Chinese Animated Film Nezha 2 is Number 1 Worldwide

A New Record in Global Box Office History

Chinese animated blockbuster Nezha 2 has officially surpassed Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to become the highest-grossing animated film globally. According to data from ticketing platform Maoyan (1896.HK), Nezha 2 has earned a staggering 12.3 billion yuan ($1.69 billion), making it the eighth highest-grossing film of all time.

Unlike Hollywood animations that rely on international markets, over 99% of Nezha 2's earnings have come from mainland China, demonstrating the immense domestic demand for homegrown animated films.

A Sequel That Soars Beyond Expectations

Nezha 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit Nezha, which was also a box office sensation. Based on the 16th-century Chinese novel The Investiture of the Gods, the film follows a young hero with magical powers who defends Chentangguan, a legendary fortress town.

The sequel, directed by Sichuan-born filmmaker Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, has propelled the 2025 Lunar New Year box office to an all-time high, further cementing its legacy in the Chinese film industry.

Box Office Breakdown and Market Impact

• Total Earnings: 12.3 billion yuan ($1.69 billion)

• Global Ranking: 8th highest-grossing film of all time

• Domestic Revenue: 99% from China

• International Sales: Limited but growing

Despite its dominance in China, Nezha 2 is expected to expand its reach in international markets as distributors recognize the film’s potential to attract global audiences.

A New Era for Chinese Animation?

With Nezha 2’s massive success, industry experts believe that China’s animation sector is experiencing a new golden age. Traditionally, Hollywood has dominated the global animation scene, but the rise of high-quality, culturally rich Chinese films suggests a shift in global cinematic trends.

“Chinese animated films now rival Hollywood productions in both storytelling and animation quality,” says Li Wei, a film analyst based in Beijing.

This shift could pave the way for more international collaborations, potentially leading to a more diverse and competitive animation market.

Can Nezha 2 Sustain Its Momentum?

The film’s impressive earnings are expected to grow further as international markets open up. However, Nezha 2 faces competition from upcoming Hollywood releases. Whether it can maintain its dominance remains to be seen, but its achievements have already left an indelible mark on the animation industry.

Final Thoughts: The Rise of Chinese Cinema

The global box office has long been ruled by Hollywood, but China’s film industry is proving to be a formidable competitor. With Nezha 2’s groundbreaking success, Chinese animation is gaining worldwide recognition, signaling a new era in global cinema.

As the film continues its record-breaking journey, will we see more homegrown Chinese productions dominating the global market? Only time will tell, but for now, Nezha 2 has cemented its place in history.

Source: Reuters