8 / 10 (based on 76 reviews)
Based on the Chinese Manhua. Requiem Street, where evil spirits are attracted to in order to destroy them. A place where spirits and humans co-exist, not all humans can enter Requiem Street. Only those rare-soul users with guardian spirits can enter. Xia Ling was just a normal university intern, but a meeting by chance changes her ordinary life – In this world full of evil spirits, can you cooperate with your guardian spirit in order to survive?
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Main Cast: Jiro Wang, Yuexi An
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 26 episodes, 13-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Zhen Hun Jie (2016)
Rakshasa Street (2017)
7.6 / 10 (based on 83 reviews)
The drama adapted by Chen Xu’s fantasy comic , tells the story of a guard tour. On the Zhen Hun Street, body and soul are coexistence, the Zhen Hun guardian Yanbing Cao met a girl Ling Xia who strayed into here. Then they start a thrilling tour to guard.
Genre: Fantasy
Main Cast: Jiro Wang, Ziwen Zhang, Kuo-Chung Tang, Xiyue An
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes
The Daily Life of the Immortal King (2020)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1783 reviews)
Wang Ling is a near-invincible existence with powers far beyond his control. But now that he’s sixteen, he faces his greatest battle yet – Senior High School.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Qian Chen, Lulu, Gu Jiangshan, Zhao Shuang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 17 episodes, 18.0-minute runtime
Tong Ling Fei (2018)
8 / 10 (based on 313 reviews)
The story of Psychic Princess follows Qian Yunxi, a young lady, sent to live in the mountains at the age of eight because she possessed “strange abilities.” Her noble family marries her off to an enemy prince, Ye Youming, to restore peace and harmony, instead of her younger sister.Ye Youming clearly doesn’t care much about the princess and also abandons her by sending her away to a haunted house. However, it turns out that Qian Yunxi was a psychic, after which things start changing for the better or worse.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast:
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes
Scissor Seven (2018)
8.4 / 10 (based on 3309 reviews)
Seeking to recover his memories, a scissor-wielding hairdresser, bungling quasi-assassin stumbles into a struggle for power among two feuding factions.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Main Cast: Jas Patrick, Ronny Chieng, Jake Green, Aleks Le
Creators: Xiaofeng He
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 34 episodes, 13.0-minute runtime
Kemono Jihen (2021)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1574 reviews)
Special detective Kohachi Inugami is sent to investigate a grisly phenomenon involving animal corpses near a remote mountain village. But after meeting a strange boy, he discovers cursed supernatural forces at work.
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Mystery
Main Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Jun’ichi Suwabe, Ayumu Murase, Natsumi Fujiwara
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Tsuki ga michibiku isekai-dôchû (2021)
7.6 / 10 (based on 1725 reviews)
The series tells the story of normal kid Makoto Misumi who, after being transported to a fantasy world to serve as its hero, is cut loose when the world’s unnamed goddess decides he doesn’t measure up to her standards of beauty.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitô, Ayane Sakura, Shinpachi Tsuji
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Keppeki danshi! Aoyama-kun (2017)
6.5 / 10 (based on 277 reviews)
Aoyama is a first-year student and is a genius football player, and is wanted by talents scouts, but is also obsessed with cleanliness.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Sport
Main Cast: Anzu Haruno, Sôichirô Hoshi, Ryôtarô Okiayu, Daisuke Sakaguchi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Link Click (2021)
8.6 / 10 (based on 2370 reviews)
Using superpowers to enter their clientele’s photos one by one, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang take their work seriously at “Time Photo Studio,” a small photography shop set in the backdrop of a modern metropolis.
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Tianxiang Yang, Shangqing Su
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 11 episodes, 20.0-minute runtime
White Cat Legend (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 54 reviews)
We follow the daily life of Shen Shi, a young man looking for his brother. To find him, he goes to the Dali Temple. One thing led to another, he eventually became an officer for Li Bing, a senior official with the appearance of a white cat.
Genre: Animation
Main Cast:
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
17.0-minute runtime
Heaven Official’s Blessing (2020)
8.2 / 10 (based on 1829 reviews)
Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of the Xian Le kingdom. He was loved by his citizens and was considered the darling of the world. He ascended to the Heavens at a young age; however, due to unfortunate circumstances, was quickly banished back to the mortal realm. Years later, he ascends again, only to be banished again a few minutes after his ascension. Now, eight hundred years later, Xie Lian ascends to the Heavens for the third time as the laughing stock among all three realms. On his first task as a god thrice ascended, he meets a mysterious demon who rules the ghosts and terrifies the Heavens, yet, unbeknownst to Xie Lian, this demon king has been paying attention to him for a very, very long time.
Genre: Animation
Main Cast: Guangtao Jiang, Wendee Lee, Hiroshi Kamiya, Lucien Dodge
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes
My Three Body (2014)
8.4 / 10 (based on 198 reviews)
When Ye Wenjie pressed the launch button, human beings were destined to face a powerful enemy three-body. Microscopic particles make human science unable to progress, and human civilization has no privacy. University professor Luo Ji did not think that his position was so important. When he threatened the three-body world in the desert hundreds of years later, human beings gradually gained the upper hand.
Genre: Animation, Sci-Fi
Main Cast:
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 22 episodes, 20.0-minute runtime
In the realm of animated series, especially those that hail from China, there’s a gem that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. “Zhen Hun Jie” or “Rakshasa Street” in its English translation, is a series that emerged in 2016 and quickly carved a niche for itself among fans of the genre. This series, based on the webcomic by Xu Chen, unfolds in a universe where the realms of the living and the dead intersect, with guardians known as Requiem Generals protecting the balance. Here, we’ll explore what makes “Zhen Hun Jie” stand out, from its unique premise to its compelling characters and the impact it’s had.
The Premise
At its core, “Zhen Hun Jie” is not your average supernatural thriller. The series introduces us to Rakshasa Street, a liminal space where spirits and humans coexist, governed by powerful beings. The protagonist, Cao Yan Bing, finds himself thrust into this world, discovering his own role as a guardian. The narrative weaves through his encounters with spirits, both malevolent and benign, and his partnership with Xia Ling, a recently deceased girl trying to navigate her new existence.
What sets “Zhen Hun Jie” apart is its inventive take on the afterlife. It’s not just about ghosts and ghouls but about the intricate society they inhabit, complete with its rules, roles, and rebellions. This backdrop provides a rich tapestry for storytelling, allowing for a blend of action, drama, and moments of genuine emotion.
Characters That Resonate
A story, no matter how imaginative its setting, falls flat without characters that pull you into their world. “Zhen Hun Jie” excels in this, presenting a cast that’s both diverse and deeply relatable. Cao Yan Bing, with his reluctant heroism and complex past, is a protagonist who grows with every challenge. His interactions with Xia Ling provide not just comedic relief but a heartwarming exploration of friendship and loyalty.
The series doesn’t shy away from fleshing out its supporting cast either. From the stoic yet compassionate Luoma, a fellow Requiem General, to the villainous specters that challenge the peace of Rakshasa Street, each character is given depth and motivation. This attention to character development pays off, making the emotional stakes of the series all the more compelling.
A Visual and Auditory Feast
Animation and sound design are crucial in bringing the world of “Zhen Hun Jie” to life. The series boasts a visual style that strikes a balance between the gritty and the ethereal. The action sequences are fluid and dynamic, making each confrontation a spectacle. But it’s not all high-octane battles; the series knows when to slow down, using quieter moments and a detailed background to build its atmosphere.
The soundtrack deserves a mention too. It complements the series’ tone perfectly, with a mix of haunting melodies and adrenaline-pumping scores that enhance both the emotional and action-packed scenes. This careful curation of sight and sound plays a significant role in immersing the audience in the world of “Zhen Hun Jie.”
Impact and Legacy
While “Zhen Hun Jie” might not have the widespread recognition of some of its contemporaries, its impact among fans of the genre is undeniable. It’s a series that demonstrates the potential of Chinese animation, both in storytelling and in production quality. The show has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, drawn in by its unique premise, engaging characters, and striking presentation.
Its success has also contributed to a growing interest in Chinese animated series on the international stage, paving the way for other shows to find audiences beyond their original borders. “Zhen Hun Jie” stands as a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of its creators, and its influence is likely to be felt for years to come.
Why It Deserves Your Attention
So, why should “Zhen Hun Jie” be on your watchlist? For starters, it offers a refreshing break from the usual fare. In a sea of formulaic series, its originality and depth are a breath of fresh air. It’s a series that doesn’t just entertain but invites viewers to ponder questions of life, death, and what it means to protect those we care about.
Moreover, “Zhen Hun Jie” is accessible. Its blend of action, drama, and humor has something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned fan of animated series or new to the genre. And with its concise storytelling, it’s a show that respects your time, delivering a satisfying narrative without unnecessary filler.
Finally, watching “Zhen Hun Jie” is an opportunity to broaden your horizons. It’s a chance to dive into a segment of the animation world that’s ripe with talent and innovation but often overlooked. You’ll not only enjoy a fantastic series but also support a growing industry.
In Conclusion
“Zhen Hun Jie” is more than just a series; it’s a doorway to a world where the lines between life and death blur, where every street corner has a story, and every shadow hides a tale. It’s a series that combines action, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural in a package that’s compelling and visually stunning.
For fans of the genre, it’s a must-watch, offering a unique perspective and memorable characters. And for those just exploring the world of animated series, it’s an excellent introduction to the richness and diversity of stories that animation can tell.
In a landscape often dominated by clichés and recycled plots, “Zhen Hun Jie” stands out as a beacon of creativity. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling and the endless possibilities that lie in the worlds we create. So, if you’re looking for something that’s both familiar and entirely new, give “Zhen Hun Jie” a chance. It might just be the series you didn’t know you were missing.