Chinese animated blockbuster Ne zha 2 has made history by surpassing Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. According to ticketing platforms Maoyan and Dengta, the sequel has amassed an impressive 12.3 billion yuan ($1.69 billion) in global box office earnings, overtaking Inside Out 2, which had reached approximately $1.6983 billion.
Despite this global milestone, over 99% of Ne zha 2‘s box office revenue has come from mainland China, highlighting a stark contrast to Hollywood animated films, which typically rely on a more international distribution strategy.
A Cultural and Box Office Phenomenon
Ne zha 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 animated hit Ne zha. The film is based on the classic 16th-century Chinese novel The Investiture of the Gods, which tells the story of a young hero with magical abilities who defends the fortress town of Chentangguan. Directed by Yang Yu, known professionally as Jiaozi, the film has played a crucial role in making the 2025 Lunar New Year box office the highest-grossing in China’s history.
Expanding International Reach
While Ne zha 2‘s earnings are predominantly from China, the film has also seen a growing presence in international markets. It was released in 770 theaters across more than 400 cities in 48 U.S. states, as well as in 42 Canadian cities spanning 10 provinces. In Oceania, the film premiered in 124 theaters, setting a record for the widest Chinese-language film release in the region over the past two decades.
The film’s strong visual appeal and action-packed sequences have helped it gain traction among non-Chinese audiences. Though some international viewers may not be familiar with its mythology, many have praised the film’s stunning animation and engaging storytelling. Currently, Ne zha 2 holds an IMDb rating of 8.3, signaling widespread appreciation.
Industry Experts Weigh In
Cultural critic Shi Wenxue believes Ne zha 2‘s success signifies the growing global influence of Chinese animation. He noted that while U.S. animated films, particularly those from Pixar, have historically excelled due to their universal themes and global appeal, Ne zha 2 demonstrates how a culturally specific film can still achieve international recognition through emotional depth, breathtaking visuals, and strong word-of-mouth reception.
“Despite being rooted in Chinese mythology, Ne zha 2 presents universal themes and emotions, which, combined with its visual spectacle and critical acclaim, have helped it attract a wider audience,” Shi explained. He also suggested that the film’s popularity will encourage more global viewers to explore Chinese animated storytelling, gradually reducing cultural barriers.
Breaking Records and Setting New Milestones
The film’s overwhelming success has propelled China’s 2025 annual box office earnings to new heights. As of Sunday at 9:14 p.m., China’s total box office revenue (including pre-sales) surpassed 20 billion yuan ($2.75 billion), achieving the fastest-ever milestone in the country’s film history. Ne zha 2 alone commands a 59.4% market share, further cementing its dominance in the industry.
The Road to $2 Billion?
Given its unprecedented success, some industry analysts predict that Ne zha 2 could become the first animated film in history to cross the $2 billion mark. Film news outlet @DiscussingFilm speculated on X (formerly Twitter) that the film’s momentum might push it beyond this historic threshold.
Meanwhile, major global media outlets, including the BBC, have reported on Ne zha 2’s dominance, recognizing it as the highest-grossing film ever in China.
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