Donghua, or Chinese animation, has been making waves in 2025 with some of the most visually captivating and narratively bold shows we’ve encountered so far. While anime continues to be a dominant force in Western discussions, Chinese studios are redefining boundaries with grand fantasy adaptations, inventive narratives, and animation excellence that rivals the top offerings from Japan. These 10 donghua have characterized 2025 to date, illustrating that if you’re limiting yourself to anime, you’re missing out on significant conversations.
1. To Be Hero X
Haoliners Animation League revived this cult classic in January 2025, delighting fans of the original’s absurd humor with even stranger energy this time around. The narrative revolves around Min, a slacker uncle, whose nephew unexpectedly arrives from another dimension, dragging him into unprepared interdimensional chaos.
No prior seasons are required to enjoy it. The show introduces all key characters and the rules of the universe from the ground up, ensuring newcomers can easily follow along. To Be Hero X stands strong on its own, blending outrageous toilet humor with unexpectedly poignant moments. It remains true to the franchise’s quirky, humorous design while injecting more energy into the battles, sending fans into a frenzy on TikTok.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
2. Lord of Mysteries
B.C May Pictures adapted Cuttlefish That Loves Diving’s incredibly popular web novel, which may be the most ambitious donghua adaptation of 2025. Klein Moretti awakens in an alternate Victorian-era world, embroiled in supernatural mysteries involving covert organizations, eldritch forces, and conspiracies that threaten reality itself.
The original material has a loyal following with extremely high expectations, and the adaptation impressively delivers with its atmospheric world-building and intricate magic system. The series adeptly balances Lovecraftian horror with detective work and strategic planning, resulting in a narrative that feels more mature than typical power fantasy donghua.
3. The Super Cube
In this narrative, an ordinary boy’s existence transforms into chaos after he captures the affection of a goddess and acquires a mysterious cube that bestows him with superpowers. With this newfound might, he embarks on a quest to protect others and face the encroaching darkness.
Big Firebird Cultural Media and iQIYI premiered this on March 21, 2025, delivering traditional Chinese shounen energy where the hero genuinely seeks to assist others rather than merely showcasing his powers. Rescuing his kidnapped girlfriend entails navigating bizarre worlds while managing school issues, and somehow, the show treats both plot lines with equal importance.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
4. The All-devouring Whale: Homecoming
Being devoured by your pet is unsettling enough, but waking up in someone else’s body makes it even worse. Fan Lingxiao, a skilled spirit pet master, gets ambushed and swallowed by his whale Kun during a sect competition, only to awaken reincarnated as Liu Fengmang, imprisoned within the White Mansion.
Bilibili and Big Firebird Culture unveiled this in May 2025, and it has been making waves online ever since, drawing comparisons to Pokémon, albeit with a much darker tone. The wuxia elements fused with creature taming forge a fresh experience despite borrowing motifs from established genres. The animation quality particularly stands out in action scenes, showcasing eye-catching fabric and effects that rival anything produced in Japan this year.
5. The Laid Off Demon
Inspired by the Unemployment Demon light novel, this might be the most relatable donghua of 2025, despite featuring actual demons and heroes. Skyloong and Tencent debuted it on February 5, 2025, transforming the entire fantasy genre into a workplace comedy addressing the realities of being overqualified yet underpaid. The twist? A formidable demon lord is ousted from his rank and must now find regular employment to lift his curse and settle debts, with an inexperienced hero in tow.
What could have remained a simple joke develops into genuine humor because the writers resonate with the soul-crushing reality of job hunting, applying that to magical contexts. The former demon king being vastly more competent than what entry-level adventuring jobs require while desperately needing cash hits differently for anyone who’s ever been overqualified for something.
6. Celestial Bonds
After forgetting her memories from a century-old battle, immortal Tian Quan arrives in the mortal realm and, alongside her enigmatic companion Li Xiao—whose history may connect to her lost love—must face the resurrected Mirage Spirit that threatens Cangshuo once more.
Thundray and iQIYI launched this on June 13, 2025, presenting one of the most visually stunning fantasy donghua of the year. While memory loss narratives can feel clichéd, this one functions because Tian Quan’s journey to the mortal world is not solely about reclaiming her past. The action and adventure components merge seamlessly with rich fantasy world-building that feels authentic rather than heavily reliant on exposition.
At 15 minutes per episode, the pacing remains tight without hurrying character moments, demonstrating that shorter episodes can convey just as much impact as longer ones when the storytelling is sharply focused and the animation is dedicated to aesthetics.
7. Renegade Immortal: Battle of Gods
A cinematic rendering of the beloved Renegade Immortal series, this theatrical release exemplifies how donghua can produce extraordinary cinematic experiences. BUILD DREAM launched it on May 30, 2025, and admirers of the original series went wild over the production quality. Wang Lin must rescue the poisoned Li Muwan while confronting formidable foes and unraveling a millennia-old conspiracy, ultimately merging with an Ancient God to take on the Demon Lord.
The stakes are incredibly high, and the 90-minute runtime permits the narrative to evolve without feeling rushed as some theatrical anime adaptations do. Cultivation series thrive or fail based on their action choreography, and this film certainly delivers with epic battles that warrant the big-screen experience.
8. The New Chronicles of Extraordinary Beings: Preface
Paying rent with an ancient house barely works until you inadvertently become a universe police officer managing supernatural tenants. Hao Ren is an ordinary young man from a small town struggling to make ends meet when a bizarre incident transforms him into a “universe police officer” responsible for overseeing a residence inhabited by peculiar, non-human tenants assigned by his cryptic superiors.
Bilibili released this seven-episode ONA starting July 9, 2025, with each episode lasting around 15 minutes. Based on the 2014 web novel The Record of Unusual Creatures, the series takes a concept that could easily be played for laughs and infuses it with genuine mystery as complications arise in the Dream Plane Universe. The landlord-tenant dynamic with extraterrestrial beings creates a sitcom vibe while heightened cosmic threats maintain the tension.
9. The Legend of Princess Chang-Ge
Produced by Studio BIGBIGSUN and released on February 23, 2025, this Bilibili donghua adapts Xia Da’s renowned manhua Chang Ge Xing. The plot centers around Princess Li Chang-Ge after her father, the emperor, is assassinated during a coup. Rather than succumb to despair, she cuts her hair, disguises herself as a man, and embarks on a journey for revenge.
Differing from most historical dramas that concentrate solely on romance or action, this tale delves comprehensively into politics, strategy, and resilience. Its aesthetic direction is breathtaking, showcasing intricate costumes and soft color palettes that lend each scene a painterly ambiance.
10. Demon’s Ascension
Demon’s Ascension is a dark fantasy that stands out among the rare cultivation narratives that don’t revolve around extravagant power enhancements. The donghua follows Liu Ming, a survivor of a harsh island jail, who is thrust into a chaotic realm dominated by spirits, sects, and monsters.
The pacing begins slowly, but this enhances its impact. You genuinely witness Liu Ming’s development rather than just watching yet another hero power up. Developed by Wonder Cat Animation, Demon’s Ascension succeeds in infusing a darker tone into the xianxia genre while maintaining an oddly optimistic viewpoint. Fans online commend it for adhering closely to the source novel, providing side characters with significant story arcs rather than treating them as mere fillers.
