5 Chinese Animated Movies To Watch Before Your Trip to China (2026)
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: 9.5/10
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. Not the happiest of films, but it’s definitely memorable for me.
My Score: 8.5/10
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: 9.5/10
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: 9/10
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
Interested in visiting China? You could save money by:
👉 Comparing flight prices to China HERE
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