Movies & shows for kids for learning Chinese

Children can learn Chinese really well through watching movies in which Mandarin Chinese is spoken. They’ll get familiar with the sounds of the Chinese language, while reading subtitles in English (or another language). We specifically list only movies spoken in Chinese here, so some fantastic movies such as ‘Mulan’, ‘Kung Fu Panda’, or ‘Over the Moon’ don’t count.

Here are Chinese kids movies that really help kids learning Mandarin. The language is easy to understand so it’s also really suitable for beginner Chinese learners. Great for a whole family viewing! You can find most of these movies on YouTube, iQIYI, Bilibili, or you can download them somewhere.

Updated for 2026 — Chinese animation has entered a golden age. With blockbusters like Ne Zha 2 shattering global box office records and beautiful 2D films like Nobody winning worldwide acclaim, there’s never been a better time to learn Chinese through animation.

Also see our movie & Netflix suggestions for adult Chinese learners.

Ne Zha (哪吒之魔童降世), animation 2019 & Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海), 2025 🆕

Suits children 10 years and older (Ne Zha 1) / 12+ years (Ne Zha 2)

Ne Zha is the biggest Chinese animated franchise of all time — and Ne Zha 2 became the highest-grossing animated film in world history in 2025, earning over $2.2 billion globally. Based on Chinese mythology from the classic novel Investiture of the Gods (封神演义), the story follows the rebellious boy-deity Ne Zha who defies fate and fights to determine his own destiny. The sequel dives deeper into the friendship between Ne Zha and Ao Bing, with stunning battle sequences and emotionally powerful themes about identity and courage. The Mandarin is clear and expressive — great for intermediate learners. Note: Ne Zha 2 is rated PG-13 due to intense fantasy action, so it’s better suited for older kids and teens.

Nobody (浪浪山小妖怪), animation 2025 🆕

Suits children 8 years and older

One of the most critically acclaimed Chinese animated films of 2025, Nobody tells a charming and funny story about four “little monster” characters — a pig, a toad, a weasel, and a gorilla — who set off on their own version of the famous Journey to the West. Made by Shanghai Animation Film Studio using gorgeous traditional ink-wash painting techniques, this film became the highest-grossing 2D animated film in Chinese history. The language is relatively accessible, and the humor works for both kids and adults. A wonderful introduction to Chinese mythology and folklore!

The Legend of Hei 2 (罗小黑战记2), animation 2025 🆕

Suits children 8 years and older

This beautifully hand-drawn sequel follows Hei, a small black cat spirit, as he teams up with his companions to uncover a conspiracy threatening both the spirit world and humanity. The animation style is unique — charming and detailed 2D art with incredible action sequences. The first film (2019) is also worth watching. The Mandarin is natural and conversational, making it great listening practice. Available internationally through GKIDS.

I Am What I Am (雄狮少年), animation 2021 & I Am What I Am 2 (雄狮少年2), 2024

Suits children 8 years and older

A fantastic animation about the traditional lion dance (competition) in China, but also about leaving your hometown for the big city and leaving parents & friends behind. A story about persistence despite adversity, with beautiful animations. The 2024 sequel follows the main character Gyun (阿娟) as he travels to Shanghai to earn money for his father’s medical treatment, and ends up competing in a martial arts tournament. The sequel shifts from lion dancing to traditional Chinese martial arts culture, with even more stunning animation and powerful fight choreography. Both films feature clear, everyday Mandarin — perfect for learning real conversational Chinese.

Wish Dragon, 2021 (许愿神龙)

Suits children 5 years and older

This movie is out both in English and Chinese, so make sure you have the Mandarin one! We put this movie also on our list for Chinese movies for adults, because it’s so fantastic for all ages. It’s fast, beautifully animated, and it’s an inspiring story. All in Mandarin!

Boonie Bears (熊出没, several movies) 🔄 Updated

Suits children 6 to 15 years old

These two cuddly, funny, and sometimes a bit silly bears get into all sorts of trouble. They speak Chinese with a slight Dongbei accent, which is fine for you to learn Mandarin with. The movies and episodes are still being produced — the franchise now has over 12 feature films! The two main characters are Briar (熊大; Xióngdà) and Bramble (熊二; Xióng’èr). The Chinese name of this show is 熊出没 (xióng chūmò).

The latest movies include Boonie Bears: Future Reborn (熊出没·重启未来, 2025), a futuristic adventure where the bears travel 100 years into the future, and the brand new Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector (熊出没·隐秘的守护者, 2026), released during the 2026 Chinese New Year, in which the bears encounter the legendary Year Monster (年兽 Niánshòu). Both are available with English dubs internationally. The Boonie Bears franchise is now distributed globally through Netflix, Sony, and Disney, and has been translated into over 10 languages.

Happy Daddy and Son (大头儿子和小头爸爸, several movies)

From 3 years to 6 years old

The Chinese name for this show is 大头儿子和小头爸爸 Dàtóu er zi hé xiǎo tóu bàba, and many Chinese children identify with this parent-to-child relationship. There are movies and several seasons filled with episodes.

 

Super Wings (超级飞侠大百科, several movies)

3 years and older

This series looks a bit like Disney’s Plane movie, with talking planes that rescue all sorts of people and animals. They travel to different countries to learn about various cultures. The Chinese name is 超级飞侠大百科 Chāojí fēi xiá dà bǎikē, which translates into ‘Super Flying Man Encyclopedia’.

Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf (喜羊羊與灰太狼, several movies)

From 3 to 10 years old

The Chinese name of this series is 喜羊羊與灰太狼 Xǐyángyáng yǔ huītàiláng, and it’s known by many Chinese children. It’s about a wolf who wants to eat a goat, but of course, that never happens. The show started in 2005 and a movie was added in 2009. There are now 34 seasons and 2573 episodes. The hero of the story is Happy (sometimes translated in subtitles as Weslie) whose Chinese name is 喜羊羊; Xǐ Yángyáng). He’s a positive inspiration and loves sport (such as basketball). There’s also the 2022 movie “Dunk for Future (喜羊羊與灰太狼之筐出未來)” from the series.