Ne Zha 2, the highly anticipated animated sequel from China, has taken the global box office by storm, earning a staggering $1.9 billion in just eight weeks. Released on January 29 in China, the animated fantasy follows Ne Zha, a young hero who battles demons and overcomes celestial forces to protect his community. The film’s success has far surpassed Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, positioning Ne Zha 2 as the highest-grossing animated film ever.
While Ne Zha 2 was released internationally on February 14, it is the film’s immense popularity in China that has been its driving force. The film has grossed over $1.9 billion globally, a number that places it in the same league as Hollywood blockbusters such as Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Titanic. In contrast, the film has earned only $15 million in North America, signaling that its primary audience is in China.
Beyond its commercial success, Ne Zha 2 has become a symbol of national pride. As tensions between China and the United States increase, particularly after the imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods, the film has taken on a political dimension. Viewing Ne Zha 2 is being framed as a patriotic act, with some viewing support for the film as an endorsement of Chinese pride. “Since Ne Zha 2 is now competing with Hollywood films for records, it has become a duty to promote and support the film,” said Stanley Rosen, a political science professor at USC. “It’s become a litmus test of whether you’re patriotic or not.”
Despite mixed critical reviews, with only four critic scores listed on Rotten Tomatoes, Ne Zha 2 has earned an outstanding 99% audience score, based on over 1,000 verified ratings. This suggests that the film resonates with viewers from both China and the West, proving its widespread appeal.
With its continued box office success, Ne Zha 2 is set to remain a major player in global cinemas for the foreseeable future, challenging the dominance of Western animation and setting new standards for the industry.
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