Culture is the blood and soul for life and growth of a country and a nation, and is an important support for promoting economic, social and scientific development. “Cultural confidence” was included into the “four confidences (confidence in its chosen path, guiding theories, political system and culture)” by the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. It enriched the era connotation of national image and put forward clear requirements for the construction of national cultural image. As an important carrier of cultural transmission, animation can fully reflect the historic culture and social life of a country and its idea, value and spirit through visual design, role shaping, story creation, etc. It has important significance for shaping cultural image of a country. By combing the creation and theory development of Chinese animation and the changes of national cultural image, the work explores the current situation of Chinese animation creation and theory under the construction of national cultural image, compares American and Japanese animation creation and theory under the construction of national cultural image, and reflects on Chinese animation creation and theoretical innovation under the construction of national cultural image to seek for a breakthrough opportunity from humanity, science and innovation of animation works, and realize the transformation and innovative development of excellent traditional concepts and values in the modern cultural context. It is required to build multi-dimensional cultural identity, explore the interaction and agreement between Chinese and foreign cultures, integrate communication modes and establish matching communication channels according to national characteristics, and improve China's brand awareness in the world.