8 Chinese Animated Movies To Watch Before Your Trip to China (2026)
This list aims to give you a wide picture of Chinese animated movies. The movies are all from the 2020s, showcasing China’s massive ascension to the highest quality animated productions. I am Chinese.
Sub-genres include: Fantasy | Mythology | Historical | Action | Adventure | Drama
Ne Zha 1+2 | 哪吒1+2
Genre: Fantasy Action
Why I recommend it: the first one is brilliant, the second one is even better! The colours are spectacular - it’s a top 3 animation for me in terms of aesthetics.
The main character, Ne Zha, has such a memorable personality. He is based on a Chinese deity from the Shang Dynasty over 3,000 years ago.
Ne Zha 2 is the world’s highest grossing animation of all-time. Over 320 million people saw it.
My Score: 9.8/10
Nobody | 浪浪山小妖怪 (literal name in Chinese = Little Monster of Langlang Mountain)
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Why I recommend it: this 2D animation completely surpassed my expectations. It has beautiful artwork and hilarious dialogue. The music is amazing - there are some soothing tracks!
The story focuses on a group pretending to be the gang from Journey to the West. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish with lots of funny moments.
I just wished I saw it earlier, because it totally brightened up my mood. A definite rewatch.
My Score: 9.5/10
🎬 Also check out my article 46 Top Chinese Movies To Watch: Best Films by Genre
Deep Sea | 深海
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Why I recommend it: the aesthetics are extraordinary, one of the most beautiful animations I’ve ever seen. Incredible music.
I found the story very heart-touching. Makes you think a lot.
Not the happiest of films, but it’s definitely memorable for me.
My Score: 8.8/10
Interested in visiting China?
The Legend of Hei 1+2 | 罗小黑战记 1+2
Genre: Fantasy Action Adventure
Why I recommend it: I loved the first one and the second one was even more incredible. The main character is an adorable cat spirit, whose interactions with humans is very heartwarming.
The movie is deep, focusing on morals and reflections. Action scenes are fantastic! Check it out!
My Score: 9.2/10
Chang An | 长安三万里(literal name in Chinese = 30,000 Li from Chang’an)
Genre: Historical Biographical Drama
Why I recommend it: It’s set during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). The visuals are breathtaking.
The main characters are two of China’s historical poets. Amazingly, the movie contains 48 real poems from that period.
There is so much culture and history that anyone fascinated with Chinese culture should see this. It’s over 2 hours long but it’s deep!
My Score: 9.2/10
All Wishes Come True | 八仙 (literal name in Chinese = Eight Immortals)
Genre: Fantasy Mythology Adventure
Why I recommend it: One of the best opening sequences to an animated movie I’ve personally seen!
The characters are really interesting, the visuals are gorgeous, and it’s pretty funny too!
The backstory gets pretty deep! Hard to guess what will happen next.
It’s based on the legendary eight immortals in Chinese mythology.
My Score: 9.5/10 (released in summer 2026, might come to your country soon)
I am What I Am | 雄狮少年 (literal name in Chinese = Brave Lion Boy)
Genre: Comedy Drama
Why I recommend it: A very touching, down-to-earth animation. The graphics are pretty unique!
The story centers around one of China’s most famous traditions - the lion dance.
I found it very relatable as it talks about a lot of societal and personal struggles.
My Score: 9/10
Three Kingdoms: The Beginning | 三国第一部：争洛阳 (second part of title means = The Battle for Luoyang)
Genre: Historical Action Drama
Why I recommend it: All fans of Three Kingdoms should see this! Personally, it’s the best Three Kingdoms animation I’ve seen!
The story is set during the Yellow Turban Rebellion at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, before the conflict between Three Kingdoms breaks out.
It focuses on Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, but all the big characters make an appearance - including Lü Bu, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei!
I also loved the night-time graphics of Luoyang.
My Score: 9.3/10 (released in 2026)
Bonus: An animation I’m looking forward to in 2026! Take a look at the teaser for Demon Agent!
🎬 For more Chinese movies, check out my article 👇🏻
46 Top Chinese Movies To Watch: Best Films by Genre
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