Saturday, January 25, 2020, marks the beginning of the year of the Rat on the Chinese Lunar calendar. The New Year celebration lasts 16 days, from New Year's Eve to the 15th day of the New Year- the Lantern Festival. What a great time to grab some popcorn and cuddle up with your little Chinese learner for a movie!
Unfortunately, it is not all straightforward or easy to find Chinese movies to watch, even if you are willing to pay! If you search for Children’s Chinese movies on YouTube, you will very likely come up with a confusing hodgepodge of movies. Somegood original Chinese animation movies like the 小金刚 (xiǎo jīn gāng) Little Monkey in the Big Apple, when "imported" to the United States, have been dubbed with English voice-over. Some movies may have received much hype in China, butdon't hold their appeal for audiences in the West.Those movies include the following two that I do NOT recommend: The Boonie Bears series 熊出没 (xióng chū mò) and The Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf series 喜羊羊与灰太狼 ( xǐ yáng yáng yǔ huī tài láng ). Since these showsseemed to be popular in China a few years ago, I carried home boxes of DVDs for my sons. These were not worth the space in my luggage! Too much grownup humor and pointless action sequences that glorify aggressive behavior. The series’ New Year-themed movies are no exception.
After sitting & screening hours of YouTube movies (unfortunately, most of them I would not like my boys to watch), we have found five movies (four feature-length films and one 5-minute animated poem) that our family loves to watch!And what can beat the convenience of YouTube? We have organized all the movies we recommend into a playlist on JoJo's YouTube Channel for your convenience. Stay tuned!
#1Little Door Gods 小门神 （Xiǎo Mén Shén）
Ages:4+
Genres: Animation, Fantasy, Superhero
Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Subtitle: Simplified Chinese and English
Why I recommend it：
- Even though the movie was made in 2016, it is one of the more engaging Chinese movies on YouTube till today
Simple conversational dialogue, easy for young Chinese learners to understand
Engaging storytelling
High quality animation, adorable character design
English and Chinese subtitles for family fun
I love this contemporary family story about Chinese traditions. I remember the days when many families in my hometown left posters of gods on their doors to allow the spirits access to protect their homes. Lovely!
Warning: The villain in the story, 年(Nián), can be scary for young kids. Sound familiar? I had to remind my boys: There is a monster. He is not real! 年(Nián), translated as Year, was a monster in old Chinese tales. Nián came out of its lair each New Year to attack people. Eventually, people figured out how to fend off Nián by exploding firecrackers and lighting red lanterns in the new year.
Plot: When a Chinese family's dumpling soup shop is targeted for sabotage by a competitor, two guardians from the spirit world leave retirement to protect them. You can read more about the movie from this Wikipedia page.
#2 The Magic Brush 神笔马良 (shén bǐ mǎ liáng)
Ages:4+
Genres:Animation, Fantasy, Chinese Folk Tale
Duration:1 hour 23 minutes
Language:Mandarin Chinese
Subtitle:Simplified Chinese and English
Why I recommend it：
- The movie was an ambitious production in 2014 supported by Disney China. Although it didn’t receive much international attention, it remains one of the better-made Chinese animation movies.
- The movie, although not comparable to a true blockbuster Disney movie, is fun and joyful. The storytelling was unpredictable and engaging.
- The animation’s settings, design and lighting are beautiful, and the characters are adorable!
- Everydayconversational dialogue makes it easier for young Chinese learners to understand than some more mature movies
- English and Chinese subtitles for family fun
- The story is based on a Chinese folk tale that has been widely interpreted through art and literature throughout Chinese history. Watching the movie is a nice way to introduce the “famous” Ma Liang character to young children.
Warning:The animation can be choppy in places. And some humor may not land well with an audience that is not familiar with Chinese language and culture.
Plot:A young and kind peasant boy named Ma Liang loved drawing and drew pictures everywhere. He had the greatest dream to be an artist. He lived a peaceful and happy life in his hometown Bai Hua village.
All was well until, one day, a powerful general with an evil plan paid a visit to Bai Hua village. He kidnapped the emperor and had a plan to evict the village in order to mine the land for gold. Disaster was imminent for the villagers.
As the general plotted out his ill plan, the boy Ma Liang was given a magic paintbrush by the Ink Spirit. The Ink Spirit informed Ma Liang of the brush’s great power and told him to use it wisely, because whatever Ma Liang drew with the brush, the drawing would come to life instantly.
Ma Liang used his paintbrush to help the villagers protect their homes, but the general found out about the magic brush and plotted to steal it…
With a spiritual awakening, Ma Liang learned that he must “draw from the heart” in order to unleash the real power of the magic brush.
#3 Kung Food美食大冒险之英雄烩 (měi shí dà mào xiǎn zhī yīng xióng huì)
Ages:4+
Genres:Animation, Fantasy,Action, Kung Fu, Superhero
Duration:1 hour 38 minutes
Language:Mandarin Chinese
Subtitle:Simplified Chinese
Why I recommend it：
- Kung Food is an adaptation of a popular Children’s TV series about an adventurous stuffed steamed bun. It took 13 million dollars and more than half a decade to develop and produce in China. Although the movie didn’t take off internationally as planned, I think it is a very well made Chinese animated film!
- Lots of exciting action for all the little Kung Fu fans out there
- Adorable characters that are all foods. What else tells a better story about Chinese culture than foods? Noodle lady, dumpling baby, sushi man, …
- The movie, although not comparable to the most popular Disney movies, is fun and entertaining an the storytelling is engaging.
- The animation’s settings, design and lighting are all high quality.
Warning:Some conversation may not be easily understandable for an audience that is not familiar with Chinese literature and culture. And it doesn’t help that there are no English subtitles!
Plot: Super Bao, an innocent and passionate stuffed steamed bun, goes through untold hardships and finally grows into a great hero who saves the world of foods. All heroes in the movie are types of food!
#4Kung Fu Boys 龙拳小子 ( Lóng Quán Xiǎo Zi)
Also known as: Dragon Fist Boys
Ages: 5+ (also my almost 4-year-old son loved it!)
Genres: Action, Comedy
Duration: 1 hour 53 minutes
Language:Mandarin Chinese
Subtitle:Simplified Chinese and English
Why I recommend it:
A story sophisticated enough for big kids, with short and simple dialogue
Lots of exciting Kung Fu action
Excellent cast, especially the hero, 14-year-old Lin Qiu Nan
English and Chinese subtitles for family fun
One of my boys’ favorite Chinese movies. They giggle, laugh and exclaim throughout the movie!
Warning: The young Kung Fu boys are fighting real criminals. There are no guns, but plenty of jumping, kicking and punching. My boys were inspired to try a few playful Kung Fu moves on each other after watching all that (consider yourself warned if you have more than one child!).
Plot: The film tells the story of a boy, Lin Qiunan, who grew up in America. Lin Qiunan is a troublemaker with a “superhero dream”. He gets sent to China by his parents to stay with his uncle Yuan. They live together and Lin Qiunan believes that he needs to take care of his “fragile uncle.” He and his uncle get mixed up with an international crime syndicate, and a thrilling, comedic martial arts showdown ensues.
#5Lunar New Year's Day 元日 (Yuǎn Rì)
Ages: 2+
Genres: short film, animation
Duration: 5 minutes 30 seconds
Language:Mandarin Chinese
Subtitle:Simplified Chinese
Why I recommend:
Charming modern adaption of a 900-year-old classic Chinese poem by 王安石 ( wǎng ān shí)
Song Dynasty (960-1279) setting with authentic, traditional New Year activities
Simple conversational language
Short and sweet
Pleasing original graphic design and music
Not only a delight for children, the film also sentimentally appeals to busy parents. Some of the beloved new year activities, for example, the blowing sugar figures, no longer commonly seen in today’s China, can be seen here. The new short film has received rave reviews from parents with young children in China.
Warning: No English subtitles.
The adapted poem in simplified Chinese:
王安石《元日》
爆竹声中一岁除，
东风送暖入屠苏。
千门万户曈曈日，
争插新桃换旧符。
English translation:
Chinese New Year's Day
by Wang Anshi
(translated by Xinliang Huang）
Amid the boom of firecrackers, a year has come to an end,
And the spring wind has wafted warm breath to the wine.
While the rising sun shines over each and every household,
People would put up new peachwood charm for the old.
Wang Anshi (1021-1086) was one of the greatest politicians, philosophers and scholars in the Song Dynasty.
Stay tuned
New and exciting children’s movies are hitting the theaters in China constantly these days. And occasionally, some movies made to YouTube. As more and more people are requesting to watch Chinese children's movies. We hope to see more ways for our kids to access high quality, fun Chinese movies conveniently in the United States. When it comes to getting more Chinese exposure for our little learners, who can resist a good movie? Subscribe to JoJo's YouTube Channel to stay tuned!
Help us to help you
What else would you like to read about?
What’s on your New Year movie watch list?
Please leave us a comment and let us know how we can better help each other!
Raising kids who speak Chinese in a predominately English-speaking country can feel daunting and lonely. If you enjoyed this post or found anything about it helpful, please share the learning with others by liking, commenting, or posting to your social media feeds using the buttons below.
Thanks for reading!
Happy learning,
Christine
Hi Sandy, Thanks for letting us know that some of the links stopped working they should all be fixed now. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Happy learning!
Thank you! I’m always trying to find chinese friendly family movies. Where can I find these above movies? A couple of the links don’t work.
FAQs
What is the most popular song from a kids movie? ›
- Toy Story – You've Got a Friend in Me. ...
- Madagascar – I Like To Move It. ...
- Trolls – Can't Stop The Feeling. ...
- Moana – You're Welcome. ...
- Lion King – Hakuna Matata. DisneyMusicVEVO. ...
- Aladdin – Prince Ali. DisneyMusicVEVO. ...
- The LEGO® Movie – Everything Is AWESOME!!! Warner Bros. ...
- Shrek – I'm a Believer. Movieclips.
- 8/12 Pocahontas.
- 7/12 The Little Mermaid.
- 6/12 Pinocchio.
- 5/12 Frozen.
- 4/12 Aladdin.
- 3/12 The Jungle Book.
- 2/12 Beauty and the Beast.
- 1/12 The Lion King.
- Dancing On The CeilingLionel Richie.
- Bring It All BackS Club 7.
- MMMBop - Single VersionHanson.
- Dancing In The StreetCooltime Kids.
- Limbo RockThe Party Cats.
- Let's Get It Started - Redo VersionKidz Bop Kids.
- I Like To Move Itwill.i.am.
- Hampsterdance SongThe Party Cats.
| Rank | Released | Movie |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019 | Frozen II |
| 2 | 2013 | Frozen |
| 3 | 2018 | Incredibles 2 |
| 4 | 2015 | Minions |
1- Tom and Jerry
The series is popular among many kids, parents and even grandparents. For the past 50 years, every adult and kid has enjoyed this series. Tom and Jerry is a remarkable and one of the most popular cartoons in India.
SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon, USA; 1999–present) was the most popular children's TV show in the world in 2021-22, according to data science firm Parrot Analytics, with a global demand rating 47.2 times greater than that of the average TV show.
Is Google allowed in China? ›"The block is indiscriminate as all Google services in all countries, encrypted or not, are now blocked in China. This blockage includes Google search, images, Gmail and almost all other products. In addition, the block covers Google Hong Kong, google.com, and all other country specific versions, e.g., Google Japan.
What movie has the best song? ›- Huey Lewis & the News - 'The Power of Love' (Back to the Future) ...
- Kenny Loggins - 'Footloose' (Footloose) ...
- Elton John - 'Circle of Life' (The Lion King) ...
- Gene Kelly - 'Singin' in the Rain' (Singin' in the Rain) ...
- Bette Midler - 'The Wind Beneath My Wings' (Beaches)
- Jurassic Park (1993) Jurassic Park Theme – John Williams. ...
- Titanic (1997) The Portrait – James Horner. ...
- American Beauty (1999) Any Other Name – Thomas Newman. ...
- Gladiator (2000) Now We Are Free – Hans Zimmer. ...
- Pearl Harbour (2001) Tennessee – Hans Zimmer.
What song is most used in movies? ›
- 8/8 “Under Pressure” — Queen and David Bowie.
- 7/8 “U Can't Touch This” — MC Hammer.
- 6/8 “Sweet Home Alabama” — Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- 5/8 “What A Wonderful World” — Louis Armstrong.
- 4/8 “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
- 3/8 “London Calling” — The Clash.
Bright, natural, and light colours are in demand for kidswear trends in summer 2022. Pastel and basic colour palettes are becoming famous too. Kids love bright and vibrant colours like red, blue, orange, yellow, pink, peach, and purple. Kids love cute and chic decorative crafts in their outfits.
What is the biggest song right now 2022? ›- I'm Good (Blue) David Guetta & Bebe Rexha. David Guetta & Bebe Rexha. ...
- Loser. Charlie Puth. Charlie Puth. ...
- Levitating. Dua Lipa. Dua Lipa. ...
- Shivers. Ed Sheeran. Ed Sheeran. ...
- Anti-Hero. Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift. ...
- abcdefu. GAYLE. GAYLE. ...
- 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) Lizzo. Lizzo. ...
- Miss You. Oliver Tree & Robin Schulz.
- TikTok Dances. For those who still aren't 100% sure, TikTok is basically a social media platform where you can share short videos with your followers. ...
- Pokemon Cards. ...
- K-Pop. ...
- Football Stickers. ...
- LEGO Minifigures.
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) Film. Science fiction. ...
- The Godfather (1972) Film. Thrillers. ...
- Citizen Kane (1941) Film. ...
- Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975) Film. ...
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Film. ...
- La Dolce Vita (1960) Film. ...
- Seven Samurai (1954) Film. ...
- In the Mood for Love (2000) Film.
1. Crayon Shin-chan (クレヨンしんちゃん)
Which cartoon is most popular in the world in 2022? ›- The Vindicators (2022– ) ...
- Merry Little Batman (2022 TV Movie) ...
- Hamster & Gretel (2022– ) ...
- Pantheon (2022– ) ...
- Oddballs (2022– ) ...
- Bee & Puppycat: Lazy in Space (2022– ) TV-PG | Animation. ...
- Oni: Thunder God's Tale (2022) TV-Y7 | 167 min | Animation, Action, Adventure. ...
- Monster High (2022– )
- The Mandalorian. ...
- Spiderman. ...
- Avengers. ...
- Disney classics. ...
- Harry Potter. ...
- Paw Patrol. ...
- PJ Masks. ...
- Peppa Pig.
- 'The Legend of Korra'
- 'The Ren & Stimpy Show' ...
- 'The Flintstones' ...
- 'The Jetsons' ...
- 'Tom and Jerry' WB Kids. ...
- 'Doug' NickRewind. ...
- 'Looney Tunes' HBO Max. ...
- 'King of the Hill' Red-Light Muzak. ...
Cuddles. Cuddling is one of the things that all kids love. Kids need physical touch, and nothing is better than cuddles. Some kids ask for them, and others act up until you realize that they need a little love.
Does China have Netflix? ›
Netflix is available for streaming in more than 190 countries. Our library of TV shows and movies varies based on the country, and it changes from time to time. Netflix isn't available in: China.
Is TikTok blocked in China? ›TikTok, they note, isn't even available in China, though ByteDance offers a similar service, Douyin, that looks and works just like it.
Why is Google blocked in China? ›Google pulled its search engine from China in 2010 because of heavy government internet censorship. Since then, Google has had a difficult relationship with the Chinese market. The end of Google Translate in China marks a further retreat by the U.S. technology giant from the world's second-largest economy.
What movies are not allowed in China? ›| Title | Original release year | Country of origin |
|---|---|---|
| Joker | 2019 | United States |
| Monster Hunter | 2020 | Japan |
| Inside the Red Brick Wall | 2021 | Hong Kong |
| Where the Wind Blows | 2021 | Hong Kong |
However, since most North Korean residents have no access to the Internet, China, Russia, and Iran are the only countries where access to Facebook is actively restricted in a wholesale manner, although it is possible to access the site through onion services.
Is WhatsApp blocked in China? ›Keep reading to find the answers. Chances are, if you're traveling to China, you're asking yourself, Does WhatsApp work in China? Well, the Chinese government has blocked WhatsApp since 2017. This means you can't send texts, share images and make voice or video calls using the app in China.
Is Instagram ban in China? ›“Many of them take pride in their eclectic taste. Because Instagram is banned in China, it is almost perceived as a 'forbidden fruit' – inaccessible and yet enticing. “There is a bias among young Chinese elites that content posted on Instagram is just more visually appealing than anything on Chinese social media sites.
Which movie is the most viewed? ›- Titanic (1997) ...
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) ...
- The Wizard of Oz (1939) ...
- Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) ...
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) ...
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) ...
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) ...
- The Lion King (1994)
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
What is the number 1 movie soundtrack of all time? ›Music History's #1 Soundtrack: The Bodyguard
Since its release in 1992, the soundtrack (officially titled Whitney Houston: I Wish You Love More from the Bodyguard) has clinched several accolades: Become the #1 best-selling movie soundtrack of all time, making it into the Guinness Book of World Records.
What is the number 1 music video of all time? ›
1. 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson.
What is the number 1 Disney song? ›“We Don't Talk About Bruno“
Ok, ok, we'll talk about Bruno this once — because it holds the number 1 spot on the Billboard Disney song list!
A film score refers to the original music that accompanies a film.
Which type of song is most popular in the world? ›Deserving of its name, pop music is in fact the most popular music genre in the world.
What is the 1 most popular Disney song? ›- “We Don't Talk About Bruno“ Encanto.
- “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” The Lion King. ...
- “A Whole New World” Aladdin. ...
- “Let It Go“ Frozen. ...
- “Colors of the Wind” Pocahontas. ...
- “Beauty and the Beast” Beauty and the Beast. ...
- “Surface Pressure” Encanto. ...
- “Circle of Life” The Lion King. ...
- Love is All Around/(Everything I Do) I Do it For You. ...
- The Shoop Shoop Song. ...
- Unchained Melody. ...
- La Bamba. ...
- Take My Breath Away. ...
- Into the Groove. ...
- Summer Nights and You're the One That I Want. ...
- Night Fever. 1978 was a big year for movies and especially ones starring John Travolta.
- 8/8 “Under Pressure” — Queen and David Bowie.
- 7/8 “U Can't Touch This” — MC Hammer.
- 6/8 “Sweet Home Alabama” — Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- 5/8 “What A Wonderful World” — Louis Armstrong.
- 4/8 “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
- 3/8 “London Calling” — The Clash.
| Rank | Single | Year(s) released |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Blinding Lights" | 2019 |
| 2. | "The Twist" | 1960, 1961 ( re ) |
| 3. | "Smooth" | 1999 |
| 4. | "Mack the Knife" | 1959 |
The chart of today's current hit top pop songs 2022 on iTunes is several times daily and was last updated: Pacific Time. The current number one pop song on iTunes right now is Made You Look by Meghan Trainor.
What is the most popular Disney movie as of 2022? ›| Rank | Movie | Tickets Sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doctor Strange in the Multi… | 44,856,227 |
| 2 | Thor: Love and Thunder | 37,432,587 |
| 3 | Black Panther: Wakanda Forever | 31,405,959 |
| 4 | Lightyear | 12,901,547 |
What is the most family friendly song? ›
- You've Got a Friend in Me from the Toy Story Soundtrack. ...
- We Are Family by Sister Sledge. ...
- Hey Jude by the Beatles. ...
- Let It Go from the Frozen Soundtrack. ...
- Father and Daughter by Paul Simon. ...
- Daughters by John Mayer. ...
- Under the Sea from the Little Mermaid. ...
- I Like to Move It from Madagascar.
- Anti-HeroTaylor Swift.
- Unholy (feat. Kim Petras)Sam Smith, Kim Petras.
- CUFF ITBeyoncé
- As It WasHarry Styles.
- Calm Down (with Selena Gomez)Rema, Selena Gomez.
- Rich FlexDrake, 21 Savage.
- Miss YouOliver Tree, Robin Schulz.
- I'm Good (Blue)David Guetta, Bebe Rexha.
The first feature film originally presented as a talkie (although it had only limited sound sequences) was The Jazz Singer, which premiered on October 6, 1927. A major hit, it was made with Vitaphone, which was at the time the leading brand of sound-on-disc technology.
What is the most used song? ›It's technically not by a popular artist, or even a tune that ever managed to gain any traction on the charts or radio, but TIME determines that 'It's A Small World (After All)' is the most played song ever.