Chinese Animation Hits Global Milestone with 'Nobody' Success

Over the past 12 months, the Chinese film industry has experienced a remarkable surge, with the animation sector leading the charge. The stunning box office success of Beijing Enlight Pictures' 'Ne Zha 2,' which has become the world's biggest animated hit of all time, has been a major highlight.

However, the industry's growth extends beyond just blockbuster successes. The Shanghai Animation Film Studio-produced 'Nobody,' which took in an estimated $153 million at the domestic box office, has also garnered significant attention. The film, based on the ancient Chinese text 'Journey to the West,' blends traditional Chinese ink-wash painting styles with modern cinematic techniques to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story.

According to the film's art director and executive producer, Chen Liaoyu, Chinese animation has reached a new stage of creative maturity, with a new generation of animators consciously exploring the cultural heritage and spiritual essence of Chinese identity. 'Nobody' is a prime example of this, as it uses the classic tale of the 'Journey to the West' as a springboard to tell a story about ordinary people overcoming adversity, a theme that Chen believes deeply resonates with modern audiences.

The success of 'Nobody' and other recent Chinese animated hits underscores the industry's evolution beyond just children's entertainment. As Chen notes, "The era when animation was seen solely as children's entertainment is long over. Today's Chinese animation creators are striving to create works with universal appeal."

With the Chinese film industry's box office reaching $6.1 billion as of October 8th, 2025 – an 18.98% increase year-over-year – and the number of moviegoers topping 1.035 billion, the future looks bright for Chinese animation and the broader film industry.