If You Love “Lord of the Mysteries,” Here Are More Anime & Donghua You Need to Watch!

For fans of intricate fantasy worlds, cunning protagonists, and a healthy dose of cosmic dread, Lord of the Mysteries (LotM) has become a household name. This colossal Chinese web novel, by the brilliant Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, has captivated millions with its unique blend of steampunk, dark fantasy, and Lovecraftian horror. And now, the highly anticipated donghua (Chinese anime) adaptation has finally arrived, bringing its bizarre and beautiful world to animated life!

While the Lord of the Mysteries donghua promises to be a groundbreaking series, you might be wondering: what else is out there that captures that unique LotM magic? If you’ve been swept away by Klein Moretti’s journey and are hungry for more, you’re in luck!

The Allure of “Lord of the Mysteries”: A Quick Recap

Before we dive into recommendations, let’s quickly touch on what makes LotM so special, as these are the elements we’ll be looking for in other titles:

• Intricate Power System: The “Beyonder Pathways” are a masterpiece – a system where consuming “Beyonder characteristics” grants powers but also carries the risk of madness and loss of control.
• Steampunk & Cosmic Horror Fusion: A captivating blend of 19th-century industrial charm with ancient secrets, eldritch beings, and mind-bending dread.
• Deep Lore & Mystery: A world brimming with hidden societies, forgotten histories, and a constantly unraveling grand conspiracy.
• Witty, Cunning Protagonist: Klein Moretti’s journey of survival, role-playing, and outsmarting threats far beyond his initial capabilities.
• Psychological Elements: The constant internal struggle against corruption and the nuanced exploration of morality.

The donghua, produced by B.CMAY Pictures, has hit streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Tencent Video. While its initial episodes are packed with information (stick with it, the payoff is immense!), the stunning visuals and faithful adaptation promise a thrilling ride.

If You Love Lord of the Mysteries, Watch These Anime & Donghua Next:

Finding direct equivalents to LotM‘s specific blend can be challenging, but here are titles that share significant DNA, focusing on what you’ll see animated:

For the Intricate Power Systems & Epic Journeys (Donghua):

If you’re fascinated by the detailed progression and unique abilities of Beyonders, these Chinese anime series are a perfect fit:

A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality (Fanren Xiu Xian Chuan)

This is the quintessential “cultivation” donghua. Like Klein, the protagonist starts from humble beginnings and slowly, meticulously, climbs the ranks of power within a vast and dangerous world. The cultivation system is highly detailed, and the journey is long and rewarding.

Renegade Immortal (Xian Ni)

For a darker, more intense cultivation journey, Renegade Immortal delivers. The protagonist’s path to strength is often brutal and morally ambiguous, echoing some of the difficult choices Klein faces. The power system is complex, and the universe it explores is vast.

A Will Eternal (Yi Nian Yong Heng)

While lighter in tone than LotM, this donghua still features a fantastic cultivation system and a protagonist who grows from weakness to strength, often with comedic flair. It’s great if you enjoy the progression aspect but want something less grim. Plus, this is another donghua by B.CMAY Pictures.

For the Mystery, Conspiracy & Dark Fantasy Vibes (Anime & Donghua):

If the unraveling secrets, hidden truths, and darker atmosphere of LotM are what draw you in, check these out:

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)

While lacking steampunk, Attack on Titan is a masterclass in escalating mysteries, existential dread, and uncovering a horrifying truth about the world. The sense of a grand, hidden history and overwhelming, terrifying threats is very much in line with LotM.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

This anime boasts a fantastic steampunk aesthetic, a well-defined and intriguing magic system (alchemy), and a grand conspiracy at its core. It deals with moral complexities, forbidden knowledge, and a pervasive sense of uncovering what lies beneath the surface

Ergo Proxy

This philosophical sci-fi anime delves into a post-apocalyptic, somewhat gothic-steampunk world. It’s dark, melancholic, and deeply mysterious, exploring themes of identity, humanity, and a hidden truth that has strong existential and subtly Lovecraftian undertone

Link Click (Shi Guang Dai Li Ren)

A modern donghua focused on characters with supernatural abilities who travel into photographs to solve mysteries. It expertly weaves compelling individual stories into a larger, darker narrative with excellent plot twists and character development, reminiscent of LotM’s episodic yet overarching plot.

Dorohedoro

For a wilder, more grotesque take on dark fantasy and mystery, Dorohedoro delivers. Its bizarre world, unique magic, and a protagonist searching for answers about his identity make it a compelling watch if you appreciate LotM’s unconventional charm.

For Cosmic Horror & Unsettling Worlds (Anime):

If the Eldritch elements and the feeling of something ancient and terrifying lurking just beyond perception are your favorite parts of LotM:

Parasyte: The Maxim (Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu)

While set in contemporary Japan, this series features an invasion of utterly alien and horrifying parasitic beings. The protagonist gains powers by coexisting with one, leading to brutal fights and a constant sense of unease.

Mushishi

A more subdued but equally profound exploration of the uncanny. It focuses on “Mushi,” primordial life forms that cause strange phenomena. Each episode is a quiet, unsettling encounter with the inexplicable, fostering a sense of wonder and dread that parallels the subtle horrors in LotM.

The Journey Has Just Begun!

Whether you’re diving into the Lord of the Mysteries donghua for the first time or eagerly anticipating each new episode, the world of fantasy anime and donghua is vast and full of incredible stories that share its unique appeal. Pick one of these recommendations, grab some popcorn, and prepare to be immersed in another epic adventure!

Which of these recommendations will you watch first? Or do you have another anime or donghua that reminds you of Lord of the Mysteries? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Last Updated on July 17, 2025 by Yu Alexius