10 best Chinese anime (Donghua) ranked
Chinese anime, known as donghua (动画), has evolved from a niche medium into a major force in global animation, with substantial backing from major tech companies like Tencent and Bilibili. These studios are combining cutting-edge computer graphics with traditional artistic styles and storytelling rooted in Chinese mythology and Buddhist philosophy to create visually striking animated series.
According to Polygon’s ranking of the 10 best donghua, Chinese anime distinguishes itself from Japanese anime through its thematic focus and approach to world-building. Many acclaimed series explore themes of immortal politics and cultivation epics—fantasy narratives centered on Buddhist concepts of self-improvement and spiritual development. These stories often depict expansive, fully-realized cosmologies with mapped-out worlds rather than limited narrative scopes.
The growth of donghua reflects a significant shift in the global animation landscape. With substantial resources from major production companies and streaming platforms, Chinese animation studios are producing increasingly ambitious works that attract international audiences. This development represents both a cultural phenomenon and a notable market shift, challenging the historical dominance of Japanese anime in global conversations about quality animation.