“Ne Zha 2,” the animated sensation that has taken China’s box office by storm, is now captivating audiences worldwide as it hits international cinemas. Tickets have become hot commodities, with eager fans scrambling to secure seats for this highly anticipated sequel.
Social media platforms are buzzing with excitement and a touch of frustration, as many moviegoers find the best IMAX spots already sold out. In the United States, major theater chains like AMC have adjusted their schedules to meet the unexpected demand, adding late-night and even midnight screenings in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
The film has garnered an impressive domestic score of 8.1 on IMDb even before its full international release, amplifying the anticipation among global audiences. Praised for its stunning visual effects, intricate storytelling, and ambitious production, “Ne Zha 2” features over 1,900 special effects shots and more than 10,000 elements—a monumental effort that involved 138 animation companies across China.
“In Manhattan, for example, several AMC theaters are showing ‘Ne Zha 2.’ While the number of screenings isn’t extremely high, attendance is strong,” said Jiang Xiangxiang, a young film critic studying at Columbia University in New York. “Many local viewers are curious about how such a masterpiece was created in just five years. I believe ‘Ne Zha 2’ will continue to grow its box office overseas.”
The film is set for general release in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, and in the United States and Canada on Friday. Early preview screenings in Australia and New Zealand have already seen sold-out crowds in major cities, indicating a promising reception.
Back in China, the excitement surrounding “Ne Zha 2” shows no signs of slowing down. As of Wednesday noon, the blockbuster has amassed over 9.2 billion yuan (about $1.3 billion) and attracted more than 187 million viewers. According to box office tracker Dengta Data, this achievement places “Ne Zha 2” as the fifth highest-grossing animated film globally and the only non-Hollywood animated film in the top five box office hits.
