Best 19 Chinese Epic Fantasy Series Like The Untamed & Nirvana in Fire: From Classics to 2026 Hits

Still chasing that The Untamed high? We’ve all been there - the "post-drama depression" that leaves you scrolling endlessly for another masterpiece with that perfect mix of soul-stirring brotherhood and epic world-building. Or perhaps you’re craving the high-stakes political mind games that made Nirvana in Fire an absolute legend. Whether you're a seasoned C-drama veteran or a curious newcomer wondering, "What should I watch after The Untamed?", you’re in the right place. From timeless classics that defined the genre to the most anticipated 2026 blockbuster releases, we’ve curated a list of epic Chinese fantasy series that promise to be your next big obsession. Let’s dive into the worlds of cultivation, revenge, and honor.

📺 Quick List: Best Chinese Fantasy & Historical Dramas at a Glance

This chart below covers the best Chinese epic fantasy and historical dramas similar to The Untamed and Nirvana in Fire — from timeless classics to the hottest 2026 streaming hits.

✨Detailed Recommendations: Top 10 Must-Watch Chinese Epic Fantasy Series

1.Joy of Life (庆余年) — Time-Travel Meets Court Intrigue

⭐“What happens when a modern man wakes up in ancient China? A hilarious, thrilling, and deeply philosophical ride.”

💡Why Watch: Imagine Nirvana in Fire’s strategic brilliance with a protagonist who cracks jokes, quotes poetry from memory, and has all the advantages of modern knowledge. The time-travel premise allows the show to explore philosophical questions about power, loyalty, and freedom while delivering spectacular action sequences.

📜Plot Summary: Fan Xian was a patient with myasthenia gravis in the 21st century until he woke up in ancient China as the illegitimate son of a powerful minister. With his modern mind (and a secret box left by his mysterious mother), he navigates assassins, court conspiracies, and romantic entanglements. But as he digs deeper, he realizes the world he’s in is far stranger than history books suggest. The show balances political scheming with genuine warmth and laugh-out-loud humor.

📍Viewing Tips: 

• Don’t skip the first 5 episodes—they establish the tone and worldbuilding.

• The comedy might feel jarring if you’re coming straight from Nirvana in Fire, but stick with it.

•  Also, be aware that Season 2 is expected soon, so you’re getting in at a perfect time.

• Watch with subtitles on to catch the wordplay and historical poetry references.

2. Word of Honor (山河令) — The Wuxia Soulmate Journey

⭐“The perfect follow-up to The Untamed. Same genre vibe, same deep emotional resonance, different flavors of love and sacrifice.”

💡Why Watch: If you loved the brooding, slow-burn bond between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, prepare to fall even harder for the tragic assassins-turned-soulmates in Word of Honor. The martial arts choreography is breathtaking, the chemistry is off the charts, and the emotional gut-punches are relentless.

📜Plot Summary: Zhou Zishu, the former leader of a secret assassination bureau, escapes by embedding nails in his body that will slowly kill him. Seeking a quiet death, he attracts the attention of Wen Kexing—a mysterious and flamboyant wanderer who seems to know more about him than he should. As they get entangled in a conspiracy involving a legendary armory and a child hunted by every sect, these two broken men find healing in each other. The story is a beautiful meditation on redemption, found family, and choosing to live.

📍Viewing Tips: 

• Pay attention to the special episodes (often called “episode 37” content) released after the finale—they contain key emotional closure and bonus scenes that were cut for broadcast.

• Also, the show heavily references classical poetry and martial arts tropes; don’t worry if you miss some, but rewatching with commentary or fan wikis enriches the experience.

•  Have tissues ready for episodes 32–36.

3.Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀) — The Ultimate Forbidden Romance

⭐“The biggest xianxia hit in recent years. It’s epic, hilarious, and will wreck your emotions—in the best way possible.”

💡Why Watch: This show takes the “opposites attract” trope to cosmic extremes: a pure-hearted orchid fairy and a 30,000-year-sealed Lord Devil. The production design is visually stunning (the Devil Lord’s entrance alone is worth the watch), the soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, and the character development from enemies to reluctant allies to star-crossed lovers is perfectly paced.

📜Plot Summary: Xiao Lanhua is a low-level fairy who accidentally breaks the seal imprisoning Dongfang Qingcang—the most feared Lord Devil in the three realms. Through a magical curse, their fates become intertwined, with Dongfang Qingcang forced to feel Xiao Lanhua’s pain. He plans to use her to reclaim his power; she just wants to survive. But as they travel together across heavenly realms, demon territories, and mortal lands, the lines between “good” and “evil” blur, and an impossible love blooms. The show delivers epic worldbuilding, laugh-out-loud comedy, and tears that will fall without warning.

📍Viewing Tips: 

• Watch at least the first 3 episodes before deciding—the female lead’s “cute” voice and behavior can be polarizing, but her character growth is substantial.

• Also, the show uses a unique color palette (red for demon realm, blue for fairy realm); note the shifts.

• For the full experience, listen to the OST (original soundtrack) on streaming platforms—the songs directly echo key emotional beats.

4.Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花) — The Xianxia That Started It All

⭐“The grandmother of all xianxia dramas. Before The Untamed, there was Eternal Love.”

💡Why Watch: This is the drama that brought xianxia (cultivation fantasy) to international audiences. It popularized the “three lifetimes of love” trope and set the standard for high-budget Chinese fantasy. Yang Mi and Mark Chao’s performances are iconic, and the story’s emotional highs and lows have launched a thousand fan theories and endless rewatches.

📜Plot Summary: Bai Qian, the High Goddess of the Qingqiu Fox Clan, must undergo a trial in the mortal realm to ascend to her full power. There, as a mortal woman named Su Su, she falls in love with Ye Hua—the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Realm, unaware of his true identity. But celestial politics tear them apart, leading to Bai Qian’s death and memory wipe. Seven years later, they meet again in the heavenly realm, both changed forever. What unfolds is a story of forbidden love, sacrifice, and the question: can love survive across lifetimes?

📍Viewing Tips: 

• Be patient through the first 10 episodes—the mortal realm arc (episodes 1–15) feels slow, but it pays off spectacularly later.

• Also, there are two sequel/spin-off dramas (Eternal Love of Dream), which focus on the side couple and can be watched separately.

• To avoid confusion, remember: Bai Qian has three names—Su Su (mortal), Bai Qian (goddess), and Si Yin (disguise).

5.Lost You Forever (长相思) — Where Gods, Demons, and Humans Collide

⭐“The most emotionally complex xianxia of 2023. This one will stay with you long after the credits roll.”

💡Why Watch: This mythological fantasy drama features Yang Zi in a career-best role as a princess who disguises herself as a man. Set in a world where gods, demons, and humans co-exist, the show explores emotional depth, longing, and surprising twists with nuance rarely seen in the genre. The slow-burn romance arcs—each male lead offering a different kind of love—will have you torn and heartbroken.

📜Plot Summary: Princess Xiao Yao was exiled as a child. To survive, she disguises herself as a man named Wen Xiaoliu and lives in a small mortal town, running a clinic. But her peaceful life shatters when three men enter her world: Cang Xuan, the cousin she grew up with; Tu Shan Jing, a gentle merchant with a hidden past; and Xiang Liu, a powerful demon with nine heads and a solitary heart. As political forces pull her toward the throne she abandoned, Xiao Yao must choose not just her future—but which part of herself she’s willing to sacrifice. The drama is well-crafted, engaging, and a must-watch for period drama lovers.

📍Viewing Tips: 

• There are three male leads, each representing a different “love language.” You‘ll likely develop a strong preference (Team Jing, Team Xiang Liu, or Team Cang Xuan)—it’s part of the fun.

•  Also, note that the show is split into two seasons; Season 1 ends on a major cliffhanger, so prepare to immediately want Season 2.

• Watch the special behind-the-scenes content on YouTube for Yang Zi‘s insights into her dual role.

6. Who Rules the World (且试天下) — Two Warriors, One Battlefield

⭐“Power couple goals: both leads are martial arts masters, both are strategists, and neither one backs down.”

💡Why Watch: This drama features two leads who are equals in every way—a rare and refreshing dynamic in Chinese fantasy. Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi share phenomenal chemistry, and the action choreography (both performers did most of their own stunts) is top-tier. If you loved the strategic warfare elements of Nirvana in Fire but want more romance and martial arts, this is your show.

📜Plot Summary: Hei Fengxi (also known as Prince Lanxi) and Bai Fengxi are legendary martial artists known throughout the jianghu—the realm of martial artists. But their true identities are secret: he’s a disgraced prince hiding his real face; she’s the female leader of a powerful intelligence network. The realm is in chaos as corrupt officials vie for power while the emperor grows old. Forced into an arranged marriage for political convenience, the two must learn to trust each other as they navigate assassination attempts, family betrayals, and a conspiracy that threatens to tear the kingdom apart. The show is a love letter to strong female leads and equals in love and war.

📍Viewing Tips: 

• Watch the first 2 episodes carefully—they introduce both leads‘ secret identities and the complicated political map.

• If you find the early political exposition dense, know that the romance picks up around episode 10.

• Also, note that the show has an extended ending (special episode 41) available on Tencent Video’s YouTube channel; it adds crucial closure missing from the Netflix version.

7. Legend of Zang Hai (藏海传奇) — 2025‘s Epic Blockbuster

⭐“Xiao Zhan returns in what critics are calling ‘the most brilliantly crafted Chinese epic since Nirvana in Fire.’”

💡Why Watch: This 2025 release has already become a global phenomenon. On IMDb, it peaked at 9.5 and stabilized at 8.8, with over 2.2 billion views during its run. Director Zheng Xiaolong and superstar Xiao Zhan deliver “stunning visuals and smart storytelling that keeps you hooked. Every episode is packed with twists, suspense and emotional depth,” one IMDb reviewer raves. The drama also integrates 18 types of traditional Chinese cultural heritage—from centuries-old puppetry to Kunqu Opera—making it a visual and cultural feast.

📜Plot Summary: In the fictitious dynasty of Da Yong, Zang Hai’s family is brutally murdered when he’s a child. Years later, he returns as a powerful figure—operating from the shadows—to systematically dismantle those responsible. But the deeper he digs into the Machiavellian struggles of the imperial court, the more he realizes his family‘s massacre is connected to a conspiracy that threatens the entire kingdom. Fans of Nirvana in Fire’s revenge arc will find a kindred spirit here—a protagonist who wields strategy as his sword and patience as his shield. “For fans of epic historical dramas with soul, this is a must-watch,” another IMDb reviewer declares.

📍Viewing Tips: 

• This is not a binge-friendly show—each episode is dense with cultural references and plot layers. Consider watching one episode per day to absorb the details.

• Also, the show features actual Kunqu Opera performances and traditional craftsmanship; Youku offers optional “culture notes” subtitles explaining these heritage elements—turn them on.

• Be aware that the revenge arc takes about 8 episodes to fully launch; the early episodes are slower but essential worldbuilding.

8.Pursuit of Jade (逐玉) — 2026‘s Visual Masterpiece

⭐“Every single frame looks like a classical Chinese painting. The most aesthetically beautiful Chinese drama of the year.”

💡Why Watch: Named “the biggest Chinese drama of 2026” by Startefacts, this show has set impressive viewing records. From the very first frame, it amazes with “the precise use of light and shadow, rich color grading, and a composition reminiscent of a painting.” But it‘s not just beautiful—the story evolves from a village melodrama to a detective thriller to a war epic, keeping viewers constantly surprised. On IMDb, it currently holds an 8.4 rating.

📜Plot Summary: Changyu Fan is a simple village girl who becomes head of her family after a bandit attack kills her parents. Running her father’s butcher shop and raising her sister, she stumbles upon a stranger buried in the snow—a man clearly on the run from imperial authorities. Risking her reputation, she nurses him back to health. Grateful for her rescue, the man (Zheng Xie) agrees to a sham marriage to protect her family property. But what starts as a marriage of convenience transforms into something far deeper—and far more dangerous—as Zheng Xie‘s secret past pulls them both into the heart of court conspiracies, betrayals, and an all-out war.

📍Viewing Tips: 

• Watch on the largest screen you have—the cinematography is the star here.

• Pay attention to color shifts: warm amber for village life, cold blue for political intrigue, desaturated grays for war.

• Because the show shifts genres multiple times, don‘t get too attached to one tone; embrace the ride. 

• Also, keep an eye on Netflix’s “Bonus Content” tab after the finale—Pursuit of Jade has a 20-minute epilogue that isn’t automatically queued.

📝Binge-Watching Guide: How to Choose Your Next Chinese Series?

So, you’ve just emerged from the heartbreaking finale of The Untamed and the high-stakes political masterpiece that is Nirvana in Fire. You’re left with a "drama-shaped" hole in your heart, wondering: Where do I go from here? To help you avoid "bad CGI fatigue" or "convoluted plot syndrome," here is the ultimate navigation guide to finding your next obsession.

The "Vibe Check" Strategy: Why Did You Love Them?

Before you click "Play" on a random title, you need to identify your "Hook." Was it the magic or the mind games? Use this breakdown to categorize your cravings:

⏩ If you loved The Untamed for the "Soul Bond" & Cultivation:

You are likely looking for Xianxia (仙侠).

• The Vibe: High fantasy, gods, demons, and "cultivators" seeking immortality. It’s heavy on CGI, tragic romance, and the concept of "fated" relationships.

• What to look for: Look for terms like Immortal, Sect, Spirit, and Tribulation.

• The Pivot: If you want something darker, look for Xuanhuan (玄幻)—fantasy that blends Western elements or focuses more on power-leveling than traditional mythology.

⏩If you loved Nirvana in Fire for the "Genius Strategist" & Revenge:

You are looking for Political Wuxia (武侠) or Historical Intrigue.

• The Vibe: Grounded, human-level stakes. No one is flying on swords, but they are "flying" across rooftops using Qinggong. It’s about honor, the "Jianghu" (martial arts world), and outsmarting the villain rather than out-magic-ing them.

• What to look for: Look for keywords like Court Intrigue, Strategist, Prince, and Revenge.

Selection Checklist: 5 Rules of Thumb

To ensure you’re watching a "Tier 1" production, check these factors before committing:

☑️The "Source Material" Rule: Most top-tier dramas (including your favorites) are adapted from popular web novels (Danmei for The Untamed, Webnovel for Nirvana in Fire). If a show is an IP (Intellectual Property) adaptation with a huge book fanbase, the plot is usually tighter.

☑️The Director’s Portfolio: In the C-drama world, the director is the architect.

• Like The Untamed? Look for Cheng Zhi Chao.

• Like Nirvana in Fire? Look for Kong Sheng or Li Xue (Daylight Entertainment).

☑️The "Year of Production" Shift: * Classics (Pre-2020): Stronger scripts, slightly dated CGI.

• Modern Hits (2021-2024): Visual spectacles, better pacing (shorter episode counts).

• The 2026 Wave: Highly cinematic, often using "Virtual Production" technology (like Pursuit of Jade).

☑️IMDb vs. Douban Ratings: Don't just trust one source.

• IMDb reflects global popularity.

• Douban (China’s IMDb) reflects the local critical reception. A score above 7.5 is good; above 8.5 is legendary.

☑️Platform Availability: Major hits are almost always on Viki, Netflix, iQIYI, or WeTV (Tencent). If it’s only on a obscure YouTube channel with bad subtitles, proceed with caution.

⚠️Avoid the most common post‑Untamed / NIF frustrations

When does each show “get good”?

📌Bottom line: You don’t have to scroll through 100 dramas. Match your craving → pick from the table → enjoy. No wasted hours. 🏮

🔥A Beginner's Guide: Important Watching Tips for New C-Drama Fans

Pacing & Episode Length

Most Chinese dramas run 40–60 episodes at 45 minutes each. That‘s 30–45 hours per show. Treat them like you would Game of Thrones—a long-term commitment rather than a weekend binge.

The “Slow Burn” Is Part of the Genre

Where Western shows often front-load action, Chinese epic fantasy revels in slow-burn buildup. Relationships develop over dozens of episodes. Political pieces move like a game of chess. Trust the process—the payoff is worth it.

Subtitles Are Your Friend

Every show on this list is available with English subtitles on legal platforms like Viki, Netflix, iQIYI, and Youku. Viki is particularly famous for its “Learn Mode“ —a dual-language subtitle feature perfect for picking up Mandarin phrases. Don‘t watch dubbed versions; the original audio with subtitles preserves the emotional nuance of the actors’ performances.

Where to Watch (Legally)

• Netflix — Best for global accessibility; growing library includes The Untamed, Word of Honor, Love Between Fairy and Devil, Eternal Love, Who Rules the World, and Pursuit of Jade.

•  Rakuten Viki — Largest selection of Asian dramas; free tier available; best subtitle quality. 

• iQIYI — Major Chinese streamer with Joy of Life, The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty; English app available.

• Youku — Exclusive home of Legend of Zang Hai; international site with English subtitles.

• Disney+ — Emerging player; Legend of Zang Hai available there in select regions.

Regional availability varies. JustWatch lets you search any title to see which platforms carry it in your country.

Don‘t Skip the “Side Couples”

Unlike Western shows that focus on a single main pairing, Chinese ensemble dramas often feature multiple romantic and friendship arcs running in parallel. Some viewers’ favorite relationships are the “second leads.” Embrace the ensemble.

Prepare to Cry - and Then Rewatch

Chinese epic fantasy dramas have legendary rewatch value. Once you know how the political conspiracy unfolds, watching it again reveals layers of foreshadowing you missed the first time. This is especially true for Nirvana in Fire and The Untamed, where every rewatch brings new insights.