Chinese Animated Blockbuster Movie"Ne Zha 2" Breaks Records, Expands to Western Theaters

By Evans Momodu
2 minute digest
Published 11:24 UK(GMT), 17 February, 2025

The animated film Ne Zha 2, inspired by Chinese mythology, has shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing movie in a single market with $1.4 billion in ticket sales in China since its January 29 release.

This Chinese animated movie surpasses the previous record set by Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which earned $936 million in the U.S. and Canada in 2015.

The movie's unprecedented success has fuelled national pride in China, marking a significant shift as homegrown productions increasingly outperform Hollywood blockbusters.

With advanced storytelling, cutting-edge animation, and a deep cultural connection, Chinese animation movies are drawing larger audiences, especially as geopolitical tensions and strict censorship make Hollywood’s presence in China more challenging.

Following its triumph in China, Ne Zha 2 is now reaching global audiences, premiering in Australia, New Zealand, and North America.

The movie has been met with enthusiasm, particularly among the Chinese diaspora who relish Chinese animated movies box office, with many securing presale tickets and braving bad weather to attend screenings.

“Even those who weren’t previously into anime are drawn to this movie because of the excitement and glowing reviews from China,” said Summer Wang, a data analyst in Los Angeles.

Similarly, Stephanie Zhan, a jewelry sales manager in Sydney, described how the Chinese-majority audience erupted in applause at the film’s conclusion.

As China’s film industry continues to rise, Ne Zha 2 signals a growing appetite for high-quality domestic productions that bring Chinese folklore to life for audiences worldwide.
Source: CNN