NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 18, 2026Miami-Dade
Low-budget animated film 'Niulai' becomes viral box-office hit after being mocked as 'terrible'
The animated film 'Niulai' saw its box office earnings surge to 17.1 million yuan ($2.5 million) following a wave of sarcastic online reviews and viral social media pranks. Despite being described by viewers as 'ugly' and 'eerie,' the film—reportedly created by two people over five years—has become a trend among young moviegoers who recommend it ironically.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The film's success highlights the power of internet 'troll culture' and viral meme trends to drive commercial outcomes in the Chinese film market, even when audience feedback is overwhelmingly negative.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personDu Mingxi“A 19-year-old student who participated in the trend.”personXin Yumeng“Reported director of the film.”organizationRed Star News“Local news website in Chengdu that reported on the film's production.”organizationMaoyan“Movie-tracking platform providing box office data.”personSun Lifan“Reported co-creator of the film.”personZhong Jiaming“A vocational schoolteacher who viewed the film.”otherNiulai“The animated film at the center of the viral trend.”