Ne Zha 2 became a powerful symbol of national pride in China through its unprecedented success as a homegrown animated film that resonated deeply with Chinese audiences and showcased the country’s growing cultural and cinematic capabilities on the global stage. Released in early 2025, Ne Zha 2 shattered box office records by grossing over 12 billion yuan (approximately 2.27 billion US dollars), making it the highest-grossing animated film worldwide, surpassing major Hollywood productions like Pixar’s Inside Out 2[2]. This achievement alone marked a significant milestone for Chinese cinema, demonstrating that Chinese stories and animation could compete with and even outperform the biggest global studios.
The film’s roots in traditional Chinese culture played a crucial role in its symbolic importance. Ne Zha is a legendary figure from the 16th-century Chinese novel The Investiture of the Gods, a classic work of mythology and folklore. By adapting this story with modern CGI animation and a fresh narrative approach, Ne Zha 2 connected contemporary audiences with their cultural heritage in an accessible and entertaining way. The protagonist, a heroic boy with magical powers defending a fortress town, embodies themes of bravery, resilience, and justice—values that resonate strongly within Chinese society. This cultural authenticity helped the film foster a sense of pride among viewers, who saw their own history and mythology celebrated on a scale comparable to Hollywood blockbusters[2].
The film’s director, Yang Yu (also known as Jiaozi), hails from Sichuan province, and his vision brought a distinctly Chinese perspective to the animation industry. His success with Ne Zha 2 not only elevated his own status but also highlighted the talent and creativity present within China’s film industry. The movie’s release during the Lunar New Year, a peak moviegoing season in China, further amplified its impact by drawing massive audiences and contributing to record-breaking box office numbers for the holiday period[2].
Ne Zha 2’s dominance at the box office was particularly notable because over 99 percent of its revenue came from mainland China, unlike Hollywood films that rely on global distribution. This fact underscores the film’s deep domestic appeal and the growing strength of China’s internal market for entertainment. It also reflects a broader trend of Chinese audiences increasingly supporting local productions that reflect their own culture and values rather than imported content[2].
Critics and audiences alike praised Ne Zha 2 not only for its stunning animation quality but also for its storytelling, which combined traditional mythological elements with modern themes and emotional depth. The film’s success challenged the long-standing dominance of Hollywood in the animation genre and proved that Chinese filmmakers could produce works of comparable artistic and commercial quality. This breakthrough has inspired a new wave of confidence in China’s cultural industries and encouraged further investment in domestic creative projects[1].
The impact of Ne Zha 2 extended beyond entertainment. It became a cultural phenomenon that sparked discussions about Chinese identity, heritage, and the country’s place in the global cultural landscape. Various regions in China even competed to claim themselves as the “birthplace” of Ne Zha, reflecting the film’s significance as a source of regional and national pride[2]. The movie’s success also contributed to a sense of unity and optimism during a time when China was asserting itself more prominently on the world stage economically and politically.
In summary, Ne Zha 2 became a symbol of national pride in China because it combined a beloved traditional story with cutting-edge animation technology, achieved record-breaking commercial success primarily through domestic support, and demonstrated the growing maturity and global competitiveness of Chinese cinema. Its cultural resonance, artistic quality, and box office dominance made it a landmark achievement that celebrated Chinese heritage and inspired confidence in the country’s creative future.
