Fans of supernatural action anime with martial arts elements have likely come across a series that blends intense combat with mysterious powers. Hitori no Shita: The Outcast, originally based on a Chinese webcomic, offers a fresh take on the xianxia and cultivation genres while still feeling familiar to fans of Japanese anime.
But where can you stream Hitori no Shita: The Outcast, and is it worth watching? Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime fan, this guide will cover everything you need to know, including its plot, origins, and where to watch it.
What Is Hitori no Shita: The Outcast About?
The story follows Zhang Chulan, a seemingly ordinary college student who gets caught up in a world of martial arts and supernatural abilities after a strange encounter with a corpse-eating zombie. His life takes a drastic turn when he meets Feng Baobao, a mysterious girl with incredible fighting skills who seems to know more about him than she lets on.
As Zhang Chulan gets pulled deeper into the world of Outcasts—individuals with unique supernatural abilities—he learns about a long-standing conflict between different factions. His Qi-based powers, inherited from his grandfather, hold secrets that could change the balance of power among these fighters.
Blending intense martial arts combat, mystery, and supernatural elements, this series offers a thrilling ride that keeps viewers hooked.
Is There a Season 3 of Hitori no Shita: The Outcast?
Yes! Season 3 of the anime was released in April 2020. Unlike the first two seasons, which were a collaboration between Japanese and Chinese studios, Season 3 was fully produced by Chinese animation studio Haoliners Animation League.
The third season picks up where the previous one left off, with Zhang Chulan continuing to uncover the mysteries of his past while battling formidable opponents in the world of Outcasts. Fans praised Season 3 for its improved animation quality and more faithful adaptation of the source material.
A fourth season also premiered in 2022, continuing the story and expanding the world of supernatural martial artists.
Per chatter on Reddit, the animation of Season 3 and Season 4 is arguably way better than the first two seasons. It, however, is nearly impossible to watch Season 3 and Season 4. Likewise, they have yet to be dubbed in Japanese which is a huge turn off for fans who watched the first two seasons with Japanese voices.
Is Hitori no Shita: The Outcast Worth Watching?
For fans of action-packed supernatural anime, this series is definitely worth a watch. Here’s why:
- Unique Blend of Chinese and Japanese Influences – While it’s based on a Chinese webcomic (Yi Ren Zhi Xia), the series has a hybrid production that makes it appealing to both donghua (Chinese animation) and anime fans.
- Martial Arts & Supernatural Powers – If you enjoy combat-heavy series like Jujutsu Kaisen or The God of High School, this anime offers intense battles, Qi-based techniques, and powerful abilities.
- A Mysterious, Intriguing Storyline – The mix of hidden family secrets, shadowy organizations, and ancient martial arts techniques makes for a compelling plot.
- Character Growth & Development – Zhang Chulan starts as an average college student but evolves into a skilled fighter as he learns about his lineage and power.
That said, early seasons received mixed reviews due to pacing issues and animation inconsistencies. However, Seasons 3 and 4 saw significant improvements, making it worth sticking with.
Is Hitori no Shita: The Outcast Japanese or Chinese?
This anime is Chinese in origin but has been co-produced with Japanese studios. The original webcomic, Yi Ren Zhi Xia, was created by Tencent Comics, a Chinese platform. The first season was animated by Emon Animation Company, a Japanese studio, while later seasons were fully produced in China by Haoliners Animation League.
Despite being a Chinese anime (donghua), it follows many conventions of Japanese anime, including character design, pacing, and storytelling. The series is available in both Mandarin and Japanese, allowing viewers to choose their preferred language version.
Where to Watch Hitori no Shita: The Outcast?
If you’re looking to stream the series, Crunchyroll is the best place to watch it. The platform offers multiple seasons in Japanese with English subtitles, making it accessible to international viewers.
Here are some other options:
- Crunchyroll – Only the first two seasons are available via Crunchyroll.
- Bilibili & Tencent Video – Available in China, but may require a VPN for international viewers.
- Amazon Prime Video – In select regions, some seasons may be available for purchase.
- Blu-ray/DVD – If you prefer physical copies, some Japanese and Chinese releases include subtitles.
As of 2025, Netflix and Hulu do not offer the series, so Crunchyroll remains the top choice for most viewers.
Final Thoughts
This supernatural martial arts anime offers an exciting mix of action, mystery, and fantasy, making it a standout series for fans of both Chinese donghua and Japanese anime. With four seasons available and an evolving storyline, it’s an anime that rewards patience, especially as later seasons improve on early criticisms.
For those wanting to stream it, Crunchyroll is the best option, while digital and physical copies are available for those who prefer to own the series. Whether you’re drawn to its unique fusion of cultures, intense martial arts battles, or mysterious supernatural lore, this anime is a must-watch for action and fantasy fans alike.
