Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector
2026 Chinese animated film
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Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector (Chinese: 熊出没·年年有熊) is a 2026 Chinese animated fantasy comedy film directed by Lin Huida and produced by Fantawild Animation. It is the twelfth installment in the long-running Boonie Bears film series and was released in mainland China on 17 February 2026, coinciding with the Chinese New Year holiday.[3] It is currently the eighth highest grossing movie of 2026.
Wan Qin
Jiang Lin
Wang Yifei
company
| Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector | |
|---|---|
| 熊出没·年年有熊 | |
| Directed by | Lin Huida |
| Written by | Xu Yun Wan Qin Jiang Lin Wang Yifei |
| Produced by | Daisy Shang[1] |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Fantawild (China) CMC Pictures (International) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 118 minutes[1] |
| Country | China |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Box office | $139.3 million[2] |
The film represents a creative shift for the franchise, introducing a Chinese fantasy setting rooted in traditional folklore, particularly the legend of the Nian beast.[4]
Background
The Boonie Bears franchise is one of China's most successful animated series, with over a decade of annual Spring Festival releases and billions in cumulative box office revenue.[4]
By 2026, the series had become the first Chinese animated franchise to accompany audiences through a full Chinese zodiac cycle, establishing itself as a major tradition of holiday family entertainment.[5]
Plot
The film is inspired by the legend of the Nian, a mythical creature associated with the Chinese New Year. In this adaptation, the Nian is reimagined as twin guardian beings who protect humanity from a destructive force known as Sha.[4]
Production
The film marks the franchise's first major shift from science fiction themes to a fantasy setting rooted in traditional Chinese culture and mythology.[5]
According to industry observers, the film emphasizes cultural elements such as Spring Festival customs, including fireworks and symbolic traditions, integrating them into the narrative structure.[4]
Release
International distribution followed in multiple regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and North America, with English-dubbed versions produced for global audiences.[1]
Reception
The film was positioned as a family-oriented fantasy feature and continued the franchise's reputation as a reliable holiday release appealing to children and families.[5]
Critics noted its strong incorporation of Chinese cultural themes and its reinterpretation of traditional folklore for modern audiences.[4]