Ne Zha 2 Breaks Records: The New King of Animated Films!

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In an age where Western productions dominate the entertainment scene, particularly in animation, a Chinese movie titled “Ne Zha 2” has shattered a significant record. Previously owned by Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” the title of highest-grossing animated film has been claimed by “Ne Zha 2.” After its premiere in 2024, “Inside Out 2” mesmerized audiences worldwide with an exceptional cinematic journey that struck a chord with both kids and adults, ultimately earning $1.69 billion globally. In contrast, “Ne Zha 2” was penned and helmed by Yu Yang, serving as the sequel to the 2019 film “Ne Zha,” which was inspired by Xu Zhonglin’s novel “Investiture of the Gods.”

The second installment of this film was initially released in China on January 29, 2025, and later made its appearance in selected theaters across the United States on February 14. Produced with a budget of approximately 600 million yuan ($80 million), the movie has already earned an impressive $1.73 billion worldwide, setting new records at the global box office and ruling the roost internationally. Interestingly, its precursor, titled “Ne Zha,” was made with a budget of $22 million and garnered $742 million during its premiere in 2019, placing it among China’s top five highest-grossing films. Not only has Ne Zha 2 broken box office records globally, but it has also surpassed Inside Out 2’s record for the fastest-grossing animated feature within just three weeks of its release.

Currently, the animated film Ne Zha 2 holds the 8th position on the list of all-time highest-grossing films and continues to attract massive audiences in cinemas. Predictions suggest that it might overtake Spider-Man: No Way Home’s earnings, potentially claiming the 7th spot, while remaining close behind Avengers: Infinity War and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It is reportedly receiving an extended screening in China and may continue to play until March 30, making the $2 billion milestone a realistic goal rather than an overly optimistic one. Remarkably, Ne Zha 2 has become the first film of 2025 to surpass the $1 billion mark, a feat usually associated with summer blockbusters, making it an unexpected success early in the year.

What Made ‘Ne Zha 2’ a Box Office Phenomenon?

It’s not common to find a Chinese film leading the worldwide box office, so it’s quite shocking that the movie “Ne Zha” managed to achieve what many live-action and animated films can only aspire to. Although China is known for its history of creating fantasy films and shows, other elements have played a significant role in its unexpected commercial triumph.

As per the CEO of IMAX China, Daniel Manwaring, China found itself playing catch-up in the post-COVID era. This meant that many big-budget productions were pushed back to 2023, resulting in a backlog of eagerly awaited films. The release of Ne Zha 2 during the Chinese New Year added to its dominance at the box office, as screens nationwide were filled with families eager to watch. With Ne Zha having already become a blockbuster franchise, the success of the sequel suggests it has lasting power. Given that Ne Zha 2 is still enjoying its strong run at the box office, do you believe it could earn $2 billion globally?

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2025-02-21 17:33