feel their entire friendship history in that moment. How do they do that?!
4. That New Show That Came Out of Nowhere
Remember when [new series] dropped and within two episodes everyone was like “wait, this is actually incredible”? It had that magic combination of characters you instantly adore, a world you want to live in, and that “one more episode” addiction. My Twitter feed was nothing but fanart and screaming for weeks.
Why it captured our hearts: It felt fresh! Whether it was the unique magic system or the main character’s relatable struggles, it brought something new to the table instead of rehashing the same old formulas.
5. The Comfort Watch That Never Let Me Down
This is that one show that might not trend every week but became my weekly happy place. Maybe it’s the hilarious comedy that actually made me laugh out loud, or the fantasy world so rich I wanted to book a vacation there, or the character relationships that felt more real than some people I know. It’s the series I’d watch right after a rough day because it never failed to lift my spirits.
Why it deserves more love: In a sea of epic battles and world-ending stakes, sometimes you just want characters being awesome together, and this show delivered that perfectly.
Other Shows That Deserve a Shoutout
I feel guilty even making a top five because there were so many gems! From [another series] with animation so beautiful I wanted to frame it, to [that other show] with a soundtrack I still listen to while working – 2025 has been ridiculously good to us donghua fans.
Looking Ahead
The crazy part? The previews for what’s coming later this year look even more insane. But honestly, the bar has been set so high already that I’m equal parts excited and nervous!
So what about you? Which moments had you texting your friends in all caps? Which character arcs had you emotionally devastated? I need to know if I’m the only one who cried during that one scene in episode 12 or if we’re all in this together!