Martial arts donghua, a fascinating mix of Chinese martial arts and animation, have been storming the anime world. As fans keep looking for the best of this kind, the search for top martial arts donghua gets stronger. With many amazing stories and awesome fighting scenes, these animated shows give a special sight for people who love martial arts and animation. In this article, we will look at the top 20 best martial arts donghua that have left a deep mark on viewers around the world.
Table of Contents
1- Soul Land - Douluo Dalu
Tang San from Tang's clan jumped off a cliff to show he was serious. He had secretly learned the greatest skill of the inner sect. He went to another world called Soul Land under a fake name. When the children were 6 years old, their martial souls would wake up in the soul temple. Martial souls can help with daily tasks. They are animal, plant or weapon types. Being a soul master is very respected in Soul Land. Along with reviving Tang's clan, Tang San wanted to become a soul master from Saint Village. If Tang San's secret weapons reach Soul Land and his martial soul wakes up, can he make Tang's clan great again?
2- Swallowed Star - Tunshi Xingkong
A strange virus appeared on the planet one day that no one knew about. It made animals sick and turned them into scary, aggressive monsters. People built walls and cities to protect themselves because so many other living things were being destroyed. This hard time for humans is called the "Time of Peace." Humans got stronger and learned new ways to survive in dangerous places. They also started doing martial arts to protect themselves. Warriors were the best at fighting. 18-year-old Luo Feng wanted to be one too. The main character, Luo Feng, becomes very skilled at fighting in a world after everything ended. Most other living things were now smart monsters. Luo Feng gets better at being a warrior by overcoming problems in his journey.
3- A Record of Mortal's Journey to Immortality
This story is about a boy named Han Li who lived in a poor village. He wanted to help his family so he decided to take a test to join the Qi Xuan Sect. A man named Mo Da Fu welcomed him there. Han Li started traveling around to learn new things. He was just an average person so it was hard for him to practice becoming stronger. He also had to watch out for people who might want to hurt him. This tells about an ordinary person who faced big challenges. Against all odds, he fought ancient powerful beings and evil demons. He worked hard to find his own way to become immortal.
4- The God of War Dominates - Wu Shen Zhu Zai
A famous person named Qin Chen from the Tianwu land died unexpectedly because his love and friend betrayed him. He was born again 300 years later as the son of a important man who others often picked on. He became very powerful using things he learned before like how to make special medicines and pills. Now he starts an amazing trip that will surprise every country.
5- A Will Eternal - Yi Nian Yong Heng
Someone wants to build oceans. Someone intends to call upon the mulberry fields. Someone has the desire to kill many devils. Someone's desire is to eliminate many immortals. Only my will stays the same. A Will Eternal is about Bai Xiaochun, a charming but irritable young man who cares about friendship and family very much but is mostly motivated by his fear of dying and want to live forever. Bai Xiaochun, a regular young man, lights the Incense of Immortality to call upon the immortals to try to become immortal. But until he meets the Guide, Master Li Qinghou, the man is hit by lightning many times because of that.
6- Stellar Transformation - Xing Chen Bian
A young man lives in another galaxy. He cannot do special training inside his body. So he chooses to do hard training outside his body to earn his father's respect. He grows older over the years. A strange crystal from space changes his life. It is called the Meteoric Tear. The crystal joins with the young man without him knowing. Then he seems to change a lot. After that, everything changes. Finally, his father sees that the son he did not think about much has great powers. And there will be more to come.
7- Battle Through the Heavens - Doupo Cangqiong
This place had powerful people who made the rules, and weaker people had to obey. It was filled with tempting treasures and beauty, but also had unexpected danger. Xiao Yan unexpectedly lost everything three years ago. He lost his special abilities, high status in society, and dedication to his mother. What mysterious force caused him to lose all his abilities? And why did his fiancée suddenly appear out of nowhere?
8- Against the Sky Supreme - Ni Tian Zhizun
The most powerful being in the God Realm was Hongmeng Supreme, the ruler. He was kind and fair to mortals, eternals, and gods. Chaos Supreme and Origin Supreme betrayed and killed Hongmeng Supreme during an alien invasion. This caused his curse to be reborn over and over. His family was killed, his home was taken, and his values changed. Tan Yun was born in Wangyue Town into a small noble family. For sixteen years, he lived as an outcast. When his past memories awoke and the power of the Hongmeng divine fetus, Tan Yun changed his fate. He gained god-like abilities as death approached.
9- Wan Jie Xian Zong - Fairy Legends
The martial arts group Tianyuan Shenzong was attacked and stopped in the early years of the Great Zhou Kingdom because it protected the kingdoms before. Then the other five big martial arts groups fell apart too. Right then, the leader of Tianyuan Shenzong chose to become immortal and picked Ye Xingyun to lead Tianyuan Shenzong. Ye Xingyun did not know he was once a prince from the Great Shang kingdom who survived. He followed the path to get revenge.
10- Renegade Immortal - Xian Ni
Wang Lin hoped to help his family through school. But tragedy struck, forcing hard choices. It's a story of life not going as planned.
11- Ten Thousand Worlds - Wan Jie Du Zun
Lin Feng condensed his soul in the mansion but Ji Manyao to stole his new sword soul, causing him harm. The soul had grown close to becoming full. At the same time Lin met a woman. She said destroying the old gods there would grant great strength and learning.
12- The Peak of True Martial Arts
Nie Feng was born with a rare gift but into an ordinary family. He faced much suffering and persecution. Eventually he stood up to eight powerful sects alone. Surprisingly, Nie survived this challenge. He was given new life at seventeen, excelling far beyond his background. This time he will use his talent to avenge past wrongs and confront all enemies.
13- Purple River - Zi Chuan
Three heroes from a mysterious clan emerge in the Human Empire. Sterling devoted to the throne as a patriotic soldier. Di Lin known as cold-blooded but resourceful. Zichuan Xiu called an outlaw but intelligent. The brothers showed skills defending Zichuan Clan from enemies within and without: Sterling choosing family over lover. Zichuan Xiu driving Demons away, risking life finding rebels. Entanglement of humans, demons, orcs, eastern tribes causes chaos. A magnificent epic story born from blood and fire on this continent.
14- Soul Land 2: The Peerless Tang Clan
A world without magic, Dou- Qi, and martial arts but full of essence spirits. Many years after Tang Sect's founding, it started declining. Can new Shrek Seven Monsters revive Tang Sect with a song surpassing Tianjiao? The soul guide system causing Tang Sect's fall will unveil. It is a beast holding sun, moon, stars guiding souls. Can Tang Sect's weapons regain glory?
15- Against the Gods - Nitian Xie Shen
The most dangerous of Azure Cloud Continent's regions is Mythical Abode Mountain, known as Clouds End Cliff. Grim Reaper's Cemetery names the cliff's base. Countless fell the cliff over years, none surviving - not three beyond god masters able pierce heavens. A boy pursued invaluable treasure jumps cliff but instead passing, awakens another's body. This boy wields Sky Poison Pearl, battling heaven and earth while ruling planet.
16- Immortality - Yong Sheng
Since a child, Fang Han has traveled by himself with the belief, "I would rather pay for my needs." He pierced supernatural powers' mystery stubbornly and transformed his body into immortal form. Work hard to gradually enter fairyland and rise to peak king position.
17- Martial Universe - Wu Dong Qian Kun
In a powerful empire, four powerful clans stood out. One incident in the Lin Clan led to exile. Later, he started a family hoping to rejoin. When young, Lin Dong helplessly watched his gifted father crushed by Lin Langtian's talent. Since, Lin Dong sought revenge on the man who took all from his family. Join Lin Dong as he uncovers a greater destiny than imagined when finding a mysterious talisman, determined to succeed.
18- Peerless Martial Spirit - Jue Shi Wu Hun
There are thousands of sects on Long Mai where people live to cultivate. The strong take everything while the weak barely survive. Chen Feng was born unable to cultivate due to a weak core. Despite sneers, he ignored others. By chance, he found mysterious dragon blood starting a new chapter. He unexpectedly met fox spirits, an empress, a magic woman, and even a goddess. At the top of the heavens, Chen stood with many accompanying him. Through unmatched techniques, he rose to the fore with the most powerful martial spirit.
19- The Demon Hunter - Cang Yuan Tu
Meng Chuan witnessed his mother's murder and vowed revenge. As his engagement ended and outsiders invaded, tranquility vanished. He chose his sword to shield Ning City, a challenging yet illuminating path.
20- Throne of Seal - Shen Yin Wangzuo
Humanity faced extinction as demons rose. Six temples guarded the last people. A boy joined a temple as a knight to save his mother. He must rise as the strongest to take the throne. What wonders and mischief will he find in this world of temples and demons?
In the End
The world of martial arts in Chinese anime, or Donghua, is a thrilling experience for viewers of all ages. These series showcase dynamic fight scenes, courageous protagonists, and captivating storylines that keep audiences engaged throughout. Each show brings its own unique blend of action, drama, and martial arts mastery, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
If you want exciting shows, the 20 best martial arts anime have different cool stories. Make sure to watch these interesting shows on Anime List to see fighting skills and excitement in animated shows.