Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” has shattered box office records, becoming the first non-Hollywood film to surpass $1 billion in a single market. The sequel has captivated audiences with its breathtaking visuals and cultural resonance, marking a significant milestone for Chinese cinema.
Directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, “Ne Zha 2” drew over 160 million moviegoers, according to data from ticketing platforms Maoyan and Beacon. Released during the Chinese New Year on January 29, it surpassed 2017’s “Wolf Warrior 2” to become China’s most-watched film. Its total revenue, including presales, hit 8 billion yuan (about $1.12 billion) by Sunday.
In just over eight days after its release, the film exceeded the previous box office record set by “The Battle at Lake Changjin”, and went on to overtake “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” as the highest-grossing film in a single market.
“Ne Zha 2” continues the story of the iconic character from Chinese mythology. After their souls are saved but their bodies face dissolution, Nezha and Aobing embark on a new adventure with the help of the immortal Taiyi Zhenren, facing numerous challenges along the way.
Industry analysts are closely watching the film’s unprecedented success. Maoyan recently raised its domestic box office forecast for “Ne Zha 2”, projecting it to surpass 12 billion yuan, marking the first time a Chinese film is expected to cross the 10-billion-yuan threshold.
The film accounted for half of the historic 2025 Spring Festival holiday box office total, which surpassed 9.5 billion yuan from January 28 to February 4. This robust performance is a significant boost for China’s film industry, which faced challenges in previous years.
Director Jiaozi emphasized the importance of storytelling in reaching global audiences. “It’s about whether a script, a story, and its characters can move audiences worldwide,” he said in a video interview. “These are not things that can be outsourced.”
Film experts praise “Ne Zha 2” for its fusion of traditional Chinese mythology with modern storytelling. “The film proves that a good movie needs a compelling story, sharp storytelling, and well-developed characters,” said Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association.
With its record-breaking run, “Ne Zha 2” is not just a box office titan but a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the potential of Chinese animated films on the global stage.
