Top 26 Cultivation Dramas (Xianxia) of All Time: From Classics to 2026 Hits

 

Tired of repetitive tropes and predictable endings? The world of Eastern fantasy is evolving, and the latest wave of cultivation dramas is breaking all the rules.Whether you’re a long-time fan of star-crossed deities or a newcomer drawn to the breathtaking aesthetics of Chinese fantasy, finding the perfect cultivation series can be a daunting task. From the heart-wrenching sacrifices of timeless classics like Eternal Love to the high-stakes, CGI-heavy masterpieces hitting our screens in 2026, we’ve curated the ultimate watch list. If you’re looking for high-octane battles, complex sect politics, and the ultimate quest for immortality, you’re in the right place.

📺 Top Cultivation & Xianxia Dramas at a Glance: From Classics to 2026 Hits

Whether you are a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the "Three Realms," this curated list highlights the must-watch masterpieces that defined the genre.

🌟1990–2020: The Foundations of Immortality

In this era, Xianxia evolved from traditional Wuxia (Martial Arts) into high-fantasy spectacles involving Gods, Demons, and multiple reincarnations.

🌟 2020s: New Wave & Global Streaming Boom

Modern Xianxia dramas benefit from massive budgets, movie-quality CGI, and more diverse storytelling that subverts old clichés.

📌Note on Ratings & Availability: Ratings are sourced from MDL (MyDramalist), IMDb, and viewer polls. Availability on platforms like Netflix and Viki can vary by region.

💻Top 10 Must-Watch Xianxia Dramas: High-Rated & Widely Loved

1.Chinese Paladin (仙剑奇侠传) | 2005

Starring: Hu Ge, Liu Yifei

Genre: Foundational Classic, Fate & Adventure

Douban Score：9.1

Why Watch:The foundational classic that started it all. It set the standard for game adaptations and the Xianxia genre, renowned for its pure portrayal of friendship, love, and chivalry. Its core story and character development remain beloved.

Where to Stream：YouTube

Plot Summary: Chinese Paladin (The Legend of Sword and Fairy) follows Li Xiaoyao, a mischievous youth who travels to Dream Island, falls in love with Zhao Ling'er, and marries her, but a memory-wiping attack separates them, leading him on a quest to find her and uncover secrets about her goddess lineage and an evil cult threatening the world. Across different adaptations (game/series), the core story involves young heroes discovering their destinies, battling demons, navigating complex relationships (often involving love triangles like with Lin Yueru), and fulfilling prophecies linked to Nuwa and powerful artifacts, often fighting against fate and powerful evil forces. 

2.Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花) | 2017

Starring: Yang Mi, Mark Chao

Genre: High Fantasy Romance / Tragedy

Douban Score：6.6

Why Watch: A landmark xianxia romance that introduced the genre to many overseas viewers.

Where to Stream: Netflix, Viki, YouTube

Plot Summary: Eternal Love (also known as Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms) is a popular Chinese fantasy romance about the epic, multi-lifetime love story between Bai Qian, a nine-tailed fox goddess, and Ye Hua, the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Realm, spanning three distinct lives filled with fate, tragedy, sacrifice, and reincarnation before they find their destined happy ending. Their journey involves lost memories, misunderstandings, jealous rivals, and immense suffering, but ultimately showcases a profound and timeless bond through stunning mythical landscapes and celestial politics. 

3.The Untamed (陈情令) | 2019

Starring: Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo

Genre: Mystery / Dark Fantasy / Cultivation

Douban Score: 7.7

Why Watch: One of the most influential Chinese fantasy dramas worldwide, praised for its storytelling and character depth.

Where to Stream: Netflix,Viki, Amazon Prime Video

Plot Summary: "The Untamed" can refer to two very different popular series: the Chinese fantasy drama about two cultivators solving mysteries in ancient China, or the American Netflix thriller about a federal agent investigating a murder in Yosemite National Park, but the most globally recognized "Untamed" plot involves the Chinese xianxia series, following the journey of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji as they uncover conspiracies, confront vengeful spirits, and navigate the political turmoil of their cultivation world, a story that spans past tragedies and present-day mysteries after Wei Wuxian's return 16 years later. 

4.Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜) | 2018

Starring: Yang Zi, Deng Lun, Luo Yunxi

Genre: Romantic Comedy / Emotional Melodrama

Douban Score: 7.8

Why Watch: A classic of tragic romance deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. The plot is thrilling, the characters' sense of destiny is powerful, and its depiction of obsessive love and sacrifice is profoundly moving, keeping viewers captivated.

Where to Stream: Netflix,  YouTube

Plot Summary: Ashes of Love (2018) is a Chinese fantasy romance about Jin Mi, a naive flower spirit raised with a magical pill that prevents her from feeling love, who gets caught in a tragic love triangle with two immortal brothers, the fire deity Xufeng and the night deity Run Yu, leading to misunderstandings, revenge, and eventual rebirth and reunion across lifetimes in a celestial war between gods and demons.

5.Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀) | 2022

Starring: Esther Yu, Dylan Wang

Genre: Fantasy / Body Swap / Anti-Hero Romance

Douban Score：8.1

Why Watch: A refreshing break from clichés. The "Supreme Moon Demon" is one of the most popular male leads in C-drama history.

Where to Stream: Netflix，iQIYI International

Plot Summary: Love Between Fairy and Devil follows the entangled fates of Xiao Lanhua, a gentle flower fairy, and Dongfang Qingcang, the powerful, ancient Demon Lord, after she accidentally revives him from thousands of years of imprisonment, leading to a soul-swapping curse that links their lives, forcing them to journey together and slowly fall in love amidst escalating cosmic conflicts and revelations about their past lives. Their bond, formed through shared pain and vulnerability, challenges the divine order and pits them against enemies seeking to exploit their connection, culminating in a battle to save their worlds and redefine love and duty.

6.Till the End of the Moon (长月烬明) | 2023

Starring: Luo Yunxi, Bai Lu

Genre: Dark Fantasy / Revenge / Redemption

Douban Score: 5.7

Why Watch: Visual masterpiece with Dunhuang-inspired art. It explores the thin line between becoming a hero and a monster.

Where to Stream: Netflix, Youku, Viki

Plot Summary: Till the End of the Moon is about immortal Li Susu traveling back 500 years to stop the future Devil God, Tantai Jin, from destroying the world, but she falls in love with him while trying to extract his evil bone, complicating her mission and leading to tragic cycles of reincarnation, sacrifice, and eventual rebirth as they ultimately work together to save the realms, with Tantai Jin sacrificing himself so Li Susu can ascend to godhood and protect their future, leaving their essence to reunite later.

7.Lost You Forever (长相思) | 2023

Starring: Yang Zi, Zhang Wanyi, Deng Wei, Tan Jianci i

Genre: Epic Fantasy / Reverse Harem / Political Intrigue

Douban Score: 7.8

Why Watch: A more grounded, character-driven story with exceptional acting and high production value.

Where to Stream: Viki , Tencent Video (WeTV)

Plot Summary: Lost You Forever (长相思) follows the journey of Princess Jiu Yao, who loses her identity and lives as a male physician named Wen Xiao Liu in Qingshui Town, becoming entangled with three powerful men: her cousin Prince Cang Xuan, Tushan Jing (a future clan leader), and Xiang Liu (a demon general), as she navigates ancient realms, love, duty, and the quest to reclaim her past amidst political turmoil, exploring themes of loneliness, destiny, and the search for true companionship.

8.The Legend of Shen Li (与凤行) | 2024

Starring: Zhao Liying, Lin Gengxin

Genre: Action / Mature Romance / Martial Arts

Douban Score: 7.2

Why Watch: Features a "Power Couple" dynamic. The female lead is a fierce general who doesn't need rescuing.

Where to Stream: Viki, Tencent Video

Plot Summary:The Legend of Shen Li follows Shen Li, a powerful Demon Queen who flees an unwanted political marriage, gets injured, transforms into a phoenix, and falls into the mortal realm, where she's bought as a "fat chicken" by the reclusive, sickly immortal god, Xing Zhi. Their fates intertwine as she recovers under his care, developing a forbidden romance while they eventually join forces with other immortals to fight an ancient evil threatening the three realms, with their love proving both a strength and a dangerous taboo. 

9.Moonlight Mystique (白月梵星) | 2025

Starring:  Lu Bai, Ruipeng Ao, Dai Si Daisy

Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Romance

Douban Score: 5.9

Why Watch: High-energy pacing and witty dialogue. It captures the modern "New Xianxia" aesthetic.

Where to Stream: iQIYI, Viki

Plot Summary: Moonlight Mystique (Bai Yue Fan Xing) follows Bai Shuo, a general's daughter seeking immortality to repay a life debt, who accidentally saves the powerful Demon King Fan Yue; their journey of mutual manipulation turns to love as they seek to gather five human contemplations (Love, Hate, Killing, Greed, Kindness) while navigating a celestial war, revealing deep connections from past lives and overcoming immense challenges in this xianxia romance spin-off of Ancient Love Poetry. 

10.The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传) | 2025

Starring: Yang Yang, Chen Jin, Duo Wang, Xiaotang Zhao.

Genre: Hardcore Cultivation / Action / Survival

Douban Score: 7.5

Why Watch: Perfect for fans of the original web novel. It focuses on the "gritty" side of cultivation—strategy, luck, and leveling up.

Where to Stream: Youku, Viki

Plot Summary:The Immortal Ascension (2025) follows Han Li, a poor, ordinary village boy who unexpectedly joins a small cultivation sect, embarking on a long, treacherous journey to become an immortal through hard work, cleverness, and perseverance, battling demons and celestial challenges while forming key relationships, like with fellow cultivator Nangong Wan, against a backdrop of a dark foe, all adapted from Wang Yu's novel A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality. 

📌Final Pro-Tip for Viewers: If a show is not available in your region on Netflix, Rakuten Viki is usually the most reliable alternative, as they often have the "Viki Pass" which allows international fans to watch these epic series with high-quality English subtitles.

📝How to Choose the Best Xianxia Dramas: A Viewer’s Guide

Choosing the best Xianxia drama depends largely on your personal "flavor" of fantasy. While the genre is famous for flying immortals and magical spells, the stories vary wildly from heartbreaking romances to dark political mysteries.

Here is a guide to choosing the right one based on your preferences:

✅ Identify Your Favorite Tropes

Xianxia often relies on specific narrative "engines." Choose a drama based on what hooks you:

• The "Three Lives, Three Worlds" Reincarnation: If you love epic, fated romance that survives memory loss and death.

  • Best choice: Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花).

• The Forbidden Romance: High-stakes love between enemies (e.g., a Fairy and a Demon) or Master and Disciple.

  • Best choice: Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀) or The Journey of Flower (花千骨).

• Hardcore Cultivation & "Leveling Up": If you prefer seeing a weak protagonist grow into an god-like being through training and strategy rather than just romance.

  • Best choice: The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传).

• Dark Mystery & Brotherhood: If you want complex plotting, moral ambiguity, and strong bonds between male leads.

  • Best choice: The Untamed (陈情令).

✅Choose by "Angst" Level

Overseas fans often refer to the emotional pain in these dramas as "Angst."

• Low Angst / Fluffy: These have more humor and a lighter tone.

  • Try: The Starry Love (星落凝成糖) or Love You Seven Times (七时吉祥).

• High Angst / "Tear-jerkers": Be prepared to cry. These dramas involve massive sacrifices and tragic misunderstandings.

  • Try: Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜) or Immortal Samsara (沉香如屑).

✅Consider Visual Style & CGI

• Classic Aesthetic: Traditional sets and simpler effects from the 2010s.

  • Try: Chinese Paladin (仙剑奇侠传).

• Modern Visual Masterpieces: Movie-quality CGI, vibrant colors, and unique artistic inspirations (like Dunhuang murals).

  • Try: Till the End of the Moon (长月烬明).

✅Check the "FL" (Female Lead) Archetype

• The Growth Arc: Starts naive/weak and becomes a powerful goddess (Chu Xuanji in Love and Redemption).

• The "Girl Boss": Powerful, mature, and independent from the start (Shen Li in The Legend of Shen Li).

✅Check the Audience & Critical Reception

Use ratings and reviews as a filter, not a sole judge.

• International Platforms: Check scores and reviews on MyDramaListor MyDramaList. They reflect global viewer tastes.

• Chinese Platforms: Douban scores are a strong indicator of mainstream Chinese audience reception.

• Word of Mouth: Recommendations from viewers with similar tastes are often the most reliable.

To avoid hype-only shows, compare multiple rating sources:

👉 A good rule:7.8+ on MyDramaList + strong viewer reviews = safe pick

✅Prioritize Production Quality

High-quality Xianxia dramas stand out visually.

What to look for:

• Clean CGI (flying scenes, spiritual energy)

• Consistent costume design

• Large-scale world settings

Older classics may have weaker effects but stronger storytelling, while newer titles often excel visually.

✅Check Availability of English Subtitles

Even top-rated shows aren’t enjoyable without good subtitles.

Best platforms for overseas viewers:

• Viki – excellent community subtitles

• Netflix – high subtitle quality, limited selection

• WeTV / iQIYI – official releases, faster updates

Always confirm region availability before committing.

✅Choose Based on Story Structure

Long, Epic Stories (50+ episodes)

Best for immersive world-building.

• Pros: deeper lore, character growth

• Cons: slower pacing

• Examples: The Untamed, Ashes of Love

Shorter or Faster-Paced Series

Better for casual viewers.

• Pros: less filler, modern rhythm

• Examples: Love Between Fairy and Devil

📌Quick Selection Guide

Match your preference to a starting drama:

📌Actionable Tips for Decision

• Watch the Trailer: The quickest way to gauge the visuals, tone, and style.

• Sample 2-3 Episodes: Commit to a short trial. The first few episodes establish the world and conflict.

• Identify Your "Tropee": Do you love "enemies to lovers" or "cold master-war heart"? Search for dramas using these trope keywords + "Xianxia".

• Use Trusted Review Hubs:

  • For in-depth analysis: MyDramaList discussions and reviews.

  • For quick impressions: Search "[Drama Name] + review" on YouTube..

  • For Chinese audience perspective (use browser translate): Douban comment sections.

📌Tips for New International Viewers

• Embrace the Tropes: Reincarnation, fate, and righteous vs. demonic paths are core elements. View them as foundational mythology.

• Use Subtitles Wisely: Official English subtitles on platforms like Viki often include helpful cultural notes.

• Start with a Gateway: Love Between Fairy and Devil or The Untamed are excellent starting points due to their strong production and compelling narratives,

✳️In short: First, identify your favorite story theme (epic romance vs. adventure). Then, use production quality and trusted reviews to narrow down the list. Sampling the first few episodes is the final and most reliable test.

🔎FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Xianxia Dramas

If you are new to the world of Xianxia (Immortal Heroes), you might find yourself confused by the complex mythology, cultivation ranks, and unique cultural tropes. This guide addresses the most frequent questions asked by global fans to help you enjoy these epic fantasies to the fullest.

Category	Common Question (FAQ)	Solution & Explanation
Genre Basics	What is the difference between Xianxia, Wuxia, and Xuanhuan?	Xianxia: High fantasy with gods, demons, and immortality. Wuxia: Martial arts in a historical setting (no magic). Xuanhuan: "Mysterious fantasy" that blends Eastern and Western elements.
Terminology	Why do characters keep talking about "Cultivation" and "Tribulations"?	Cultivation (修仙): Training the mind and body to become immortal. Tribulation (劫): A "heavenly test" (often lightning strikes) one must survive to reach the next power level.
Accessibility	Where can I watch these dramas with high-quality English subtitles?	Primary Platforms: Rakuten Viki (best community subs), Netflix (best for hits like The Untamed), and official YouTube channels. iQIYI and WeTV apps offer the latest releases.
Cultural Tropes	Why do characters constantly "spit blood" (吐血) when injured or sad?	In Traditional Chinese Medicine, "spitting blood" represents a severe internal injury or extreme emotional distress (stagnant Qi). It is a visual cue for high-stakes drama.
World-building	What are the "Three Realms" and "Six Paths"?	Most Xianxia worlds are split into the Heavenly Realm (Gods), Mortal Realm (Humans), and Demon/Ghost Realm. Characters often reincarnate across these realms due to Karma.
Character Names	Why do characters have multiple names (e.g., Birth name vs. Title)?	Characters often have a Given Name, a Courtesy Name (used by peers), and a Title (e.g., Hanguang-jun). Using the wrong name can be seen as an insult or a sign of intimacy.
CGI & Visuals	Why does the CGI sometimes look "dreamy" or "soft"?	Many modern Xianxia dramas use a "Guofeng" (National Style) aesthetic, which prioritizes ethereal, painting-like visuals over grit and realism.
Plot Length	Why are most Xianxia dramas so long (40+ episodes)?	They are usually adapted from web novels with millions of words. The length allows for complex sub-plots and multiple lifetimes of character development.

📌Key Takeaways for Getting Started

To summarize, the best approach is to:

• Pick an accessible entry point from a reputable platform like Netflix or Viki.

• Don't get overwhelmed by the terminology; let the story guide you and use community resources for explanations.

• Choose your first drama based on the type of story you already love (epic romance, adventure, etc.).

To find the dramas in this guide, check international streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, and iQIYI. Their libraries frequently update, so it’s worth searching for the Chinese or English titles listed in the table.