Chinese animated film “Eight Immortals!” tops summer box office

The domestically produced animation “Eight Immortals!” (八仙！), written and directed by newcomer Guān'ěr, has become a surprise hit in the 2026 summer season. The film holds an 8.2 rating on Douban and, as of July 30, has earned more than ¥9.2 billion at the Chinese box office, positioning it as a leading “black‑horse” release behind major franchises.

Industry analysts attribute the success to a maturing Chinese animation ecosystem, especially the Chengdu High‑tech Zone, which hosts over 6,000 digital‑creative firms and previously produced the “Ne Zha” series. The movie’s modern reinterpretation of the classic Eight Immortals myth—portraying the characters as ordinary workers dealing with everyday pressures—resonated with young audiences, driving repeat viewings and strong word‑of‑mouth promotion. The film’s performance underscores the growing cultural and commercial clout of Chinese animated features within the domestic market.