The 2000s marked a pivotal decade for the growth and transformation of Chinese animated movies. As China’s film industry expanded and diversified, animation began to flourish as a significant genre, not only for children but also for general audiences. This era introduced audiences to innovative storytelling, unique visual styles, and a revival of Chinese mythology and culture through animation. Here is a deep look at the top 10 Chinese animated movies from the 2000s, each contributing in its own way to the evolution of the country's animation industry.

1. Lotus Lantern (2000)

Though technically released in 1999, Lotus Lantern gained widespread popularity in the early 2000s, influencing the decade to come. This film is based on a famous Chinese folktale and tells the story of a young boy named Chen Xiang who embarks on a journey to rescue his mother from a powerful deity. What made Lotus Lantern stand out was its rich use of traditional Chinese cultural elements combined with modern animation techniques. The visuals were vibrant, and the emotional storytelling resonated with both children and adults. It became a symbol of how Chinese animated movies could successfully draw from native legends while maintaining broad appeal.

2. Big-Headed Kid and Small-Headed Father (2001)

A departure from fantasy and mythology, this film adapted a beloved television series into a full-length animated feature. Big-Headed Kid and Small-Headed Father centers around the life of an ordinary Chinese family and explores the humorous, heartwarming relationship between a curious child and his loving, if often bumbling, father. The movie highlighted relatable everyday experiences and reflected contemporary urban life in China. It appealed strongly to both children and parents, reinforcing the idea that Chinese animated movies could address modern social themes in a family-friendly format.

3. Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf: The Super Snail Adventure (2009)

The Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf franchise became a cultural phenomenon in China during the 2000s. The Super Snail Adventure was one of the standout films in the series. It followed the ongoing conflict between a clever goat and a persistent but dim-witted wolf, combining slapstick comedy with fast-paced action. The film was aimed primarily at younger viewers but also attracted a larger audience due to its humor and catchy music. This movie demonstrated that Chinese animated movies could sustain successful long-running franchises and develop iconic characters for the next generation.

4. Storm Rider: Clash of the Evils (2008)

Based on the popular manhua (Chinese comic) Fung Wan, Storm Rider: Clash of the Evils was a bold attempt to blend martial arts fantasy with computer-generated animation. The film followed two powerful warriors as they navigated betrayal, ambition, and destiny in a mythical world. The animation was detailed, and the action sequences were carefully choreographed, echoing classic wuxia films. Although it received mixed reviews, it marked a milestone in adapting adult-oriented themes into animated form and reflected the ambition of Chinese animators to reach beyond child audiences.

5. The Magic Aster (2009)

Produced by the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, The Magic Aster brought together old-school charm and contemporary production. This film revolved around a magical aster flower that granted wishes, and the story focused on love, sacrifice, and bravery. It used traditional Chinese ink painting styles in a modern context and paid homage to the studio's storied legacy. The film was part of a larger initiative to revive classic Chinese animated aesthetics, positioning Chinese animated movies as vehicles for preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern storytelling.

6. Old Master Q: Fantasy Zone Battle (2002)

This film was based on the popular Hong Kong comic strip Old Master Q. Known for its slapstick humor and social satire, the animated adaptation delivered a vibrant and energetic take on the original material. It brought to life familiar characters in a fantastical world filled with quirky creatures and absurd situations. The success of the movie showcased the potential of adapting regional comics into full-length animated features and proved that humor rooted in Chinese societal quirks could be effectively translated into animation.

7. McDull, Prince de la Bun (2004)

McDull, Prince de la Bun is a unique blend of innocence, melancholy, and humor. The film followed McDull, a lovable piglet, as he dreams of becoming a prince and making his mother proud. Set in Hong Kong, the film combined poetic narration, whimsical visuals, and social commentary. It resonated deeply with audiences due to its sincere exploration of childhood dreams and adult realities. Unlike many conventional animated films, it did not rely solely on action or fantasy. Instead, it delivered emotional depth and intellectual subtlety, raising the bar for Chinese animated movies.

8. Century Sonny: The Adventure of the Extra-Galactic Prince (2006)

This film was one of the first large-scale 3D animated productions in China. Century Sonny told the story of a young prince from another galaxy who crash-lands on Earth and tries to stop a war threatening both his world and ours. Its ambitious production featured space battles, futuristic cities, and a wide cast of characters. While the animation quality did not match Hollywood standards, it demonstrated the growing technical capabilities of the Chinese animation industry and marked a shift toward more science-fiction storytelling in Chinese animated movies.

9. Thru the Moebius Strip (2005)

A joint venture between Chinese and international studios, Thru the Moebius Strip was one of China’s earliest attempts at a full-length 3D animated feature using advanced CGI. Directed by Glenn Chaika and produced by China’s Global Digital Creations Holdings, the movie tells the story of a teenager who travels across the universe to rescue his father. It combined Western storytelling techniques with Chinese philosophical ideas. Though its reception was mixed, the film represented a significant technological leap and was an early sign that Chinese animated movies could aim for a global audience.

10. Sky Eye (2005)

Sky Eye was a lesser-known gem that explored ecological themes and environmental consciousness through the story of a boy and a magical artifact that lets him see the true nature of the world. Set in a beautiful yet endangered forest, the film blended adventure and morality, urging viewers to reflect on human impact on nature. Its lush visuals and strong message made it an important part of early efforts to instill values through animation.

Chinese animated movies of the 2000s stood at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. They revived classical stories while exploring new genres, from science fiction to slice-of-life drama. During this decade, Chinese animation evolved from being perceived as mainly educational or childish to becoming a form of cultural and artistic expression with global ambitions. These ten films illustrate the diversity, creativity, and resilience of Chinese animators, laying the groundwork for the international successes seen in the following decade. As audiences increasingly embrace stories rooted in Chinese culture, the legacy of these early 2000s films continues to inspire and shape the future of animation in China.