Mo Dao Zu Shi

~ based on novels written by the same author (Mo Xiang Tong Xiu) ~ include a similar setting and genre ~ main characters in Tian Guan Ci Fu and almost all characters in Mo Dao Zu Shi (and considering the size of the cast this is extremely impressive) are well thought out, you can't help but empathise with them ~ the attention to detail within the art and production is above average, many parts (especially in Mo Dao Zu Shi) are visually stunning 

Both are historical fiction in East Asia with romanic, slice of life, and political aspects. Akatsuki no Yona has more of the slice of life elements while Mo Dao Zu Shi is much more action pact. Both have a great cast of characters.  

Both are adaptations of novels written by the same author, Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, they take place in similar worlds, with a focus on cultivation, and they both used to feature a slow burn BL romance, which is now only hinted at due to censorship (still pretty well done, in my opinion). 

- wuxia setting - easy going mischievious protagonists - about cultivation there is blood sect that practices cultivation - lot of side characters Differences - no "rivalry" between two main protagonists - in Yi Nian Yong Heng hero finds numerous opponents that stop being them after a couple episodes Its a shame both shows arent as known as they should be. They are hidden gems  

One is form China, and the other from Japan, and yet they have quite a few similarities. Both have extraordinary animation and nice plot, occur in a middle-age & mythologic time and slowly slide towards a rather dark atmosphere. Mo Dao Zu Shi is a bit complicated at first, but is a master piece for me (with outstanding music too). Anyway if you enjoyed watching one of the two, you will likely enjoy the other ! 

Same genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Historical, Supernatural, Drama. Although Honoo no Mirage is more tragic, but the series have similar plot elemets: reincarnation, spirits, clan wars, ambiguous but intense feelings between two main characters.  

both anime are so alike , it could pass as another season from the series if you love one , you’ll definitely love the other .. although mao do zu shi has a little deeper plot and more exciting adventures  

Both these anime are maid by the same company and have a similar feel to them. The animation is bright and fluid in both and the high amounts of action keeps you engaged. While one is about a fantasy world and the other is about a fantasy game i still think that if you like one you should also enjoy the other. 

I'm surprised nobody has made a rec for these two, mostly bc they're just so similar. Both are Chinese BL shows from the wuxia genre, where a lot of focus is given to world building and the political occurrences in the backdrop. Both shows also have a lot of Bs but very little L, to the point where you can easily call both these (first) seasons featuring more of a bromance, than a legit romance. Side note: You can clearly see in both shows how in love the seme is with the uke.  

Similarities: -Historical genre -Slaying supernatural beings (undead and demons) -Really good art that goes hand and hand with the fights 

The Fate series draws inspiration from mythology around the world while Mo Dao Zu Shi is a dive into Chinese mythology. Both series take their historical inspirations and transforms them into something exciting and explosive. Both shows are excellent stories featuring magic with a dark twist, summoning spirits, spectacular fights, large casts, complex politics, and a universe with extensive lore. Complex character relations involve alliances, betrayal, and conflicts on both small and massive scales. The art styles are both highly polished, and the animations are smooth and dynamic. The character and costume designs are detailed and beautiful. Both shows make use of CGI to enhance the visuals in the best way, blending environments, special effects, and traditional animation gracefully.  read more 

plot driven, heart wrenching, very well written BL shows with great characters. 

-Both are historical, though take place in different countries and different eras. -Both start in present day then spend the majority of the run time in a flashback. -Similar artistically, though Mo Dao Zu Shi has much more CG implemented. -Both are fairly slow paced, though Mo Dao Zu Shi has plenty of action to make up for it. 

These are both Chinese historical fantasy shows based on a BL novel. They feature similar settings and themes of exorcism, demons, magic, and cultivation. The main characters' goal is some kind of mystery/investigation into demons. The main pairings in each have a similar feel (start out with hate, one is "evil"/pursues dark arts and acts more childish, the other is more dignified. The art in both is very beautiful, despite Tian Bao Fuyao Lu being cgi. Highly recommend checking out both if you like BL with good plot. 

Ancient Chinese-themed fantasy worlds 

A lot of politics element, a main character who only want to save people/be hero but end up butchering everything including their family, also both don't hesitate to use questionable method, gray morality, newfound family, etc. The art & animation have similar style also. The difference is that Wei Wuxian has more luck than Kiritsugu and is given second chance to find his happiness with certain stoic person, while Kiritsugu just stay drop dead and leaving some unpleasant legacy.  

Main character is immensely powerful with ties to dark forces. They are treated as outcasts, They are smart and cunning and get themselves into trouble easily. Land is filled with supernatural creatures, magic and outworldly phenomena.  

The grand master of demonic cultivation and the grand lord are both historical anime's that are based around the cultivation and different cultivating clans however the grand lord has more romance than the grand master of demonic cultivation. 

Both the stories have MC with badass necromancer powers. Through their control over the undead they make their names known to the world. Backed by amazing visuals and soundtracks both deserves great appreciation. Both anime have amazing story too. 

Both have great main characters who travel to solve problems Animation, sound, story, and character's personalities are all great! 

Both stories center around a pair of queer adventurers in an ancient China fantasy. And both are high quality. The main similarity is the main characters. Bai Yuxiu is very similar to Lan Wangji (proper noble clad in white with powerful martial arts), and Feng Ling'er is similar to Wei Wuxian (chaotic troublemaker with hidden power). However, Mo Dao Zu Shi is more focused on the drama and is very emotionally gut-wrenching. Feng Ling Yu Xiu is much more action oriented and isn't as sad. 

Similarities - Both MCs are betrayed - Both MCs hide their powers (or at least try) - Both MC have knowledge after being betrayed - Both MCs hide a sad past - Both MCs cultivate faster because of their secret talents - Both series are cultivation martial arts - Both series are historical based in ancient China Differences - Wan Jie Du Zun is a 3D CGI donghua VS. Mo Dao Zu Shis is a 2D animated donghua - Wan Jie Du Zun MC doesn't die when he is betrayed 

Close, intimate friendship between main characters. Ugly world, numerous conflicts. Powerful main character has demonic powers.  

Both are period dramas (Chinese/French) where they focus on political (and personal) developments in the lives of the people who live during those times. Magic and supernatural happenings form the crux of both anime, and in both cases, are complete ass pulls bc NO explanation is given as to how or why certain people can perform such complex/high levels of magic, which are also conveniently shown only when said people are about to defeat their enemies. Watch this if you like slow burning dramas, altho I give Le Chev an automatic +1 for not being slow paced, and for having female characters that AREN'T laughable, sexist and regressive stereotypes of their gender. read more 

Tong Ling Fei and Mo Dao Zu Shi have their historical Chinese setting in common. Though they're not historically accurate I enjoyed their settings very much. There are lots of beautiful action scenes in both, often combined with spiritual powers. They both address rather serious political issues within various clans (in MDZS the issues culminate in a bloody war). TLF is generally a lot more light-hearted and comedic than MDZS and it's a reverse harem whereas MDZS has BL elements. The two main characters are somewhat similar though their dynamic is completely different. You have a chatty, cheeky, fun-loving character on one side paired with a rather cold and reserved one. I've enjoyed both very much and hope, specifically in the case of TLF, that there will be lots of seasons to follow.  read more 

This might seem like a strange comparison and I'm pretty sure most people have watched FMA at this point, but if what made you love Mo Dao Zu Shi is a well-constructed plot held together with good world-building and lore, well-developed, realistic characters and a relevant and engaging ensemble cast, then these two shows have that in spades. 

The protagonists, Wei Wuxian and Hong Shurei, take a path forbidden to their status in society. Wei Wuxian, talented head disciple of a renowned sect, is expected to be an upstanding cultivator but practice dark arts due to his circumstances. Shurei, a lady born into the highest of nobility, wants to hold a government post--a path not allowed for women of her country. With their journey comes obstacles, deceit, and danger. Both series prompt you to think introspectively on your values and responsibilities and what it takes to challenge the norms. Both series draw major inspiration from ancient China as you can see in the landscape and character designs. The fictional country of Saiunkoku is also separated into provinces led by noble clans like the clans/sects of MDZS. As such, political/power struggle is a major plot point. MDZS is themed heavily on magic and sorcery, but the theme has much less presence in Saiunkoku.  read more 

Both are great shows that revolve around drama, tragedy, action, love, hate, and even the occasional comedy. While Mo Dao Zu Shi has more visually stunning graphics and action fight scenes Hakouki revolves around character development. Both have supernatural aspects that have zombies/ghost or vampires/demons... same thing different shape. They are completely two different shows but while watching Mo Dao Zu Shi I was constantly thinking of Hakouki. To all those fujoshi (or fudanshi) I will say Mo Dao Zu Shi does have some boys love aspect to it while Hakouki is a reverse harem.  

Looking for something after SAO Alicization and SukaSuka??? Mo Dao Zu Shi absolutely did more than just the job! Like SukaSuka it is beautiful, epic, and there is a burst of emotions where you will feel tragic near the end. By the end of the anime, you will share the same opinion that it is so beautiful, but Mo Dao Zu Shi is also very funny. Like SAO Alicization , there is stunning action and fights. I find IN ALL THREE, A TRULY WORTHY ANIME, great characters, superb art and animation, and a FASCINATING STORY !!! 

Same author, ancient China, danmei (are based on BL novels), cultivation, gods, clans. Both are super good!!! 

Politics with multiple clans and asian cities World with many zombies that attack humans Takes place in ancient times MCs fight with a forbidden power gained from the ennemy and is a fighting style creator A bit darker atmosphere all along in Koutetsujou But overall similar Vibes can be felt in both animes. + Great Art 

Both series have suspenseful and gripping plot. Both start with a mysterious case, unfold with supernatural elements, a bit of horror, and unexpected drama. Both series have duel MCs, a beautiful cast and good animation.  

Naruto is a Japanese shonen and Mo Dao Zu Shi is from the Chinese genres wuxia and xianxia, ​​both of which are fights, martial arts and adventures. In Mo Dao Zu Shi the protagonists begin as rivals, of opposite character but develop a very deep friendship like Naruto and Sasuke. In both there are characters who lose all their Clan, and characters with a tragic past. When I saw Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, or Founder of Diabolism) I seemed to return to when I was 14 or 15 years old and I saw Naruto full of emotion. 

Although Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu is a Japanese anime unlike Mo Dao Zu Shi being Chinese, they both have a similar artstyle (with MDZS definitely being superior with its beautiful art while still keeping the resemblance), both stories happen in the past, talk about Samurais, show off mysterious creatures filled with negative energy and people fighting against them. The characters are also pretty comparable at some points, most of them being long-haired man wearing Chinese-ish clothing, yielding their swords and fighting evil. In my opinion these two anime series give off a very similar vibe, both the story and the overall look. 

1. Anime are similar in genre. Both have sword battles. Both are mystic and detective. Heroes are people with superpowers. 2. Heroes struggle with something monstrous and incomprehensible. 3. The main characters are similar in appearance and character. They are cheerful, strong, like alcohol. They have lived far away from most people for some time. 4. The main characters had unusual abilities, were a member of power organizations, were strong, have shown promise. But they suffered and one a day became outlawed. 5. The main characters have a complicated relationship with a former school friend. Which is misinterpreted by one of them. 

Both have a great plot with interesting characters, political intricacies, action, strategy, deep emotional connections, good humour & philosophical questions of right and wrong and grey & maintaining one's core principles. The setting is different (modern vs ancient) but there are many similarities in character relationship development. Two best friends that want what is best for the people and to defeat a greater evil, one within the law and the other with stronger but morally questionable means. They have a love-hate relationship. The main character is a misunderstood tragic hero and seemingly when his power goes out of control (or when he stands up against evil) he causes the death of the ones he loves the most. The MC is a tragic hero scorned by the people even though all he ever did was just and righteous but the more he saved the helpless the more hated he became. While his best friend might end up killing him and instead become very revered and respected for vanquishing the apparent great evil. (also watch season 2 of MDZS to understand better) The MC reminds me of characters like Ichimaru Gin, Itachi Uchiha, Snape from Harry Potter and Lelouch - "I had to become the villain to protect those I love because nobody else was strong enough."  read more