Top 10 Donghua With Villains and Anti-Heros

Cultivation stories are all about rising through power, facing adversity, and defying fate. But sometimes, the most gripping tales aren't about righteous heroes—they're about those who walk the darker path. From cunning anti-heroes to full-blown villains who crush anyone in their way, these donghua flip the script and let the bad guys shine.

In this list, we dive into 10 cultivation donghua where villainous protagonists steal the spotlight, proving that power doesn’t always come with virtue—and sometimes, the dark side is just more fun.

The list with the titles as well some info is below /
10. Mad Demon Lord


Review: Dark cultivation saga, protagonist embraces demonic power for vengeful goals—visually intense and morally ambiguous.

9. The Fallen Master


Review: Mastered cultivation then fell—twisted path of redemption and ruin. Tense, shadowy, and morally blurred.

8. Otherworldly Evil Monarch
Production: DC Impression Vision

Distributor: Bilibili (China, 2024)


Review: Bloodthirsty anti-hero ascends mystical throne in brutal battles—dark, atmospheric, and ruthlessly captivating.

7. The Devil Ring


Review: Wielder of sinister artifact, protagonist coerced by forbidden power. Edgy, supernatural, power-corrupted cultivation ride.

6. Scissor Seven
Production: Sharefun Studio & AHA Entertainment



Distributor: Bilibili, Tencent Video, Youku, iQIYI; Netflix internationally



Review: Amnesiac assassin barber battles powerful foes with humor and sharp wit—action-packed with heartfelt charm.

5. Jade Dynasty
Production: Cloud Art (3D animation), Tencent Penguin Pictures


Distributor: Tencent Video (premiered August 2, 2022)


Review: Cultivation epic ripped from novel—hero’s ascension tainted by demonic fury. Sweeping, emotional, visually rich.

4. Hero? I Quit a Long Time Ago


Review: Former villain turned repentant cultivator, internal struggle reignites. Wry, reflective, with a gritty redemptive arc.

3. Against the Sky Supreme


Review: Sect tower test shattered by undercover cultivator—intense, strategic, and power-fueled ascent in competition.

2. Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi)
Production: Tencent Penguin Pictures / Seven Stone Fox Studio

Distributor: Tencent Video (mainland China); WeTV, YouTube, Crunchyroll internationally


Review: Charismatic necromancer leads sinister brotherhood with sly charisma—darkly gorgeous, thematically deep, masterfully animated.

1. Renegade Immortal
Production: Build Dream; Tencent Penguin Pictures


Distributor: Tencent Video (China)

Review: Ruthless cultivator assaults realms with brutal might—gritty, visceral, and uncompromising in ambition and violence.


This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. All donghua titles, characters, and visuals referenced herein are the property of their respective copyright holders, production studios, and distributors. No copyright infringement is intended.

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