Top 19 Chinese Male Protagonist Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

19 Novels

Male protagonist is the default configuration for most Chinese web novels, so this list essentially represents highly-rated Chinese fiction without specific genre filtering. Cultivation, action, and fantasy dominate the space, with protagonists pursuing power through various means.

The male protagonist tag is most useful for readers specifically seeking male-led stories or who want to exclude female protagonist options. Otherwise, it's broad enough that you're really just browsing top-rated Chinese web fiction.

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1
TOP PICK
Release that Witch
4.5
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Chen Yan travels between worlds, ending up becoming an honorable prince in a medieval fantasy world. Yet this world was not quite as simple as he thought.
First Impressions
"Release that Witch" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, given its high ratings and somewhat misleading title. What I found was a surprisingly engaging story, albeit one with some notable flaws. It's a unique blend of genres that, while not perfect, held my attention far more than I initially expected. Initially, the title and cover art gave me the impression that this would be another generic harem story. However, I was quickly proven wrong. The premise is intriguing: a modern-day mechanical engineer reincarnated as a disregarded prince in a medieval-esque ...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Coiling Dragon
4.5
(1.9K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Empires rise and fall on the Yulan Continent. Saints, immortal beings of unimaginable power, battle using spells and swords, leaving swathes of destruction in their wake.
First Impressions
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Coiling Dragon. It was like finding a hidden gem in the vast ocean of web novels. The title itself, "Coiling Dragon," had this mythical ring to it, and the summary promised a tale of growth, power, and the bonds of family. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Linley's journey from a young boy with dreams to a sovereign of the multiverse was a ride I couldn't put down. - The World-Building: The way the universe is structured, with its layers of realms and the intricate system of cultivation, is nothing short of impressive. It’s a testament to...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Cultivation Chat Group
4.5
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
One day, Song Shuhang was suddenly added to a chat group with many seniors that suffered from chuuni disease. The people inside the group would call each other ‘Fellow Daoist’ and had all different kinds of titles: Palace Master, Cave Lord, True Monarch, Immortal Master, etc.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "Cultivation Chat Group." When I first heard the premise – a regular college student accidentally gets added to a chat group full of cultivators – I was immediately intrigued. It sounded like a recipe for comedic gold, and honestly, it largely delivers. The initial chapters do a good job of easing you into the xianxia world, and Song Shuhang, the MC, is pretty relatable as he tries to wrap his head around the whole cultivation thing. The humor is definitely a standout. It's not just slapstick; it's clever, often poking fun at xianxia tropes themselves. The author has a...
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6
#6 PICK
The Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish [Transmigration]
4.5
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, historical
One day, Li Yu transmigrated into a fish. Furthermore, this fish even had a master.
First Impressions
"The Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish [Transmigration]" is quite the title, isn't it? It certainly piqued my interest, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. This novel is a blend of historical fantasy, romance, and comedy, promising a lighthearted escape into a world where a modern soul transmigrates into… well, a palm-sized fish. Initially, the premise seemed a bit out there, even for a transmigration story! I was curious to see how the author would pull off a romance between a disabled tyrant and a fish. But I was quickly charmed by the cute and fluffy a...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Chronicles of Primordial Wars
4.5
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, martial arts
Shao Xuan joins a friend in his expedition to a recently discovered archaeological cave. After he picks up an ordinary looking stone he is teleported to a different world and wakes up in the body of a small orphan child.
First Impressions
"Chronicles of Primordial Wars" is a web novel that took me by surprise. With a solid 4.5/5 rating and a slew of glowing reviews, I had high expectations going in, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a unique blend of action, adventure, and xuanhuan set in a primordial world, and the story's originality is definitely one of its strongest points. Initially, the pacing is slow. The story eases you into this ancient, tribal setting. We follow our protagonist as he adapts to life in the body of a young orphan in this harsh, Stone Age world. It's a far cry from the typical cultivation novel, ...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
I Can Do It
4.7
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: comedy, romance, slice of life
In a certain League of Legends (LOL) match, a streamer well-known for infuriating people, was providing commentary and live streaming. Streamer: This support, so tr*sh.
First Impressions
"I Can Do It" is a delightful dive into the world of e-sports, sprinkled with humor, a dash of romance, and a whole lot of heart. As someone who enjoys a good slice-of-life story, this one definitely hit the spot. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a streamer turned pro gamer. The main character, Jian Rong (Soft), is instantly likable – a feisty, trash-talking genius who's secretly a softie, especially around the ML, Lu Boyuan (Road). The slow-burn romance was also a big draw for me, and I was eager to see how it would unfold....
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9
#9 PICK
After the Disabled God of War Became My Concubine
4.5
(752 ratings)
Genre: adult, drama, fantasy
According to popular legend, the war god of Da Liang Huo Wujiu was once captured by the enemy country. His meridians were severed and both his legs broken before he was thrown into prison.
First Impressions
"After the Disabled God of War Became My Concubine" promised a blend of historical romance, political intrigue, and a dash of humor, and for the most part, it delivered a pretty enjoyable experience. It's definitely a novel that sucked me in, and I found myself eager to see how the relationship between the MC and ML would unfold. The initial chapters were strong, immediately throwing me into the world and the MC's predicament. As a history professor transmigrated into a historical drama, the MC's rational approach to his situation was refreshing. I appreciated that the author didn't rely on ov...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
My House of Horrors
4.6
(647 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, horror
After the disappearance of his parents, Chen Ge inherits the family-run haunted house attraction at an amusement park. Struggling to bring in customers, he discovers a black phone that grants him the chance to improve his haunted house with expanded scenarios, mastery of skills, the possibility ...
First Impressions
"My House of Horrors" is a wild ride, a blend of genres that somehow manages to be both terrifying and hilarious. It's a novel that grabbed me from the start with its unique premise and kept me hooked, even when it stumbled a bit along the way. The initial concept is undeniably genius: a young man inherits a haunted house attraction and a mysterious phone, leading him into a supernatural world. I was immediately drawn in by the protagonist, Chen Ge, a plucky and resourceful guy who has to navigate increasingly dangerous situations with nothing but his wits and a healthy dose of bravado. It's a...
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Conclusion

Since male protagonist is so common, these rankings represent a small sample from a huge pool. Many excellent novels exist outside the top rankings due to translation timing, platform visibility, or niche appeal that doesn't generate mainstream ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Release that Witch

First Impressions

Lord of the Mysteries

First Impressions

The Earth is Online

First Impressions

Coiling Dragon

First Impressions

Cultivation Chat Group

First Impressions

The Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish [Transmigration]

First Impressions

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

First Impressions

I Can Do It

First Impressions

After the Disabled God of War Became My Concubine

First Impressions