Best Donghua of 2021: A Journey Through Stunning Animation and Compelling Stories
2021 was a phenomenal year for donghua, with an abundance of breathtaking animation and captivating stories. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, there was something for everyone. Here are some of the best donghua that stole our hearts and left a lasting impression:
1. The Daily Life of the Immortal King (Immortal King)
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
Synopsis: Wang Ling, a seemingly ordinary high school student, is actually an immortal cultivator with unimaginable powers. This comedy follows his everyday life as he navigates school, friends, and the occasional mystical encounter.
Why it's great: The show is a hilarious blend of slice-of-life and fantasy, with a strong cast of characters and visually stunning animation. It's the perfect donghua for those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining watch.
2. Heaven Official's Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Historical
Synopsis: Adapted from a popular novel, Heaven Official's Blessing tells the story of Xie Lian, a former prince who is demoted to a low-ranking god. He is partnered with the formidable General Hua Cheng, and together they face challenges and unravel a mysterious conspiracy.
Why it's great: This donghua is praised for its beautifully crafted animation, intricate character designs, and its captivating story of redemption, love, and acceptance.
**3. Scissor Seven (Qi Man) **
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Synopsis: This action-comedy follows the adventures of a clumsy yet skilled assassin, known as Scissor Seven, as he navigates his life, deals with his quirky family, and encounters dangerous enemies.
Why it's great: Scissor Seven offers a unique blend of humor, action, and heart. The animation is visually stunning, and the characters are both memorable and relatable.
4. The King's Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou)
Genre: Fantasy, Sports, Esports
Synopsis: Ye Xiu, a legendary professional gamer, finds himself kicked out of his team. He decides to start over in a new virtual reality game, and his journey to rise to the top once again unfolds.
Why it's great: This donghua is a must-watch for esports fans and anyone who enjoys competitive stories. The action sequences are thrilling, and the characters are relatable and inspiring.
5. Under One Person (Hitori no Shita: The Outcast)
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Synopsis: Zhang Chulan, a seemingly ordinary college student, discovers he has extraordinary abilities when he encounters a mysterious woman. He is pulled into a world of supernatural powers and ancient secrets, where he must face powerful enemies and unravel the mysteries of his own past.
Why it's great: Under One Person combines action-packed fights with a complex and intriguing story. The animation is well-crafted, and the characters are compelling and nuanced.
6. The Legend of Vox Machina
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Synopsis: This critically acclaimed series is based on the popular Dungeons and Dragons campaign, “Critical Role.” It follows a group of adventurers as they fight monstrous creatures, forge bonds of friendship, and embark on perilous quests.
Why it's great: The Legend of Vox Machina features a talented voice cast, dynamic animation, and a heart-pounding adventure that will keep you glued to your screen.
7. The Untamed (Mo Dao Zu Shi)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Historical
Synopsis: This donghua is based on a popular novel and tells the story of Wei Wuxian, a powerful cultivator who is unjustly accused of treachery and forced into exile. Years later, he returns and reunites with his former friend Lan Wangji, as they embark on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.
Why it's great: The Untamed boasts stunning animation, a captivating plot, and a compelling exploration of themes such as love, friendship, and sacrifice.
8. Spiritpact (Lingqi Shimeng)
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Action
Synopsis: A young man named You Ke wakes up to find he is a Spiritpact, bound to a powerful spirit. He must learn to control his new abilities and fight alongside his spirit to protect the world from evil forces.
Why it's great: This donghua is a visually impressive action-adventure, with compelling characters and an engaging story that balances humor and serious themes.
9. The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar (Haganai no Jinrui no Ragnarok)
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Synopsis: Set in a world where human history is rewritten, the donghua follows the story of Leon, a descendant of the ancient Einherjar, who must battle against the forces of darkness to protect humanity.
Why it's great: This donghua combines epic battles with an intriguing storyline and engaging characters. The animation is impressive, and the action sequences are thrilling.
10. The Daily Life of a Vampire (Kyuketsuki no Nichijou)
Genre: Comedy, Supernatural, Slice-of-Life
Synopsis: This lighthearted comedy follows the daily life of a vampire who is trying to adjust to living among humans. He navigates the challenges of modern life, from trying new foods to dealing with the awkwardness of social interactions.
Why it's great: The Daily Life of a Vampire is a fun and heartwarming donghua that will bring a smile to your face. The animation is charming, and the characters are lovable.
These are just a few of the many outstanding donghua that graced our screens in 2021. With the continued growth and innovation of the donghua industry, we can only expect even more incredible stories and animation in the years to come.