The animated feature "Niu Lai" has entered the top 10 of the 2026 domestic animation box office chart, according to a report by myzaker.com published Sunday. The film's commercial performance comes as it gains unusual attention both at home and abroad.
The movie has become a viral phenomenon in China, with reports from Sina Finance indicating that journalists have attended screenings to observe audience reactions firsthand. The outlet quoted attendees on their viewing experience, though specific comments were not detailed in the summary.
According to Phoenix News, mainstream American media have also covered "Niu Lai," with one English-language headline reportedly featuring an onomatopoeic "hissing" sound. The unusual choice of headline language suggests the film's international profile is growing in unexpected ways.
Driver's Home, a Chinese tech and auto news site, reported that the film's projected total box office exceeds 18 million yuan (about $2.5 million). The same report noted rumors that the film was being forcibly pulled from theaters, though no confirmation was provided in the summary.
The film's success has sparked debate among Chinese netizens, with Sina Finance reporting that some viewers worry its popularity could encourage studios to produce low-quality animation purely for viral appeal. The concern reflects a broader industry anxiety about content quality versus commercial success.
As "Niu Lai" continues its theatrical run, industry watchers will be monitoring whether its box office momentum holds and whether the online discourse shifts from controversy to a more settled assessment of the film's merits.
