Best Isekai Donghua

Best Isekai Donghua

Key Takeaways

  • The Donghua industry offers diverse themes like isekai.
  • Donghua animations excel with complex world-building & fresh narratives.
  • Popular donghua like “Full-Time Magister” & “Scumbag System” present unique isekai twists.

As a seasoned donghua enthusiast, I must say that each of these captivating stories presents a unique perspective within the isekai genre. From the humorous and relatable struggles of Shen Yuan in “Shrouding the Heavens” to the intricate world-building of “Zhe Tian,” there’s something for everyone.


As donghua continues to grow in popularity within mainstream outlets, its diverse array of storylines and genres has become more evident. Though it doesn’t quite match the breadth of anime yet, the donghua industry is steadily expanding its scope by incorporating a broader spectrum of themes and narratives.

Among common themes in Chinese animation (donghua) is the isekai trope, which some donghua execute more effectively than anime. With sophisticated animation methods and meticulous world-creation, many donghua revitalize the isekai concept. On the other hand, anime’s frequent use of repetitive storylines, excessive fanservice, and subpar character development in certain instances can make some donghua stand out distinctly.

1 Full-Time Magister

Isekai-ed Into The Body Of A Kid With Almost No Magic Ability In A World That Revolves Around Magic

Chinese NameQuan Zhi Fa Shi
StatusOngoing
Other GenresFantasy, Drama, Action

A 2016 anime series titled “Full-Time Magister” centers around a tranquil high school student who finds himself transported into a realm resembling his former world, but with magic instead of science as its primary force. This new world operates according to magical principles and social hierarchy, reflecting a person’s affinity for magic. The world is teeming with mythical creatures that can be subdued only through powerful spells.

In this world, great importance is given to teaching children magical skills at an early age. However, Mo Fan, who’s a transplanted spirit, doesn’t share the same privileges as others, born into poverty with responsibilities towards a disabled sibling. He lacks inherent magical abilities too. Yet, against all odds, he manages to secure a place in one of the top magic schools in his nation. This realization of his disadvantage and the need for extra effort is soon replaced when he learns to control various forms of magic.

2 The Demonic King Who Chases His Wife

Assassin Is Transmigrated Into The Body Of A Mistreated Daughter Of An Influential Clan

Chinese NameXie Wang Zhui Qi
StatusOngoing
Other GenresRomance

“The Pursuit of the Fiendish King and His Spouse” might suggest a chaotic and intense series based on its name, and while it does delve into such themes at times – which isn’t typical for isekai genre shows – it ultimately proves to be an engaging and entertaining tale once viewers become accustomed to its unique dynamics.

In a twist of fate, a contemporary assassin, betrayed by her partner during a critical operation, meets an untimely end. Yet, instead of finding peace, she finds herself transported to a realm teeming with magic and cultivation. Unfortunately, the vessel into which her spirit is reborn belongs to the fourth daughter of the Su Manor, a girl known for her weakness, timidity, and lack of assertiveness, often targeted by the other daughters of the household. However, this unassuming identity soon undergoes a transformation that captures the attention of the kingdom’s powerful second prince.

3 Against The Sky Supreme

Main Character Is A Murdered God Who Is Reborn As A Human

Chinese NameNi Tian Zhizun
StatusOngoing
Other GenresAction, Fantasy

Against the Sky Supreme” is a 3D animated series with a distinctive flair, offering a somewhat unconventional take on reincarnation and heavily incorporating Chinese mythology and deities into its storyline. Despite having a unique art style that might require an acquired taste initially, it eventually proves to be quite intriguing once viewers get past the initial hurdle.

The series delves into a vast cosmos made up of an intricately linked inner and outer universe, constantly engaged in unending conflict for supremacy. Each side endures significant casualties throughout this struggle. Inside the inner cosmos, there are three distinct domains, one of which is the divine realm ruled by three deities. One of these deities, known as the Hongmeng Supreme, meets a violent demise at the hands of a treacherous coup orchestrated by the other two gods. Subsequently reborn as Tan Yun, a young noble from a less prominent aristocratic family disgraced in his previous life, he must navigate his fresh existence while maintaining a delicate balance between seeking vengeance and striving for redemption.

4 Purgatory Walkers

Terminally Ill Protagonist Gets A Second Chance To Prove Himself

Chinese NameCong Gu Huo Niao Kaishi: Long Cheng Fengyun
StatusCompleted
Other GenresSci-fi, Dark Fantasy

The 2024 animated series titled “Purgatory Walkers” deviates from its predecessors by presenting a more ominous and eerie atmosphere. This unique blend of classic Chinese themes and a modern, science-fiction style results in high-octane, thrilling action scenes.

The story revolves around Li Yan, an individual skilled in martial arts who’s been informed he has an incurable illness, leaving him with only a short time left to live. Overwhelmed by his desire to survive, Li Yan finds himself transported to a bizarre, intensely neon-lit world named Yanfu Fruit Tree. In this realm, he encounters a string of lethal tasks that compel him to engage in brutal fights against the most powerful fighters residing within this strange domain, all in an attempt to secure his position at the pinnacle.

5 Scumbag System

The Main Character Is Reincarnated As An Ill-Fated Antagonist Destined To Die

Chinese NameChuan Shu Zijiu Zhinan
StatusOngoing
Other GenresComedy, Action, Historical

Mischievous World Transfer System

In the event that he is reborn into another realm, he feels assured about his talents to progressively advance and be widely admired and cherished in this new world. However, his strategies undergo a significant change when he discovers that instead of being the hero, he’s been reborn as the antagonist, fated to perish regardless of his actions.

6 Shrouding The Heavens

A Group Of Classmates Are Teleported To An Entirely Different Mythical World

Chinese NameZhe Tian
StatusOngoing
Other GenresAdventure, Supernatural, Sci-fi

The 2023 animated series titled “Shrouding the Heavens” initially moves at a leisurely pace during the early episodes of season one, making it somewhat challenging to engage with initially. However, as the story progresses and its detailed world-building gains traction, viewers find themselves increasingly captivated after the prologue concludes.

The narrative revolves around Ye Fan and his 29 former classmates, who are suddenly transported to an otherworldly, medieval-esque realm during their planned reunion. In this alien and potentially dangerous environment, they’re compelled to unite and confront various trials and tribulations. As they strive to endure in a place that appears to be hell-bent on their demise, they might just learn what it takes to ascend and emerge as the most powerful.

7 Soul Land

Main Character Makes A Mistake And Pays For It With His Life

Chinese NameDouluo Dalu
StatusCompleted
Other GenresAction, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance

2018’s animated series titled “Soul Land” is generally considered a significant work within the genre and is highly esteemed by donghua enthusiasts. Although it adheres to a common isekai structure, its intense exploration of spirit mastery and cultivation infuses it with a distinctive Chinese flavor that distinguishes it from anime and manhwa isekai productions.

The story follows the journey of Tang San, a martial arts clan’s most prodigal and strongest member. Tang San, despite not being a bad person inherently, gets his hands on one of the most forbidden lore belonging to the clan in his pursuit of absolute power and knowledge. Being satisfied with his discovery, he takes “a plunge of faith” that ends up claiming his life. However, instead of finding eternal peace, he wakes up in a completely different world, rampant with something called spirit mastery. Every human in this world owns an innate spirit and can master their spirit powers to train themselves to be strong. Tang San, however, is not blessed with the same fate and ends up being stuck with the world’s most useless spirit.

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2024-11-20 20:35