Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 has made history by becoming the first non-Hollywood film to exceed US$2 billion (S$2.7 billion) in global earnings, including pre-sales, according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan.
The milestone, achieved on March 3, comes just 33 days after its release on January 29 during the Chinese New Year period. It also solidified its position as the highest-grossing animated film of all time, surpassing Disney’s Inside Out 2 just 13 days prior.
A Record-Breaking Success
Directed by Chinese filmmaker Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, Ne Zha 2 follows the success of its 2019 predecessor, which grossed five billion yuan (S$924 million) and dominated the Chinese box office that year. The sequel now ranks seventh on the all-time global box-office charts, just behind Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
The film is set to premiere in Singapore on March 6 and has already won over audiences in regions such as Australia and Fiji. Plans are also in motion to bring it to Pakistani cinemas.
With over 98% of its revenue generated from the Chinese mainland, Ne Zha 2 has reshaped expectations for Chinese cinema earnings. “This success has showcased the resilience and immense growth potential of the Chinese market,” said Maoyan analyst Lai Li.
Mythology and Modern Storytelling
Ne Zha 2 continues the tale of the boy god from Chinese mythology, as Nezha and his ally Ao Bing struggle to rebuild their physical forms and secure their fate with the help of the immortal Taiyi Zhenren. The film’s intricate storytelling, striking visuals, and universal themes of fate, defiance, and self-belief have resonated with audiences globally.
Critics have praised its seamless blend of traditional Chinese mythology and modern narrative techniques. “This film is a landmark in Chinese cinema,” said Professor Chen Xuguang, director of the Institute of Film, Television, and Theatre at Peking University. “Its success has elevated confidence in China’s film industry and encouraged audiences to return to theaters.”
Technical Mastery and Global Expansion
Featuring nearly 2,000 special effects shots, Ne Zha 2 is a product of collaboration among 138 animation studios, reflecting China’s growing prowess in animation technology. In North America, the film has grossed an estimated US$18 million after three weekends, making it the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in the region since 2006. Released in Mandarin with English subtitles across 600 theaters by CMC Pictures, it has consistently ranked in the top five at the North American box office.
Professor Sheila Sofian from the University of Southern California and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences praised the film’s production design, sound, and music, calling it “mind-blowing” in a video interview with China Media Group.
Revitalizing China’s Film Industry
The unprecedented success of Ne Zha 2 has brought renewed optimism to China’s struggling film industry, which experienced a 23% decline in revenue in 2024 compared to 2023. The film played a key role in driving record-breaking box-office earnings during the 2025 Spring Festival, leading to sustained industry growth.
“Many theater owners have told me they reached 50% of their annual revenue goals within the first two months of 2025,” said film critic Dong Wenxin.
Cultural Impact and Merchandise Boom
Beyond its commercial success, Ne Zha 2 has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, sparking interest in Chinese mythology and history worldwide. Merchandise sales on e-commerce platform Taobao surpassed 50 million yuan in February, with figurines and blind boxes featuring Ne Zha and Ao Bing selling out rapidly. “Our Ne Zha-themed products are flying off the shelves, and pre-orders are skyrocketing,” said a spokesperson from Pop Mart, a popular Chinese toymaker.
The film has also inspired museum visits, with audiences seeking out the historical references embedded in the animation. At Hebei Museum, a 2,000-year-old Boshan Censer—believed to have inspired the film’s seven-colored lotus—has drawn thousands of visitors. Other artifacts, such as the Shang Dynasty jade weapon at the Yinxu Museum and the legendary sword of King Goujian at the Hubei Provincial Museum, have been linked to the film’s intricate designs.
A New Era for Chinese Animation
Director Jiaozi emphasized that Ne Zha 2 is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The film’s “barrier beasts,” for example, were inspired by artifacts from the ruins of Sanxingdui and Jinsha in Sichuan province. “Through animation, we can bring our cultural heritage to a global audience,” said Jiaozi in a video interview. “I started by creating something I loved, and it resonated with audiences at home. Now, we’re sharing it with the world.”
With its groundbreaking success, Ne Zha 2 has set a new standard for Chinese animation, demonstrating the global appeal of culturally rich storytelling and paving the way for future projects to gain international recognition.
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