Chinese animated film ‘Ne Zha 2’ has soared to become the fifth highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ with a global box office revenue exceeding 15.02 billion yuan (about $2.07 billion).
Released 46 days ago in the Chinese mainland, ‘Ne Zha 2’ continues to break records and climb international charts. The film now holds the title of the highest-grossing film ever in China, overtaking previous blockbusters like ‘Wolf Warrior 2’ and ‘The Battle at Lake Changjin’. It has also become the world’s highest-grossing animated film, surpassing the $1.7 billion mark set by ‘Inside Out 2’.
The phenomenal success of ‘Ne Zha 2’ has extended beyond China, as the film expands into Asian markets including Malaysia, Thailand, and Japan. Screenings are available with English subtitles and in local languages, receiving overwhelmingly positive reactions from audiences. In Malaysia, moviegoers have praised the film’s stunning animation and compelling storytelling.
On March 14, 2025, ‘Ne Zha 2’ premiered in London, marking the beginning of its European tour. The film is set to debut in other European countries such as France and Germany later in March, which could contribute to further box office growth.
With only ‘Titanic’, ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, ‘Avengers: Endgame’, and ‘Avatar’ ahead of it in global all-time rankings, it remains to be seen how high ‘Ne Zha 2’ will climb. Its unprecedented success signals a growing global appreciation for Chinese animation and storytelling.
