Best Sci-fi Donghua

Key Takeaways

  • Anime and donghua both excel in delivering unique sci-fi stories with fresh ideas and unconventional approaches.
  • Knights on Debris, Ling Long: Incarnation, and Swallowed Star are standout donghua with diverse sci-fi elements.
  • Donghua like Slay The Gods and Since The Red Moon Appeared offer unique twists on sci-fi themes like death games and natural disasters.

As a seasoned anime and donghua enthusiast, I must say that these captivating tales of fantasy, science fiction, and action-packed adventure are nothing short of extraordinary! Each of these donghua offers a unique perspective on various genres, catering to diverse audiences with their compelling narratives.


Science fiction anime have maintained a significant influence over the anime and manga audience for quite some time. Shows like “Stein’s Gate“, “Psycho-Pass“, and even perhaps “Code Geass” have been among the most beloved anime, captivating both niche viewers and mainstream media alike. It would not be an overstatement to claim that the anime industry has established a high benchmark for presenting compelling sci-fi narratives.

It’s worth noting that anime isn’t the sole dominant force in the realm of sci-fi animation anymore. The surge in popularity of donghua has led to a significant evolution within the industry, as creators are offering innovative perspectives and intriguing spins on familiar themes. What makes sci-fi donghua particularly captivating is their original storylines coupled with exceptional 3D graphics that immersively transport viewers into expansive worlds.

Many donghuas may not always succeed, but a significant number of them are certainly pushing the boundaries of animation by introducing innovative concepts and unorthodox methods.

1 Knights On Debris

Sci-Fi Fantasy That Gives Off Star Wars Vibes

Chinese Name Xing Hai Qishi
Status Completed
Released 2020

In the realm of fantasy and science fiction, Knights on Debris stands out as a remarkable work. It delves into concepts such as wormholes, suspended animation-like phenomena, and hostile alien species intent on human annihilation. To a dedicated sci-fi enthusiast, it’s like a perfect dream come true, and some may even draw parallels with classics like Star Wars and Star Trek. It’s not hard to understand why such comparisons are made.

As a fan, I’d rephrase it like this: In the tale of “Knights on Debris”, I find myself stepping into the shoes of Mo Chen, a future machinist, transported to a desolate, dismantled world. I was dispatched here to scrutinize a puzzling asteroid that collided with Earth. Upon waking up, I discover the planet in ruins, my team annihilated by a lethal disease, and survival seeming unlikely. Now, it’s Mo Chen and his robots against all odds, struggling not just to survive on this inhospitable planet, but also to evade the enigmatic alien race called Thorne – who, intriguingly, possess powers akin to The Force.

2 Ling Long: Incarnation

Sci-Fi Horror With A Deep Psychological Theme

Other Name Ling Cage
Status Ongoing
Released 2019

The animated series titled “Ling Long: Incarnation” delves into a post-apocalyptic sci-fi world, where the narrative tension is palpable. The plot revolves around Earth following cosmic destruction, offering a unique perspective in 3D animation that resembles high-quality AAA sci-fi horror games such as “Alien: Isolation” or “Dead Space“. However, what truly distinguishes this donghua from other sci-fi stories is its unusual emphasis on human relationships and character interactions, despite its action-heavy premise. This focus adds a rich layer of depth to what could have been merely an action-packed spectacle.

In “Ling Long: Incarnation”, the story focuses on a colossal disaster that nearly eradicates life on Earth. This catastrophe is followed by devastating earthquakes that rattle the planet to its very foundations, awakening malevolent creatures called Extremozoan from their slumber. With most of humanity wiped out, survivors take refuge in a space station where they’re overworked and lack purpose – until they are compelled to return to Earth, the devastated planet.

3 Swallowed Star

Sci-Fi, Martial Arts, Cultivation, And Post-Apocalypse

Chinese Name Tunshi Xingkong
Status Ongoing
Released 2020

The animated series known as “Swallowed Star” enjoys significant recognition within the donghua community. The show stands out not just because of its sci-fi elements, but also due to its skillful integration of martial arts and cultivation themes into a vast, futuristic setting.

The show follows humanity’s rise and fall and its attempts to rise again against violent creatures that have taken hold of Earth. These creatures aren’t the result of some sort of alien invasion or underground dormancy but are earthly animals that have contracted a deadly virus known as the RR virus. Humans have built massive walls to protect themselves from them and essentially locked themselves in tiny cities as a protective measure. But just as animals are evolving, so are humans. The most advanced humans, known as warriors, are tasked with fighting these creatures. One of these warriors is Luo Feng, a genetically superior fighter and the story’s main character.

4 Slay The Gods

An Array Of Different Tropes That Work Seamlessly Together

Chinese Name Zhan Shen: Fanchen Shenyu
Status Ongoing
Released 2024

Slay the Gods is an animated series that appeals to a broad audience due to its wide range of themes. The show seamlessly combines elements from almost every action, thriller genre known, which may seem surprising but it works effectively. Its storyline is innovative, and the visual quality is cinematic, reminiscent of a big-budget film.

Explore a world that outwardly appears ordinary, yet harbors hidden mysteries in the shadows. In this alternate reality, deities and divine beings casually coexist with ordinary people, causing an unsettling divide between the mundane and the extraordinary. The narrative revolves around a high school student endowed with extraordinary abilities who is entrusted to work for these enigmatic entities.

5 Mountain And Sea Organization

Mecha-Themed Donghua With Existential Themes

Chinese Name Shanhai Jihui
Status Ongoing
Released 2023

The Mountain and Sea Anime revolves around mechanized suits in a futuristic setting, much like many sci-fi series. It also features a catastrophic global event with the potential to bring about the apocalypse. Though not as well-known as other shows on this list, its mecha theme and characters could captivate gamers who enjoy this genre due to their intrigue.

In essence, the Mountain and Sea Organization centers around two contrasting factions, each holding starkly different perspectives on humanity’s destiny on Earth. The malevolent faction, called Shanhai Jihui, believes that catastrophic destruction can be averted by upgrading humans into more advanced versions. However, the other group, with our hero among them, disagrees vehemently and unites to thwart Shanhai Jihui’s attempts to exterminate humanity altogether.

6 Since The Red Moon Appeared

A Unique Twist On Worldwide Natural Disasters

Chinese Name Cong Hong Yue Kaishi
Status Ongoing
Released 2023

The animated series “Red Moon’s Emergence” follows a narrative as its title implies. Unlike other science fiction works which usually depict typical planetary catastrophes, this one offers a unique twist. The story centers around an extraordinary event – a red moon that looms over the Earth, triggering a series of catastrophic events that ultimately engulf the entire globe.

In the strange occurrence of the blood-red moon in Donguha, it sends people into a frenzy, much like an infectious zombie-like virus with numerous contagious symptoms. Merely being close to an afflicted individual can be lethal for a healthy human. The reason being is that the infected person radiates harmful energy. But, in typical science fiction fashion, there’s a group of individuals who are resistant to this infection and are fighting to restore order amidst the chaos.

7 The Infinitors

Death Games And Game-Like Levels

Chinese Name Wuxian Shijie
Status Ongoing
Released 2022

The Infinitors serves as an excellent introduction for fans of series like Alice in Borderland and Squid Game. This donghua offers a rich exploration of the isekai genre, with its intriguing premise revolving around death games set in a supernatural, sci-fi, and at times horrifying environment. The high stakes make it stand out compared to other entries within this category. Additionally, the narrative focuses more on personal struggles, as opposed to typical heroic saves-the-world scenarios. This allows viewers to connect with the protagonist’s journey on a deeper level.

The protagonist is a weary and abused office employee who has endured some extremely challenging experiences and struggles to leave them behind. In search of his real destiny, he stumbles upon a link claiming to reveal the universe’s hidden truth. Yet, once clicked, he finds himself in a realm where the primary objective is survival at any cost – even if it requires participating in lethal battles with only one victor.

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2024-11-23 20:15