Summary
- Donghua explores horror with unique premises based on Chinese myths and martial arts.
- Horror donghua focus on character development and engaging narratives rather than jump scares.
- Examples include an escape room experience, tomb raiding adventures, and a post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak.
As a lifelong enthusiast of the macabre and the supernatural, I find myself constantly seeking out new and exciting tales that delve into the darker corners of our collective imagination. In my endless pursuit for chills and thrills, I have stumbled upon a veritable cornucopia of captivating Chinese animated series that blend horror, science fiction, and comedy in ways that are both unique and utterly enthralling.
Donghua has made a substantial leap forward in recent times, earning acclaim for its breathtaking aesthetics and narrative prowess. Although it has cemented itself within the animation sector, there remains potential for expansion in the horror genre. However, the existing horror donghua are unlike any other, showcasing exceptional creativity. They often derive inspiration from Chinese folklore, supernatural entities, and traditional martial arts to concoct truly original concepts.
It’s important to mention that while many of these animated series (donghua) may not conform to the traditional notion of ‘horror’, they typically deviate from the use of jump scares and intense suspense commonly associated with it. Instead, they tend to favor a more contemplative approach to horror, focusing on character progression and immersive storytelling. This style places less emphasis on shock value and instead leans towards an original interpretation of what horror can be.
7. X&Y
An Escape Room Experience That Seeps Into The Main Character’s Real Life
Alt Name | Aiyou de Mishi |
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Released | 2023 |
Other Genres | Mystery, Thriller |
X&Y, often referred to as “Aiyou de Mishi,” is a thrilling animated series that borders on the realm of horror. Although it doesn’t strictly fall under the horror genre by definition, its rapid plot progression and unsettling atmosphere certainly evoke horror-like feelings.
The story revolves around two office colleagues who, in the midst of a torrential rainstorm, stumble upon an escape room. Initially intending to kill time until the storm subsides, they soon discover that they are more than knee-deep in this intricate puzzle. The challenges within the room appear to be reflections of the owner’s life experiences, and these encounters leave a profound impression on them. So powerful is their experience that they begin to perceive real-life scenes as if they were part of an escape room, blurring the lines between reality and the game for them.
6. The Buried Tree Devil
Tomb Raiders On A Mission Who Get More Than They Bargained For
Alt Name | Daomu Biji Zhi Qinling Shen Shu, Qinling Shen Shu |
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Released | 2021 |
Other Genres | Supernatural, Adventure |
The Animated Tale of the Buried Tree Fiend is an exciting blend of horror and adventure, inspired by the highly acclaimed Chinese novel series titled Grave Robbers’ Chronicles. The animated series takes a unique twist on the original narrative, offering a fresh perspective with a new storyline. This tale, mirroring the book and subsequently the animation, chronicles a band of tomb explorers who stumble upon mystical artifacts possessing incomprehensible powers as they journey through their adventures.
I, an onlooker, find myself witnessing the thrilling exploits of Wu Xie and his seasoned tomb-raiding companion, Lao Yang, as they embark on a perilous expedition into a hidden tomb. Both are veterans in this clandestine pursuit, their past actions leading to consequences – most recently, Lao Yang’s incarceration from another tomb-raiding escapade three years ago. Yet, Lao Yang now persuades Wu Xie to revisit those relics once more – a proposition that, despite the risks, seems to harbor a hidden intent on Lao Yang’s part.
5. Dawn Of The World
Zombie Outbreak And Interpersonal Relationships Revolving Around Survival
Alt Name | Mo Ri Shu Guang |
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Released | 2018 |
Other Genres | Post-Apocalyptic, BL |
Titled “Dawn of the World,” this BL horror animated series unfolds amidst the chilling backdrop of a post-apocalyptic zombie pandemic. The narrative centers around two companions hailing from disparate social spheres, yet bound by uncanny resemblances in their pasts. What makes “Dawn of the World” unique among typical zombie narratives is its strikingly realistic depiction of such a theoretical outbreak scenario.
In this series, the zombies aren’t portrayed as indestructible beings with extraordinary senses or abilities that challenge reason. Rather, they stick to the traditional zombie stereotype – being slow, frail, and devoid of intelligence. This realistic depiction enhances the sense of survival, making it more relatable. Moreover, the relationship between the two main characters, coupled with the underlying message that cooperation is essential for survival, gives this horror tale a deeper emotional resonance compared to many others.
4. Qui Shui Yi Yun
Purely Horror Mini-Series That Feels Like A Creepypasta
Alt Name | N/A |
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Released | 2016 |
Other Genres | Mystery, Supernatural |
Fans of Junji Ito, particularly those who appreciate atmospheric and surreal horror, will undoubtedly enjoy Qui Shui Yi Yun. This series consists of 12 episodes, each a compact 10-minute tale, yet every moment is captivating. It’s as if a creepypasta has been vividly brought to life, making it the sole horror show on this list that is purely dedicated to terror.
The narrative unfolds in a tranquil town that appears idyllic at first sight, with peaceful homes, amiable locals, and an apparently innocuous countryside. However, looks can be misleading, as this seemingly ordinary town conceals a troubling past. This town was erected on the remnants of a notorious haunted mansion that had to be torn down. Despite its pleasant facade, the mansion’s turbulent history has permeated every nook and cranny, leading to strange occurrences happening throughout the town.
3. Zombie Brother
Satirical Horror Comedy With An Unpredictable Edge To It
Alt Name | Shi Xiong |
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Released | 2015 |
Other Genres | Action, Comedy |
The title “Zombie Brother” refers to a humorous and frightening TV show set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. While it shares some similarities with other zombie narratives, such as the virus outbreak and people becoming infected, this series stands out due to its unexpected twists and turns.
The satirical aspect of the show comes from its constant poking at modern society — so, in essence, it could be looked at as a commentary on the state of the world. The story follows the main character’s desperate journey to reunite with his girlfriend after a zombie virus spreads through his city. The virus, which infects anyone who drinks contaminated water, quickly turns the population into mindless creatures. The show is a mix of comedy, horror, slice-of-life, and action, Zombie Brother doesn’t take itself too seriously — and that’s exactly what makes it work so well.
2. Order Designer
Horror-Comedy With Gaming Themes
Alt Name | Si Ling Bianma: Shijie Caozong Zhe |
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Released | 2013 |
Other Genres | Action, Comedy, Psychological |
As I watch, I find myself immersed in a captivating animated series titled “Order Designer”. Unlike traditional isekai stories where characters are transported to other worlds, this one spins the tale differently by bringing an entire realm into our reality. It’s a unique blend of gaming motifs, humor, and chilling horror elements that keeps me both entertained and puzzled.
The narrative centers around Ye Yinyi, a dedicated mobile game creator who’s been immersed in crafting his title, Ghost. This game, which revolves around criminals, superpowers, and intricate objectives, has swallowed a significant portion of his time and vitality, leaving his personal and social life untended. Matters become strangely peculiar when news surfaces about a woman being assaulted by an enigmatic beast. To his astonishment, the creature mirrors exactly the one he designed for his game. He begins to suspect that his work is inexplicably merging with reality.
1. Ling Cage
Horror Sci-Fi That Revolves Around Humanity In Every Sense
Alt Name | Ling Long: Incarnation |
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Released | 2019 |
Other Genres | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi |
The animated series titled “Ling Cage” is reminiscent of a horror sci-fi game similar to “Alien: Isolation,” drawing inspiration from its visual and eerie ambiance. It portrays the dismal reality following a devastating event that depletes Earth’s resources, forcing humanity to find a new place to live.
Consequently, these circumstances elevate the pressure to such an extent that people, being who they inherently are, gradually forsake their human qualities. They become fixated on survival and embark en masse on corporate-managed time vessels resembling prisons, where labor supersedes any trace of existence or personal identity. As these oppressive traditions take hold, they eventually become the status quo, stripping people even of their names, reducing them to mere worker numbers. However, change is instigated when a band of individuals are dispatched to re-explore the remnants of their devastated world.
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2024-12-24 09:05