Chongqing - This summer, “Nobody” has taken China’s cinemas by storm. The 2D hand-drawn animation has surpassed 1.23 billion yuan (about 1.72 million U.S. dollars) in box office revenue, breaking into the top ten animated films in China’s history and ranking among the top four films of 2025. It has also set a new record as the highest-grossing 2D animated film in Chinese cinema history.

Unlike many visually dazzling CGI productions, this film relies on emotional depth and artistic dedication. Over four years, more than 600 artists produced over 2,000 hand-drawn sketches, standing firm against the global industry’s rush toward AI-driven animation. This persistence gave the film a unique aesthetic identity and helped it stand out in a crowded market.

For many office workers and ordinary viewers, the film’s heartfelt dialogue and storylines resonate deeply. “The lines feel like a true reflection of us in the workplace,” said Lan Ke, a film media commentator. “Through this animation, we can see ourselves, and it feels like the creators are having a direct dialogue with us.” John, Chongqing Liaison of the Nationwide Alliance of Arthouse Cinemas, also agreed that the story’s resonance is one important reason for its success.

The choice of 2D was also seen as a confident move by the creative team. “2D hand-drawing is no less demanding than 3D. By choosing this traditional style, the creators showed faith in their craft and offered audiences something more authentic and rooted in Chinese aesthetics,” said John.

Lan Ke noted that Chinese animation is not short of good stories, but faces the challenge of connecting with international audiences. The success of “Nobody” reflects a growing effort to package stories in ways that resonate with today’s youth while drawing on China’s rich cultural heritage. As the story shows, work is not something that exists only in China—it is a theme that global audiences can understand and relate to.

From Ne Zha defying fate to the little monsters’ brave journey, Chinese animation is carving out its own path that blends tradition, modern sensibilities, and a distinctly Chinese voice on the global stage.