The ‘Ne Zha’ animated film franchise has reached an unprecedented milestone in Chinese cinema, soaring past 20 billion yuan (about $2.79 billion) in total box office revenue.
The latest installment, ‘Ne Zha 2,’ has been a massive hit, grossing over 15.3 billion yuan as of Sunday afternoon. Its 2019 predecessor contributed an impressive 5.035 billion yuan. This astounding success has made director Yang Yu the first filmmaker in Chinese history to helm a franchise that exceeds 20 billion yuan in combined earnings.
‘Ne Zha 2’ has captivated audiences with its thrilling storyline and stunning animation, leading to an extended screening on the Chinese mainland until April 30. The film’s impact isn’t limited to China; it’s currently holding the fifth spot on the worldwide box office chart, including pre-sales and overseas earnings.
Released on January 29 during Chinese New Year festivities, ‘Ne Zha 2’ rocketed to the top of China’s all-time box office chart in just nine days. By February 18, it had become the highest-grossing animated movie globally, showcasing the growing influence of Chinese animation on the world stage.
The phenomenal success of the ‘Ne Zha’ franchise marks a significant moment for Chinese cinema, reflecting the industry’s rapid growth and the increasing global interest in its storytelling.
