Top 13 Highest Rated Chinese Psychological Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   Lord of the Mysteries

   4.7

   (2.1K ratings)

   Genre: drama, horror, mature

   With the rising tide of steam power and machinery, who can come close to being a Beyonder? Shrouded in the fog of history and darkness, who or what is the lurking evil that murmurs in our ears?

   First Impressions

   "Lord of the Mysteries" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It’s a unique blend of genres – drama, horror, mystery, with a dash of steampunk and Cthulhu mythos thrown in for good measure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, drawing you into a 19th-century-esque setting filled with secret societies, mystical powers, and hidden truths. The beginning can be a bit slow. I'll admit, I almost bounced off at first. There's a lot of information to absorb, and the pacing takes its time to establish the worl...

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   The Earth is Online

   4.6

   (2.1K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, mature

   Six months ago, tens of thousands of black phantom towers appeared all over the world, floating above the cities. Chemists, physicists, religious people… all of them could do nothing.

   First Impressions

   "The Earth is Online" promised a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and survival with a BL twist, and after diving in, I can confidently say it delivered an engaging, albeit sometimes challenging, experience. The premise is immediately captivating: a sudden apocalypse forces humanity into deadly games orchestrated by the enigmatic Black Tower. I was initially drawn in by the unique concept and the promise of a clever protagonist navigating a world turned into a perilous game. The early chapters successfully establish the stakes and introduce Tang Mo, our resourceful and observant MC. I found ...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   Little Mushroom

   4.8

   (1.8K ratings)

   Genre: drama, psychological, romance

   “Until the day humanity falls. ” In the year 2020, Earth’s magnetic poles disappeared and humankind was nearly wiped out by cosmic radiation.

   First Impressions

   "Little Mushroom." Don't let the cute title fool you. This isn't a fluffy, lighthearted story; it's a poignant journey through a post-apocalyptic world, seen through the eyes of a naive, yet incredibly endearing, little mushroom. I went in expecting one thing and got something far more complex and emotionally resonant. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise: a mushroom that takes on a human form and embarks on a quest. But it quickly became clear that this was more than just a quirky adventure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a dying planet a...

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Kaleidoscope of Death

   4.6

   (1.3K ratings)

   Genre: comedy, horror, mystery

   It started off peculiarly; first, his domestic cat refused to let him cuddle it. Lin Qiushi soon found that a sense of disharmony and incongruity began to pervade everything around him.

   First Impressions

   "Kaleidoscope of Death" is a wild ride, and I mean wild. I went into this expecting a horror novel with some romance, and I got that, but it was so much more complex and thought-provoking than I initially anticipated. Buckle up, because this novel will take you on a journey through some truly terrifying and mind-bending scenarios. Right off the bat, the novel is incredibly engaging. It throws you headfirst into the action, and the descriptions are vivid and unsettling. I found myself genuinely creeped out at times, which is exactly what I want from a horror story. The premise of entering these...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Mistakenly Saving the Villain

   4.6

   (1.2K ratings)

   Genre: drama, mature, psychological

   Professor System has issued a mission: to rescue the gentle, kind and tragic protagonist shou of the novel “The Exceptional Furnace”. Song ‘Scholar-Tyrant’ Qingshi: “Don’t worry, Professor!

   First Impressions

   "Mistakenly Saving the Villain" is quite the rollercoaster, and I’m honestly still processing everything. This novel dives deep into some heavy themes, and while it’s not always an easy read, it’s definitely a memorable one. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise – a transmigration story where the MC accidentally saves the villain instead of the intended target. This setup felt like a refreshing twist on familiar tropes. However, I also approached it with caution, given the mature themes and potential for triggering content....

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends From the T*ash Bin

   4.7

   (1.0K ratings)

   Genre: adventure, comedy, drama

   Chi Xiaochi: fourth-rate citizen at birth, three-time award-winning film emperor, second-rate temper, first-class looks. He crawled his way out of hell on hard mode to become a winner at life.

   First Impressions

   "Don't Pick Up Boyfriends From the Tash Bin" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise and overwhelmingly positive reviews. I dove in, ready for a unique ride through multiple worlds, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading. The initial hook of a 'sum gong reconditioning' system is what drew me in, and the first few chapters definitely set the stage for a darkly comedic adventure. I was immediately impressed by the writing style, which felt both grounded and subtly lyrical, creating a captivating atmosphere...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   Very Happy

   4.6

   (920 ratings)

   Genre: comedy, drama, psychological

   Li Zhao is a poor, 20-year-old actor who only thinks of where his next meal is coming from. After growing up in a child only facility, Li Zhao has taken on a very optimistic personality even while raising money for those he sees as family.

   First Impressions

   "Very Happy" is a completed web novel that I just finished reading and I'm ready to share my thoughts. This story blends comedy, drama, psychological elements, romance, and slice-of-life into a yaoi narrative. It's quite a mix, and while it generally delivers a feel-good experience, it definitely has some quirks that I want to dive into. Initially, I was drawn in by the overwhelmingly positive sentiment surrounding the novel. Many readers praised the heartwarming nature of the story and the adorable dynamic between the main characters. The synopsis and tags promised a journey filled with fluff...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   Guide To Raising the Sick Villain

   4.6

   (878 ratings)

   Genre: drama, fantasy, psychological

   Qiao Lan transmigrated into a novel. She became a cannon-fodder who was rescued by the heroine after being bullied but was jealous of the heroine because of her love for the hero and ultimately ended up miserable.

   First Impressions

   "Guide To Raising the Sick Villain" promised a unique take on the transmigration trope, and after diving in, I can see why so many readers are captivated. This isn't your typical face-slapping revenge fantasy; it's a character-driven story focusing on the delicate relationship between Qiao Lan and Tan Mo. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of the female lead trying to save the male lead from a tragic fate. The idea of a "sick villain" also intrigued me. I went in expecting some over-the-top drama and typical transmigration tropes but was pleasantly surprised....

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   Surprise! The Supposed Talent Show Was Actually–?!

   4.6

   (634 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Wu Jin, as a trainee from a certain entertainment company, had a peerless, stunning face. He was qualified to debut as a lead performer even if he just sat there and did nothing.

   First Impressions

   This novel, "Surprise! The Supposed Talent Show Was Actually–?!", has been quite the ride! It's a blend of genres I didn't expect to enjoy so much, and I found myself completely engrossed in the story. While it has some quirks, the overall experience was definitely worth it. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise: an idol trainee entering what he thinks is a talent show, only to find himself in a futuristic battle royale. The story throws you right into the action, and I was immediately curious about how the protagonist, Wu Jin, would navigate this bizarre new world. The early chapter...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Restricted Area

    4.7

    (722 ratings)

    Genre: action, mystery, psychological

    Jiang Chijing had always used surveilling prisoners’ every move to satiate his voyeuristic appetite. Until one day, an extremely dangerous convict entered the prison—and Jiang Chijing was caught spying on him.

    First Impressions

    "Restricted Area" was a web novel that grabbed my attention from the start, and I ended up devouring it in just a few sittings. It's a unique blend of genres – action, mystery, psychological elements, and of course, a central romance – that really kept me on my toes. Going in, I was a little hesitant about the MC's hobby of voyeurism. However, the story quickly won me over. The initial setup, with Jiang Chijing's fascination with his neighbor Zheng Mingyi, felt more like harmless curiosity than anything truly perverse. Once Zheng Mingyi ends up as an inmate at the prison where Jiang Chijing wo...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    Silent Reading

    4.7

    (659 ratings)

    Genre: action, mature, mystery

    Childhood, upbringing, family background, social relations, traumatic experiences… We keep reviewing and seeking out the motives of criminals, exploring the subtlest emotions driving them. It’s not to put ourselves in their shoes and sympathize, or even forgive them; it’s not to find some reason...

    First Impressions

    "Silent Reading" is a wild ride through the dark underbelly of society, cleverly disguised as a thrilling crime novel with a slow-burn romance simmering beneath the surface. It's the kind of book that keeps you up at night, not just because you're engrossed, but because the themes it explores are genuinely unsettling. I went in expecting a straightforward mystery, but "Silent Reading" quickly proved to be much more. The initial setup, with a gruesome murder pulling together a cynical police officer and a flamboyant young CEO, felt like familiar territory. However, Priest's writing quickly drew...

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12. Completed

    12

    #12 PICK

    The Job of an Imperial Concubine

    4.6

    (664 ratings)

    Genre: drama, fantasy, historical

    To pass as an imperial concubine, one must be professional. Actually, the profession of an imperial concubine is pretty good.

    First Impressions

    "The Job of an Imperial Concubine" had me intrigued from the start with its premise: treating life in the harem as a career. I dove in expecting a compelling story of palace intrigue, and while I found a lot to enjoy, some aspects held it back from being a complete knockout. The concept is undeniably clever. Zhuang Laoyan, our protagonist, approaches her role with a calculating mind, prioritizing power and luxury within the system. She's intelligent, perhaps even overly so, and this initially drew me in. I was eager to see how she navigated the treacherous waters of the imperial court....

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13. Completed

    13

    #13 PICK

    Little Madman’s Guide to Acting Good

    4.6

    (465 ratings)

    Genre: drama, mature, psychological

    Chen Qizhao was reborn and returned to the age of 18 when he was still the wicked little overlord of the Chen family. At this time, his brother hadn’t experienced a car accident while his parents were in good health and weren’t seriously ill.

    First Impressions

    Diving into "Little Madman’s Guide to Acting Good," I was immediately struck by its intriguing premise: a rebirth revenge story with a protagonist grappling with the psychological scars of his past life. It promised a blend of cunning schemes, family drama, and a touch of romance, and overall, I found it delivered on that promise, though not without a few minor stumbles. What truly elevates this novel is the MC's complex character. Chen Qizhao isn’t your typical overpowered protagonist. He's deeply flawed, haunted by the deaths of his loved ones in his previous life. I appreciated how the auth...

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