The film was a labor of love, taking nearly eight years to complete. Tian Xiaopeng, a former animator for a major Chinese game company, mortgaged his house to help finance the $15 million production when other investors pulled out. This gamble paid off spectacularly.

The movie boasts stunning visuals, with vibrant animation and impressive action sequences. The fight choreography is exceptional, with the Monkey King's incredible agility and magical powers on full display. The film's use of Chinese mythology and folklore adds depth and richness to the story, making it a fascinating watch.

Upon its release, Monkey King: Hero is Back became a cultural phenomenon in China. It garnered widespread critical acclaim and grossed over $150 million in China alone, becoming the highest-grossing Chinese animated film of all time at that point. Its success is credited with sparking a new wave of high-quality, commercially successful domestic animation in China and is often seen as a predecessor to the success of later films like Ne Zha (2019).