Top 10 2d donghua to watch in 2025
Chinese animation is having its renaissance, and 2025 proves that 2D donghua are still the beating heart of the industry.
While 3D visuals dominate newer productions, these hand-drawn series continue to stand out with breathtaking artistry, unforgettable characters, and powerful storytelling.
If you’re searching for the best 2D donghua to watch in 2025, this list mixes both fresh masterpieces and timeless classics that still hit just as hard today.
⚠️ Notice
This list isn’t ranked by release year — it’s based on overall quality, storytelling, and a bit of personal preference.
These donghua might not all be new, but they’re still the best 2D donghua to watch in 2025 if you haven’t seen them yet.
1️⃣ Lord of the Mysteries (诡秘之主)
Studio: B.CMAY Pictures | Status: 2025 Premiere | Platform: Crunchyroll
The steampunk mystery of the year. Set in a gothic world of tarot, secret orders, and divine conspiracies, Lord of the Mysteries blends horror and fantasy with a detective edge.
Every frame oozes atmosphere — shadowy London-style streets, vintage lighting, and ritualistic aesthetics.
Specialty: Deep lore, psychological tension, and a cinematic hand-drawn art style.
Why Watch: The new benchmark for story-driven 2D donghua in 2025.
2️⃣ Link Click (时光代理人)
Studio: Studio LAN / Haoliners | Status: Season 3 Airing (2025) | Platform: Crunchyroll
Link Click is a masterclass in storytelling. Two friends can jump into photos and relive memories — but tampering with the past comes at a cost.
It’s a rollercoaster of emotions: grief, love, regret, and redemption, wrapped in stunning direction.
Specialty: Nonlinear narrative, emotional depth, and unique 2D cinematography.
Why Watch: The writing is world-class — it’s not just a donghua, it’s an experience.
3️⃣ To Be Hero X (凸变英雄 X)
Studios: BeDream × Aniplex × Bilibili | Status: New Series (2025) | Platform: Crunchyroll
This one is pure creative chaos. To Be Hero X flips between comedy, drama, and cosmic superhero madness — sometimes within a single episode.
Each visual style change reflects emotion, creating a kaleidoscope of 2D art.
Specialty: Genre-bending storytelling with experimental animation and Sawano-level music.
Why Watch: The boldest 2D donghua experiment of 2025 — and it works beautifully.
4️⃣ Fog Hill of the Five Elements (雾山五行)
Studio: Samsara Animation Studio | Status: Complete (2023) | Platform: Plex
The most visually stunning 2D donghua ever made.
Hand-painted ink-style animation transforms this wuxia epic into living art.
It tells a mythic story of elemental guardians protecting humanity — pure beauty in motion.
Specialty: Brushstroke art, smooth motion, and cinematic fight choreography.
Why Watch: You’ll pause just to admire the animation — it’s that gorgeous.
5️⃣ Heaven Official’s Blessing (天官赐福)
Studio: Bilibili Animation | Status: Ongoing + OVA (2025) | Platform: Youtube
A divine love story between a fallen god and a ghost king.
Adapted from Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s beloved novel, Heaven Official’s Blessing combines celestial lore with heartbreaking intimacy.
Specialty: Lyrical visuals, elegant worldbuilding, and stunning emotional animation.
Why Watch: Perfect for fans of poetic storytelling and romantic fantasy.
6️⃣ The Founder of Diabolism (魔道祖师)
Studios: B.CMAY Pictures × Tencent | Status: Complete (2021) | Platform: Cruchyroll
The masterpiece that started a cultural movement.
Mo Dao Zu Shi follows Wei Wuxian — once a feared cultivator, now reborn to face his past and find the truth behind his fall.
Specialty: Deep character arcs, moral complexity, and phenomenal soundtrack.
Why Watch: Even years later, no donghua equals its mix of tragedy, loyalty, and spiritual politics.
7️⃣ Blades of the Guardians (刺客列传)
Studio: Colored Pencil Animation / Tencent | Status: Ongoing (2025) | Platform: Youtube
A gritty samurai-style tale about a wandering assassin in a war-torn dynasty.
Every sword clash feels real, every shadow intentional. It’s like watching an animated martial arts movie.
Specialty: Realistic 2D action and atmosphere.
Why Watch: Included purely for its jaw-dropping animation quality — no other 2D donghua moves like this one.
8️⃣ A Will Eternal (一念永恒)
Studio: B.CMAY Pictures | Status: Season 3 (2025) | Platform: Youtube
A hilarious yet heartfelt take on cultivation.
Bai Xiaochun’s attempts to cheat death, fate, and training are as ridiculous as they are lovable.
Specialty: Bright animation, expressive humor, and strong character energy.
Why Watch: Proof that not all donghua need to be serious — laughter is an art too.
9️⃣ Scissor Seven (伍六七)
Studio: Sharefun Studio | Status: Season 5 in Production | Platform: Netflix
Assassin. Hairdresser. Idiot. Hero.
Scissor Seven blends absurd comedy and surprisingly emotional writing — a true Netflix favorite.
Specialty: Sketchy 2D art, expressive humor, and surprisingly deep lore.
Why Watch: Easy to binge, impossible to forget.
🔟 The King’s Avatar (全职高手)
Studio: B.CMAY Pictures / Tencent | Status: Franchise Ongoing | Platform: Youtube
The e-sports story that inspired a generation.
Ye Xiu’s comeback from retirement is an underdog tale full of tactical intensity and emotional growth.
Specialty: Sharp animation, grounded storytelling, and character-driven competition.
Why Watch: Perfect blend of strategy, ambition, and heart — still relevant in 2025.
💡 If you’re looking for a broader mix beyond 2D animation, check out my full list of the Top 10 Best Donghua to Watch in 2025.
📊 Quick Reference Table — Top 10 2D Donghua to Watch in 2025
| Rank | Donghua | Genre | Studio | Year / Status | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lord of the Mysteries | Mystery, Steampunk, Fantasy | B.CMAY Pictures | 2025 — New | Gothic storytelling, tarot symbolism, and stunning atmosphere. |
| 2 | Link Click | Psychological, Drama, Sci-Fi | Studio LAN / Haoliners | 2021–2025 | Emotional time-travel thriller with cinematic 2D style. |
| 3 | To Be Hero X | Action, Comedy, Drama | BeDream × Aniplex × Bilibili | 2025 — New | Wild art shifts and emotionally charged superhero chaos. |
| 4 | Fog Hill of the Five Elements | Action, Wuxia, Fantasy | Samsara Animation Studio | 2020–2023 | Hand-painted animation and breathtaking combat scenes. |
| 5 | Heaven Official’s Blessing | Fantasy, Romance, Drama | Bilibili Animation | 2020–2025 | Divine romance and stunning emotional storytelling. |
| 6 | The Founder of Diabolism | Fantasy, Mystery, Drama | B.CMAY Pictures × Tencent | 2018–2021 | Deep worldbuilding and emotional storytelling. |
| 7 | Blades of the Guardians | Action, Historical | Colored Pencil Animation / Tencent | 2023–2025 | Realistic 2D fights and cinematic atmosphere. |
| 8 | A Will Eternal | Comedy, Cultivation | B.CMAY Pictures | 2020–2025 | Fun, light-hearted, and creative animation. |
| 9 | Scissor Seven | Comedy, Action | Sharefun Studio | 2018–Present | Funny, heartfelt, and globally loved. |
| 10 | The King’s Avatar | E-sports, Drama | B.CMAY Pictures / Tencent | 2017–2025 | Inspiring and character-focused competitive storytelling. |
🎯 Which 2D Donghua Should You Watch First?
Every viewer has different tastes — whether you crave stunning animation, deep lore, or pure comedy, this guide helps you pick the right one.
🖌️ For Animation Lovers
Watch: Fog Hill of the Five Elements, Blades of the Guardians, To Be Hero X
Every frame is art. Expect jaw-dropping hand-drawn sequences and cinematic action.
📖 For Story and Lore Enthusiasts
Watch: Lord of the Mysteries, Link Click, The Founder of Diabolism, The King’s Avatar
Deep writing, world-building, and complex emotions that define true storytelling.
😂 For Comedy and Feel-Good Vibes
Watch: A Will Eternal, Scissor Seven
Humor, creativity, and fun — perfect for lighter viewing sessions.
❤️ For Emotion and Romance Fans
Watch: Heaven Official’s Blessing
Poetic visuals, emotional writing, and divine love that lingers long after.
📋 Quick Category Reference Table
| Viewer Category | Recommended 2D Donghua | What You’ll Love Most |
|---|---|---|
| 🖌️ Animation Lovers | Fog Hill of the Five Elements, Blades of the Guardians, To Be Hero X | Hand-drawn animation, dynamic combat, painterly visuals. |
| 📖 Story & Lore Enthusiasts | Lord of the Mysteries, Link Click, Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, The King’s Avatar | Deep writing, emotional complexity, and powerful worldbuilding. |
| 😂 Comedy & Feel-Good Vibes | A Will Eternal, Scissor Seven | Clever humor, character-driven fun, and creativity. |
| ❤️ Emotion & Romance Fans | Heaven Official’s Blessing | Divine love story, poetic visuals, and emotional storytelling. |
✨ Why These 2D Donghua Still Shine in 2025
From Lord of the Mysteries’ gothic charm to Fog Hill’s hand-drawn glory, these series prove that traditional animation and timeless storytelling are still unbeatable in 2025.
Each one is a gem — whether you’re new to donghua or a long-time fan, these titles will remind you why 2D still hits harder than ever.
🧠 Quick FAQ
Are these new donghua released in 2025?
Some are new, others are timeless classics. This list focuses on quality and rewatch value
Where can I watch these 2D donghua?
Most are streaming on Bilibili, Tencent Video, WeTV, Crunchyroll, or Netflix, depending on your region.
Why only 2D donghua?
Because hand-drawn art delivers emotion and atmosphere that CGI often can’t.
