Chinese animation has rewritten the global box office charts once again. Ne Zha 2, the sequel to the 2019 animated blockbuster Ne Zha, has surpassed $2.09 billion worldwide, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of all time. In doing so, it has overtaken Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($2.07B) and now trails only Titanic ($2.25B) among the highest earners in cinema history.
Released on January 29, 2025, during the Chinese New Year, the film has shattered multiple records, including becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. Its dominance at the box office further establishes China as a major player in the global film industry.
Box Office Breakdown: Surpassing Hollywood Giants
- Global Total: $2.09 billion (as of March 15, 2025)
- Domestic Contribution: Over 98% of earnings from China
- U.S. Box Office: $19.62 million – a strong presence for a non-Hollywood animated film
- Surpassed Films:
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($2.07B)
- Inside Out 2 ($1.7B)
- Frozen II ($1.45B)
- The Lion King (2019) ($1.65B)
- Next Target: Titanic ($2.25B) – Ne Zha 2 has a chance to climb even higher in the coming weeks.
Its box office journey has been remarkable, making it the first non-Hollywood film to cross $1 billion in a single market and the highest-grossing non-English-language film in history.
Ne Zha 2: Cultural and Industry Impact
Directed by Yang Yu (Jiaozi), Ne Zha 2 continues the story of the legendary mythological hero Nezha and his ally Aobing. The film’s rich Chinese mythology, stunning animation, and universal themes of self-discovery and resilience have resonated deeply with audiences.
Beyond its storytelling, the film’s production scale is staggering:
- 138 animation studios collaborated on the film
- Over 4,000 crew members contributed to its visual brilliance
- Nearly 2,000 visual effects shots were used to enhance its cinematic impact
This technical achievement has drawn praise from international critics. Sheila Sofian, a professor at the University of Southern California and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, called the film’s production design, sound, and music “mind-blowing” in a recent interview.
Expanding Global Reach and Market Influence
Ne Zha 2 is not just a domestic triumph. Since its international rollout began on February 13 in Australia and New Zealand, it has continued expanding:
- North America release: Opened with a record-breaking weekend for a Chinese-language film.
- Southeast Asia rollout: Recently launched in Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand, with more countries to follow.
- European expansion: The film held preview screenings in the UK and Ireland ahead of its March 21 release.
Trinity CineAsia, the film’s distributor across 37 territories including the UK, Germany, France, and Spain, has called its European launch “unprecedented in scope.”
A Turning Point for Chinese Animation
The success of Ne Zha 2 marks a shift in the global film landscape:
- It proves that Chinese animation can rival Hollywood blockbusters, both in earnings and storytelling.
- The record-breaking 2025 Chinese New Year box office—largely fueled by Ne Zha 2—has reinvigorated confidence in theatrical releases.
- Industry experts believe this could open doors for more international distribution of Chinese films.
Yin Hong, vice chairman of the China Film Association, sees Ne Zha 2 as proof that “Chinese stories can captivate global audiences,” while director Jiaozi views the franchise as a passion project that has evolved into a global phenomenon.
Can Ne Zha 2 Reach the Top 3?
With its current momentum, Ne Zha 2 has the potential to move even higher in the all-time box office rankings:
- Avatar (2009) – $2.92B
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) – $2.79B
- Titanic (1997) – $2.25B
With continued audience support, strong holds in China, and an expanding global presence, Ne Zha 2 could soon challenge Titanic for the third spot, making it the highest-grossing non-Hollywood film in history.
Whether it reaches that milestone or not, one thing is clear: Ne Zha 2 has redefined what’s possible for Chinese animation and solidified its place in cinema history.
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