The Chinese animated sensation “Ne Zha 2” has grossed over 15.8 billion yuan (approximately $2.18 billion) as of May 5, according to ticketing platform Maoyan. This staggering figure places it as the fifth highest-grossing film in global box office history, trailing only behind cinematic giants “Avatar“, “Avengers: Endgame“, “Avatar: The Way of Water“, and “Titanic“.
Remarkably, “Ne Zha 2” is closing in on James Cameron’s 1997 epic “Titanic“, with a difference of just 60 million yuan (around $8.3 million). The film’s unprecedented success underscores the rising influence of China’s film industry on the global stage.
A sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “Ne Zha“, the film draws deeply from Chinese mythology, bringing to life vivid traditional imagery and stylized character designs. It continues the journey of the rebellious young hero Ne Zha, intertwining his personal growth with themes of resilience and the contemporary spirit.
Since its release, “Ne Zha 2” has shattered multiple records. It is now the all-time highest-grossing animated film globally and the first Asian film to surpass 10 billion yuan (about $1.39 billion) in revenue. Additionally, it holds the title for the highest-grossing film in a single market worldwide.
Building on its domestic triumph, “Ne Zha 2” has expanded to international markets including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, France, and Sweden. The film’s global appeal showcases the boundless potential of traditional Chinese mythology in a modern context and highlights the growing appetite for diverse stories in cinema.
