Ne Zha 2 became the highest-grossing Chinese animated film ever by combining a powerful cultural story, meticulous animation craftsmanship, strategic release timing, and effective marketing that resonated deeply with Chinese audiences and expanded internationally. It shattered box office records in China and achieved unprecedented global earnings for an animated film, surpassing $2.2 billion worldwide, making it not only the top Chinese animated film but also the highest-grossing animated film in cinema history[1][2][3].
The film is a sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, which itself was a major success, grossing over $700 million. Ne Zha 2 was directed by Yu Yang, also known as Jiaozi, who is known for his meticulous attention to detail. His team at Coloroom Pictures spent years developing the sequel to meet and exceed the high expectations set by the original. They focused on intricate storytelling, pushing animation technology, and creating visually stunning scenes that brought Chinese mythology to life in a way that felt fresh and epic[1][4].
One of the key factors in Ne Zha 2’s success was its release date. It premiered in China on January 29, 2025, coinciding with the Chinese New Year, a peak moviegoing period when families gather and entertainment consumption spikes. This timing maximized its domestic box office potential. The film quickly broke records for speed and revenue: it reached 1 billion yuan (about $137 million) in just three days, 5 billion yuan (about $684 million) in eight days, and continued to climb rapidly, surpassing the previous record-holder The Battle at Lake Changjin for fastest to 5 billion yuan. It also surpassed the total box office of the first Ne Zha film, solidifying its place as the highest-grossing animated film in mainland China[3].
The story of Ne Zha 2 draws from Chinese mythology, featuring celestial dragons, fiery battles, and legendary characters. This cultural richness gave the film a unique identity that resonated strongly with Chinese audiences, who appreciated seeing their heritage represented with such grandeur and modern animation quality. The film’s narrative and characters were crafted to appeal to both children and adults, blending traditional myth with contemporary storytelling techniques[2][4].
Merchandising also played a significant role in the film’s overall success. Official Ne Zha 2 merchandise became best-sellers across China, with many products selling out quickly. Online sales of Ne Zha-related merchandise exceeded 50 million yuan shortly after release, and within two weeks, sales surpassed 400 million yuan. This merchandise boom not only boosted revenue but also helped maintain the film’s cultural presence and fan engagement beyond the theaters[3].
Internationally, Ne Zha 2 expanded its reach through an English-dubbed version distributed by A24 in the United States and other markets. Although its North American box office was modest compared to its Chinese earnings—around $24 million—it demonstrated the film’s potential to grow a global audience. The film’s success outside China, especially in other Asian markets and parts of Europe, contributed to its overall box office total nearing $2 billion and eventually surpassing $2.2 billion[1][2][5].
Technological advancements in animation also contributed to Ne Zha 2’s appeal. The filmmakers pushed the boundaries of visual effects and animation quality, creating a spectacle that rivaled major Hollywood productions. This technical excellence, combined with a culturally rich story, helped the film stand out in a crowded global market dominated by Western studios[1][4].
In summary, Ne Zha 2’s record-breaking success was the result of a perfect storm of factors: a beloved cultural story adapted with modern animation mastery, strategic release timing during Chinese New Year, strong merchandising, and expanding international distribution. It demonstrated that Chinese animated films could compete on a global scale by telling culturally specific stories with universal appeal and high production values.
