{"id":182116,"date":"2023-10-25T07:46:44","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T11:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/chinese-animated-movies\/"},"modified":"2025-01-30T01:20:57","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T06:20:57","slug":"chinese-animated-movies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/chinese\/chinese-animated-movies\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Essential Chinese Animated Movies to Watch Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

For those who find Chinese movies and TV shows a bit too challenging for their language level, there are always animated films. Whether you’re looking for a coming-of-age fantasy movie or a grand historical epic, there’s a Chinese anime title<\/a> for everyone. There’s nothing quite like a Chinese animated movie, many of which draw from unique Chinese legends<\/a>, folklore and philosophy.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve rounded up the best Chinese animated<\/strong> films<\/strong> all around, complete with trailers so you can choose what to watch right away:<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

Ne Zha \u2014 2019<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u54ea\u5412\u4e4b\u9b54\u7ae5\u964d\u4e16 (N\u00e9zh\u0101 Zh\u012b M\u00f3t\u00f3ng Ji\u00e0ngsh\u00ec)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Amazon Prime<\/a> | Google Play<\/a><\/p>\n

Ne Zha is a strange child who’s born through unique, mystical circumstances. A curse gives him demonic powers, but then he\u2019s also fated to bring widespread destruction to the world. Despite this, Ne Zha rebels against his seemingly inescapable fate, striving to forge a different destiny as a hero rather than a demon.<\/p>\n

In his quest for identity, Ne Zha encounters and fights with different mythical creatures, gods and immortals who challenge his understanding of good and evil.<\/p>\n

Legend of Deification \u2014 2020<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u59dc\u5b50\u7259 (Ji\u0101ng Z\u01d0y\u0101)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch: <\/strong>Amazon Prime<\/a> | Tubi<\/a><\/p>\n

Jiang Ziya is a powerful commander in the divine army who manages to conquer the malevolent Nine-Tailed Fox Demon. But after this epic battle, he discovers that the demon’s spirit is connected to that of a young, innocent girl. He ends up choosing to save the girl\u2019s life, putting mercy over duty\u2014which results in him being demoted and exiled.<\/p>\n

As he navigates a life steeped in solitude, with visions of a dystopian future, he slowly forms an alliance with other warriors and supernatural creatures who were betrayed or alienated too.<\/p>\n

Chang’an \u2014 2023<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name: <\/strong>\u957f\u5b89\u4e09\u4e07\u91cc (Ch\u00e1ng’\u0101n S\u0101n W\u00e0n L\u01d0)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Migu Video<\/a> | Tencent Video<\/a><\/p>\n

A highly rated film because of its strong character-driven storytelling and fluid animation, “Chang’an” is set in one of the most creative historical periods in China: the Tang Dynasty<\/a>. It\u2019s centered on the lives and friendship of the famous poets Li Bai<\/a> and Gao Shi<\/a>. Both of them are grappling with their dreams and societal expectations, right as China\u2019s transitioning from prosperity to chaos.<\/p>\n

In many scenes in the movie, Tang poems are actually read out loud, and you’ll get to learn more about traditional Chinese culture and poetry.<\/p>\n

Monkey King: Hero is Back \u2014 2015<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u897f\u6e38\u8bb0\u4e4b\u5927\u5723\u5f52\u6765 (X\u012by\u00f3u J\u00ec Zh\u012b D\u00e0 Sh\u00e8ng Gu\u012bl\u00e1i)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Amazon Prime<\/a> | Disney<\/a><\/p>\n

The mighty Monkey King<\/a>\u2014a legendary figure in Chinese mythology\u2014has been imprisoned by the Gods for centuries, but then he\u2019s accidentally freed by a child named Liuer. Once proud and vain, the Monkey King finds himself humbled.<\/p>\n

As he and Luier journey together, they become friends and encounter several adversities, including monsters and deceitful gods who want to take advantage of his weakened state. Each battle not only tests the Monkey King\u2019s combat skills but also teaches him important lessons of empathy and heroism.<\/p>\n

Dahufa \u2014 2017<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u5927\u62a4\u6cd5 (D\u00e0h\u01d4f\u01ce)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Google Play<\/a><\/p>\n

DaHuFa follows a guardian who has to find a lost prince in a dystopian kingdom. As he searches for the prince, DaHuFa stumbles on a society that blindly follows a leader who wears an ominous mask to impose control. Citizens of this kingdom are deceived and oppressed, and they\u2019re unaware of how much they\u2019ve lost their freedom.<\/p>\n

Because of his efforts to help them, he uncovers a sinister conspiracy. He then has to rely on his martial arts skills and battle wits to face elite guards, court officials and other people who want to protect the regime\u2019s secrets.<\/p>\n

Big Fish and Begonia \u2014 2017<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u5927\u9c7c\u6d77\u68e0 (D\u00e0y\u00fa H\u01ceit\u00e1ng)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch: <\/strong>Amazon Prime<\/a> | Crunchyroll<\/a> | Google Play<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the most well-known Chinese animated movies worldwide, it revolves around Chun, a mystical being from the undersea who becomes a red dolphin to explore the human world. When Chun gets tangled up in a fishing net, a human boy sacrifices himself to save her. She\u2019s deeply moved by this, so she decides to venture into the difficult path of resurrecting him.<\/p>\n

This involves plenty of trials, including dealing with a two-headed serpent that both tries to help and deceive her. Ultimately, she’s forced to make sacrifices along the way and understand what love really means.<\/p>\n

The Legend of Hei \u2014 2019<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u7f57\u5c0f\u9ed1\u6218\u8bb0 (Lu\u00f3 Xi\u00e0oh\u0113i Zh\u00e0n J\u00ec)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Amazon Prime<\/a> | Crunchyroll<\/a> | Google Play<\/a><\/p>\n

This adorable animated film narrates the adventures of Xiao Hei, a black cat demon who\u2019s forced out of his home in a serene forest because of urbanization. Since he has nowhere else to go, he transforms into a child so he can live among human beings.<\/p>\n

In this new, chaotic world, he somehow gets caught up in conflicts among mystical factions. These have different perspectives about how to treat humans\u2014whether to live in harmony with them or confront them aggressively.<\/p>\n

White Snake \u2014 2019<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u767d\u86c7\uff1a\u7f18\u8d77 (B\u00e1ish\u00e9: Yu\u00e1nq\u01d0)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Amazon Prime<\/a> | Google Play<\/a> | Hulu<\/a><\/p>\n

Based loosely on the famous Chinese legend<\/a>, White Snake is a love story about a snake demon and a human. Bianca, a white snake demon, loses her memory, and then forms an unlikely bond with a kind-hearted man named Ah Xuan, who ironically happens to be a snake hunter.<\/p>\n

Ah Xuan decides to help Bianca discover her lost past. As they discover a scheme that threatens both the mortal and immortal worlds, they realize that Bianca\u2019s lost memory holds the key to stopping this impending disaster.<\/p>\n

No. 7 Cherry Lane \u2014 2019<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name: <\/strong>\u7ee7\u56ed\u53f0\u4e03\u53f7 (J\u00ecyu\u00e1nt\u00e1i Q\u012bh\u00e0o)<\/p>\n

Set in Hong Kong in 1967, “No. 7 Cherry Lane” features a passionate love story amidst political turmoil. Ziming is a university student who gets involved in a love triangle as he starts tutoring Meiling, a high school student. He eventually develops feelings for Mei Ling.<\/p>\n

This is complicated by how Ziming also becomes attracted to Meiling\u2019s mother, Mrs. Yu\u2014a mysterious, worldly woman in his eyes. To add to the tension, the story is set against the backdrop of a city on the brink of change.<\/p>\n

Have a Nice Day \u2014 2017<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u5927\u4e16\u754c (D\u00e0 Sh\u00ecji\u00e8)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Amazon Prime<\/a> | Tubi<\/a><\/p>\n

In \u201cHave a Nice Day,\u201d a bag with a million yuan attracts various individuals from different walks of life with financial struggles. All of them are desperate to secure the bag for their own reasons.<\/p>\n

A driver first steals the bag, with the goal of fixing his girlfriend’s failed plastic surgery. This sets off a chaotic chain of events, involving a variety of characters like a hitman and a disillusioned artist. With its stark animation style and dark humor, the movie reflects the complexities and absurdities of modern life in China.<\/p>\n

Throne of Elves \u2014 2016<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name: <\/strong>\u7cbe\u7075\u738b\u5ea7 (J\u012bngl\u00edng W\u00e1ngzu\u00f2)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Amazon Prime<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThrone of Elves\u201d is set in the mythical Elven world of Altera where an epic conflict unfolds between the human race and elves over a powerful artifact known as the Black Dragon.<\/p>\n

The film follows the young half-elf Liya who gets entangled in this war. To stop the dark elf Elena from controlling all of Altera with the Black Dragon, Liya teams up with Lambert, a kind-hearted human prince. They then travel through breathtaking landscapes, confronting various enemies and even ancient magic, in a desperate bid to save their world.<\/p>\n

Deep Sea \u2014 2023<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u6df1\u6d77 (Sh\u0113n H\u01cei)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Blu-ray<\/a><\/p>\n

This 3D Chinese animated movie attracted a lot of attention because of its stunning visuals, which are inspired by Chinese ink painting. Shenxiu is a young girl who\u2019s struggling with her mother\u2019s abandonment and feeling alienated in her father\u2019s new family.<\/p>\n

Her life changes, though, when she\u2019s suddenly transported into an enchanting underwater realm. She meets the quirky chef Nanhe along with his delightful crew of sea animals there. Together, they go on a quest for a magical sea spirit, which is key to saving Nanhe\u2019s struggling business and helping Shenxiu find her mother.<\/p>\n

Lotus Lantern \u2014 1999<\/h2>\n

https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_iLJrbmI0YI<\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u5b9d\u83b2\u706f (B\u01ceo Li\u00e1n D\u0113ng)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cLotus Lantern\u201d is another Chinese animated film that\u2019s based on a folktale<\/a>. It\u2019s a poignant story of love and sacrifice, focusing on Sanshengmu, a celestial being who falls in love with a mortal. Their union births a son, Chenxiang.<\/p>\n

When the romance is discovered, Sanshengmu is punished, and Chenxiang is left in the mortal world. Years later, Chenxiang learns about his heritage and decides to rescue his mother, armed with a magical lotus lantern.<\/p>\n

I Am What I Am \u2014 2021<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name: <\/strong>\u96c4\u7345\u5c11\u5e74 (Xi\u00f3ngsh\u012b Sh\u00e0oni\u00e1n)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Google Play<\/a><\/p>\n

Ah-Juan is a village boy who dreams of winning the Guangzhou Lion Dancing Championship. He gets two friends to join him in learning the dance, but they have to endure doubt and ridicule because other people see it as out of reach for them.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, they find a mentor in Qiang, a former turned salted fish salesman. However, Ah-Juan realizes that following his dreams isn\u2019t always so simple, especially when he has to become his family\u2019s breadwinner after his father gets hospitalized.<\/p>\n

Princess Iron Fan \u2014 1941<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Chinese Name:<\/strong> \u94c1\u6247\u516c\u4e3b (Ti\u011b Sh\u0101n G\u014dngzh\u01d4)<\/p>\n

Where to Watch:<\/strong> Internet Archive<\/a> | YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cPrincess Iron Fan\u201d is actually the first ever Chinese animated film! It\u2019s inspired by a segment of the classic novel “Journey to the West.”<\/a><\/p>\n

The Monkey King is on a pilgrimage to the West, but he has to pass through a mountain range engulfed in a supernatural fire. Because of this, he needs Princess Iron Fan\u2019s magical fan, which can extinguish any flame. However, the princess is unwilling to lend the fan, leading to a series of adventures, battles and lessons for the Monkey King and his companions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

These Chinese animated movies can be funny, heartwarming, and even poignant\u2014it’s a diverse list, after all. Check out the trailers, pick your favorite and have a great time watching!<\/p>\n

And one more thing...<\/h2>\r\n

\r\n\tIf you like learning Chinese at your own pace and from the comfort of your device, I have to tell you about FluentU<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\r\nFluentU makes it easier (and more fun) to learn Chinese by making real content like movies and series accessible to learners. You can check out FluentU's curated video library, or bring our learning tools directly to Netflix or YouTube<\/strong> with the FluentU Chrome extension. \r\n<\/p>\r\n

\r\n\"learn-mandarin-chinese-with-videos\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nOne of the features I find most helpful is the interactive captions<\/strong>\u2014you can tap on any word to see its meaning, an image, pronunciation, and other examples from different contexts. It\u2019s a great way to pick up vocab without having to pause and look things up separately.\r\n<\/p>

\r\n\"learn-mandarin-chinese-with-subtitled-song-and-music-videos\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nFluentU also helps reinforce what you\u2019ve learned<\/strong> with personalized quizzes. You can swipe through extra examples and complete engaging exercises that adapt to your progress. You'll get extra practice with the words you find more challenging and even be reminded you when it\u2019s time to review!\r\n<\/p>

\r\n\"practice-mandarin-chinese-with-adaptive-quizzes\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nYou can use FluentU on your computer, tablet, or phone with our app for Apple or Android devices. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a>\r\n<\/p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For those who find Chinese movies and TV shows a bit too challenging for their language level, there are always animated films. Whether you’re looking for a coming-of-age fantasy movie…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":739,"featured_media":249277,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"15 Essential Chinese Animated Movies to Watch Now | FluentU Chinese Blog","description":"Chinese animated movies are on the rise, and this list covers 15 animated movies that you should check out because they\u2019re the best in the industry! Dive in with classics like Monkey King or get to know modern 3D films like Chang\u2019an. Click here for the full list, with streaming links and trailers included!"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[724,732,734],"tags":[],"coauthors":[208],"class_list":["post-182116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chinese","category-chinese-resources","category-video-chinese-resources"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/739"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=182116"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":208465,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182116\/revisions\/208465"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/249277"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=182116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=182116"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=182116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}