Chinese animated film “Niu Lai” has become an unlikely box-office success after viral clips mocking its animation drew audiences to cinemas, helping it compete with major releases including “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
Released on August 5, the 86-minute film initially struggled, earning less than 10,000 yuan ($1,480) in its first 10 days. Its fortunes changed around August 14 after clips highlighting its rudimentary animation and unusual voice acting went viral on social media.
The film earned 717,000 yuan on August 15, prompting cinemas to increase screenings. By August 17, it had grossed 17.1 million yuan ($2.5 million), according to ABC News.
On August 18, “Niu Lai” recorded 2.3 million yuan in real-time box-office earnings and briefly climbed to fourth place on China’s domestic box-office chart, overtaking “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
The film has drawn attention partly because of its low production value. Viewers have mocked its computer-generated visuals, stiff movements, and voice acting, with some calling it one of the worst films of 2026.
Directed by Xin Yu Meng and produced with his mother, Sun Lifan, “Niu Lai” reportedly took five years to make on a budget of about 30,000 yuan ($4,450). The pair handled much of the production themselves, including writing, animation, editing, and voice acting.
Its title, translated as “the bull is coming,” has also inspired jokes among Chinese audiences, particularly investors. The film’s unexpected success has turned it from an obscure release into one of the country’s most discussed films of the summer.