It’s 2026, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably already thinking about all the amazing animated worlds we’ll get to explore this year. The amount of incredible donghua out there is just insane, and honestly, keeping up with it all feels like a hobby in itself! But hey, don’t stress, because I’ve been digging into the new releases and ongoing stories to put together a list of the donghua you absolutely have to watch that are going to be huge.
Whether you’re into epic cultivation stories where characters push past their limits or complex urban fantasies that mix the everyday with the unbelievable, this list has something to get you excited about animation again. Even if you’re new to donghua or just curious, you’ll find stories that grab you and visuals that blow you away right from the start.
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This year’s got sequels that jump right back into the action, plus new seasons of shows that keep pushing the boundaries of what animation can do. We’re talking about massive stories, characters you’ll really care about, and action scenes that’ll leave you stunned. So, get your snacks ready, because here are the 40 donghua you definitely need on your radar for 2026.
1. The Daily Life of the Immortal King
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | fantasycomedyactionsupernatural |
Seriously, you *have* to check out "The Daily Life of the Immortal King"! It's got this hilarious premise where the strongest dude ever just wants a chill, normal life, which is like, the funniest contrast to all the crazy supernatural stuff that keeps happening. Plus, the way he tries to hide his insane powers while still saving the day is gold.
2. Hitori no Shita: The Outcast
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | actionsupernaturalcomedyfantasy |
Dude, you gotta check out Hitori no Shita: The Outcast; it's got this awesome mix of goofy humor and actually legit Chinese supernatural lore that's super unique. You'll get hooked on the protagonist's hilariously reluctant dive into his family's crazy past and all the wild supernatural stuff that comes with it.
3. Link Click
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | supernaturalmysterydramaaction |
You *have* to check out Link Click; it's so good! It's got this amazing premise where the main guys travel into photos to grant people's last wishes, but it always comes with these gut-wrenching consequences that will totally mess with you. Seriously, the way it handles those bittersweet moments and the complex bond between the protagonists is just chef's kiss.
4. Martial Peak
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | actionfantasymartial arts |
Dude, if you're into straight-up cultivation and watching the underdog Yang Kai just power through everything, you *have* to check out Martial Peak. It's this massive ongoing series where he's always facing insane odds and climbing the ranks, and honestly, the endless epic battles are so satisfying.
5. Swallowed Star
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | sci-fiactionsupernaturalmartial arts |
Dude, if you're into that whole "ordinary guy becomes unbelievably OP" vibe with some seriously cool sci-fi mixed in, you *have* to check out Swallowed Star. Watching Luo Feng just keep leveling up and facing off against insane alien threats is such a rush; it totally nails that power fantasy. You'll be hooked!
6. Soul Land II
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | fantasymartial artsaction |
If you loved the original, you've *got* to check out Soul Land II! Seeing Tang Wulin grow up and develop his powers is so satisfying, and it really feels like a natural continuation of everything we enjoyed before.
7. A Will Eternal
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | comedyfantasyactioncultivation |
Dude, you *have* to check out "A Will Eternal" – it's easily one of the funniest cultivation donghua out there. Bai Xiaochun's hilariously cowardly yet surprisingly strong antics will have you cracking up, and the way they set up absurd situations is genius. You'll be hooked by the sheer ridiculousness, even if the animation isn't always top-tier.
8. The King's Avatar II
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | actiongamingesportscomedy |
Seriously, you *have* to check out "The King's Avatar II" if you loved the first season! Ye Xiu and his new team are absolutely crushing it, and the strategic team fights are even more intense this time around. Plus, the banter between the characters is just as hilarious as ever.
9. Battle Through the Heavens: Year 3, Year 4, Year 5
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | actionfantasymartial arts |
Dude, if you're loving *Battle Through the Heavens*, you absolutely *have* to check out Years 3, 4, and 5 – they just keep dialing up the awesome with Xiao Yan's epic fights and insane power-ups. You'll seriously be hooked watching him constantly overcome impossible odds, and the animation gets even better as the story progresses.
10. Douluo Dalu
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | fantasymartial artsaction |
Seriously, you've gotta check out Douluo Dalu! Tang San's whole journey, from being this underdog to mastering the soul beast system and getting all those crazy powerful soul rings, is just so satisfying to watch. Plus, the romance isn't just tacked on; it's actually a really sweet part of the story that makes you root for everyone.
11. Renegade Immortal
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | actionfantasycultivationsupernatural |
If you're into cultivation stories that don't pull any punches, you've gotta check out Renegade Immortal. Wang Lin's relentless, often morally gray journey to achieve immortality is totally captivating, and the cosmic scope of the power struggles will keep you hooked for ages.
12. Lord of the Mysteries
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | mysterysupernaturalfantasyaction |
Seriously, you *have* to check out "Lord of the Mysteries" if you're looking for a Donghua that really hooks you. The way it slowly unfolds this incredibly deep, steampunk-ish world and introduces you to all these bizarre Beyonder powers, it's just mind-blowing. Plus, the main character, Klein, is this hilariously awkward guy who has to navigate a world full of dangerous secrets, and you'll be rooting for him from episode one.
13. Tales of Demons and Gods
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | actionfantasyreincarnationmartial arts |
You HAVE to check out "Tales of Demons and Gods"! It's so satisfying watching Nie Li use his past life knowledge to totally outsmart everyone, especially when he's rebuilding his sect and fighting those demon beasts. It's the ultimate second-chance fantasy with seriously cool martial arts action.
14. Perfect World
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | actionfantasycultivationmartial arts |
Dude, you HAVE to check out Perfect World! It's got this insane power fantasy with Shi Hao just absolutely dominating, and the world they've built is massive with always something new going on. Seriously, if you like seeing a main character grow from nothing into a legend with crazy martial arts and magic, you'll be hooked.
15. The Defective Detective
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | mysterysupernaturaldetectiveaction |
If you're into mysteries with a supernatural twist, you absolutely have to check out "The Defective Detective"! The way the main character uses their own weird powers to solve bizarre cases is just so cool, and the action scenes are surprisingly slick. It's the perfect blend of brain-teasing investigations and awesome powers.
16. All Hail King Chen
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | comedyfantasyaction |
Dude, you absolutely *have* to check out "All Hail King Chen"! It's hilarious watching this guy accidentally become king and just bumbling his way through everything with these completely insane, but somehow successful, plans. You'll be cracking up at his ridiculous solutions to ancient problems, it's pure comedic gold.
17. My Companion is a Big Bang
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | comedyslice of lifefantasy |
Seriously, you *have* to check out "My Companion is a Big Bang"! It's this super chill slice-of-life with just enough fantasy to make it interesting, and watching the main characters interact is just pure joy – it's the perfect show when you just want to relax.
18. The Outcast Season 3
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | actionsupernaturalcomedyfantasy |
Dude, if you're not watching *The Outcast Season 3*, you're seriously missing out on some awesome supernatural action! They're doing such a good job expanding the world and I'm totally hooked on seeing how all these characters' powers are developing – it's pure chaos and I love it. You'll definitely get that stylish fighting you enjoyed before, but with even more depth.
19. The Legend of Qin
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | actionhistoricalfantasymartial arts |
Dude, if you're looking for a truly epic story that just keeps getting better, you *have* to check out The Legend of Qin. The political intrigue and the way they weave in Chinese history with awesome martial arts fights are insane, and you'll get so invested in characters like Ge Nie. It's a long burn, for sure, but the payoff is totally worth it.
20. Throne of Seal
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | fantasyactionadventure |
Dude, you *have* to check out Throne of Seal; it's got this amazing world-building and a protagonist who's basically trying to save his entire kingdom, which is super compelling. The action sequences are awesome, and you'll really get invested in seeing if he can stop the big threat coming his way. It's just a solid fantasy adventure that fans are loving.
