As Ne zha 2 becomes the highest-grossing animated film of all time, we have a look at some of the best Chinese animated movies.
Chinese animated movies have seen a significant rise in popularity recently, with Ne zha 2 shattering box office records. Many such as Ne zha draw on traditional Chinese legends, however, others have more everyday stories. In this article, we take a look at some of the best Chinese animated movies.
Ne zha (2019)
Unsurprisingly considering the sequel’s acclaim and box office success, the first Ne zha movie makes this list. It is an animated fantasy adventure film following the story of Ne zha very loosely based on the novel Investiture of the Gods written in the 1500s by Xu Zhonglin. It follows the titular protagonist Ne zha. A demon born to human parents, as he attempts to overcome the challenges of his origin.
Jiang Ziya (2020)
Like Ne zha, Jiang Ziya is based on the Investiture of the Gods. Produced by the same studio behind Ne zha it is also a fantasy action film. Following the titular character Jiang Ziya, who is well known in China as a legendary wise nobleman who helped overthrow Emperor Zhou of the Shang dynasty and executed his duplicitous consort a nine-tailed Fox Demon in disguise.
The end credits reveal that there is a reason for the links to Ne zha, as he turns up to celebrate Chinese New Year with Jiang Ziya revealing they are in the same shared universe.
White Snake (2019)
Another Chinese animated film based on an ancient legend, White Snake is an adaption of the well-known story Legend of the White Snake. It follows the white snake-demon Bai Suzhen who becomes a human woman and falls in love with a snake hunter.
Following the success of the first film, a sequel Green Snake was released in 2021 and a third movie White Snake: Afloat in 2024.
Monkey King: Hero is Back (2015)
The Monkey King may have been popularised outside China through the record-breaking Black Myth: Wukong game but he has a long and storied history in China. Part of that history is the animated movie Monkey King: Hero is Back released in 2015. At the time it became the highest-grossing animated movie in China with a box office of over $150 million. Its strong animation, critical approval, and popular appeal saw it be noted as the start of a resurgence of Chinese home-grown animation. Fitting, since China’s first ever animated feature film was Princess Iron Fan. Released in 1941 it also told the Monkey King’s story.
Big Fish & Begonia (2016)
Drawing inspiration from various traditional Chinese legends this movie tells the story of a girl named Chun from a magical underwater world who falls in love with a human boy.
Coming out in 2016 a year later than Monkey King, Big Fish & Begonia is equally claimed to be responsible for a new dawn in China’s animation industry. Originating from a short made in 2004, it took years of work and overcoming financial difficulties for the movie to finally come to life. It blends traditional hand-drawn 2D and computer-generated 3D animation creating undeniably beautiful visuals.
Deep Sea (2023)
China has a bit of a type when it comes to animated movies, and unsurprisingly Deep Sea is yet another animated fantasy film. It is from director Tian Xiaopeng who was responsible for Monkey King: Hero is Back. Unlike the previous fantasy films on this list, Deep Sea is a completely original creation not drawing on any legends. Following the child Shenxiu who feels abandoned in a grey life after her parent’s divorce, she finds a colourful underwater land.
The animation’s strength is worth mentioning, with the film drawing on traditional Chinese ink painting to bring to life a breathtaking colourful world.
Dahufa (2017)
While Dahufa is also a fantasy movie, it is very different to all the previous movies on this list. It’s much more grounded than the epic gods and monsters found elsewhere. It follows Dahufa (The great protector). Searching for a runaway prince from his kingdom he discovers Peanut Town and its repressed and controlled residents.
Created by a renowned indie animator Busifan, this was his first feature film. It was put together on a shoestring budget initially for an animated show. After making the decision to release in cinema, it was upgraded to higher quality. Boasting animation more akin to Studio Ghibli than the typical computer-generated style of Chinese animated movies it is a visually appealing watch.
It made only a small profit for the team behind it but has grown into a cult classic in China.
Flavours of Youth (2018)
Finally moving away from fantasy completely, Flavours of Youth is a Chinese-Japanese co-production that is split into three story lines. They take place in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai it represents three of China’s best-known cities. The slice-of-life stories represent everyday reality and the simple joys in life.
The co-production means it has an animation style more commonly associated with Japanese anime.
I Am What I Am (2021)
I am What I Am is an underdog sports story – just happening to take place in Lion Dancing. Following a left-behind teenager in a village in rural Guangdong, he forms a Lion Dance team with his friends and enters a competition.
It follows most of the beats of an underdog sports story. However, enough surprises are added to keep a viewer interested mixing its elements of comedy and drama well.
Despite being a solid movie, it suffered at the Chinese box office due to a controversy around its animation. Characters faces were exaggerated with slanted eyes that are common in Western animated designs.
If you liked this article why not read: Best Chinese Movies of 2024
