Ne Zha 2 breaks records: China's highest-grossing film earns $1.3 billion in Two weeks
Kumar Shivam | Feb 13, 2025, 02:06 IST
Ne Zha 2 follows the rebellious child deity Ne Zha, who defies fate to protect his people. Set against the backdrop of Chinese mythology, the film combines traditional aesthetics with modern animation. Its success highlights China’s growing influence in global cinema, resonating with younger audiences and offering a culturally significant narrative that contrasts societal pressures.
Ne Zha 2, the Chinese animated film, has become the highest-grossing film in China's history, earning $1.3 billion in just two weeks. This makes it the first non-Hollywood film to surpass $1 billion at the global box office, and the first film to reach this milestone within a single market.
The film will have a limited release in the United States on February 14.
Based on Chinese mythology, Ne Zha 2 focuses on the titular character, Ne Zha, a rebellious child deity with extraordinary powers who defies fate to protect his people. The original Ne Zha (2019) was China’s highest-grossing animated film at the time, and the sequel builds upon its predecessor’s success.
Chinese audiences have praised the film for its cultural relevance, celebrating it as a production that is entirely Chinese—from post-production to direction. Film critic Nianyi Zhao told NBC News that Ne Zha 2 is deeply rooted in Chinese heritage, and many see it as a way to promote domestic animation on a global scale.
The success of Ne Zha 2 highlights China’s growing influence in global cinema, with some reports suggesting that Hollywood’s dominance in the Chinese market may be starting to wane.
Illustration designer Neo Liu, in an interview with NBC, praised the film’s visuals, which blend traditional Eastern aesthetics, such as Dunhuang murals and ink painting, with modern animation techniques. Director Jiaozi (Yang Yu) explained that attempts to outsource visual effects to top international studios failed, attributing this to “arrogance and prejudice” from overseas teams.
Released during the Lunar New Year on January 29, Ne Zha 2 has helped revitalize China’s post-COVID box office. According to Maoyan, as reported by NBC News, the film contributed significantly to a record-breaking $1.3 billion in ticket sales during the holiday period.
It has already surpassed the 2021 film The Battle of Lake Changjin as China’s top-grossing movie, and it could soon overtake Inside Out 2 as the highest-grossing animated film globally.
Ne Zha 2 resonates strongly with younger audiences, particularly those who reject societal pressures. Its anti-hero protagonist contrasts with China’s “lying flat” movement, which promotes a minimalist lifestyle. The film’s popularity has boosted merchandise sales, with many fans planning to watch it multiple times. The hashtag #NeZhaBoxOfficeRaisingNationalFlag has accumulated billions of views.
However, not all viewers are entirely convinced. Ginger Zhang, 29, called it better than most contemporary Chinese films but not groundbreaking. Vanessa Huang, 31, noted that the anti-patriarchal themes from the first film were less prominent in this sequel.
Despite some mixed reactions, Ne Zha 2 is on track to surpass $2 billion in China alone.
The film will have a limited release in the United States on February 14.
A Mythical Hero with a Modern Twist
Chinese audiences have praised the film for its cultural relevance, celebrating it as a production that is entirely Chinese—from post-production to direction. Film critic Nianyi Zhao told NBC News that Ne Zha 2 is deeply rooted in Chinese heritage, and many see it as a way to promote domestic animation on a global scale.
A Symbol of China’s Cinematic Growth
Illustration designer Neo Liu, in an interview with NBC, praised the film’s visuals, which blend traditional Eastern aesthetics, such as Dunhuang murals and ink painting, with modern animation techniques. Director Jiaozi (Yang Yu) explained that attempts to outsource visual effects to top international studios failed, attributing this to “arrogance and prejudice” from overseas teams.
Boosting China’s Film Market
It has already surpassed the 2021 film The Battle of Lake Changjin as China’s top-grossing movie, and it could soon overtake Inside Out 2 as the highest-grossing animated film globally.
Cultural Impact
However, not all viewers are entirely convinced. Ginger Zhang, 29, called it better than most contemporary Chinese films but not groundbreaking. Vanessa Huang, 31, noted that the anti-patriarchal themes from the first film were less prominent in this sequel.
Despite some mixed reactions, Ne Zha 2 is on track to surpass $2 billion in China alone.