A low-budget Chinese animated film named Niu Lai has become a surprise box-office success. Despite being mocked online for its rudimentary animation and eerie character designs, the film has managed to rake in 17.1 million yuan at the box office after a slow start.
The project was created over five years by director Xin Yumeng and his mother, Sun Lifan. It initially earned just 10,000 yuan in its first 10 days, but interest spiked after viewers began sharing sarcastic reviews and memes. Critics on social media have described the film as unbelievably terrible, which has paradoxically driven audience curiosity.
Many young moviegoers are heading to cinemas specifically to experience the bizarre quality of the animation, often comparing the trend to viral internet memes. While some viewers feel the film is a symbol of online troll culture, others appreciate its simple and honest storytelling compared to modern, over-polished cinema.
The film’s title, Niu Lai, translates to the bull is coming, a phrase associated with stock market optimism. This coincidence has also contributed to the strange wave of attention, with some internet users jokingly recommending it to investors. Whether seen as a prank or a rare find, the movie continues to draw crowds who are eager to see the spectacle for themselves.