In an unprecedented achievement, the animated film Ne Zha 2 has shattered box office records in China, crossing the remarkable milestone of RMB 7 billion (approximately $960.5 million). This achievement positions it as the highest-grossing film in a single market, exceeding the previous record held by Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, which grossed $936.7 million in North America. The success of Ne Zha 2 signifies not just the popularity of animation in the Chinese market, but also the increasing strength of the domestic film industry.
Ne Zha 2’s performance has been exceptional, especially considering its release during the Lunar New Year corridor, a prime time for movie-goers in China. The film’s launch, which took place between January 28 and February 4, has set several records, including the highest single-film box office during the Lunar New Year. Its growth has been meteoric; it has climbed to surpass The Battle at Lake Changjin, thus declaring itself China’s reigning film champion.
As Ne Zha 2 continues to capture audiences, it is on a trajectory to become the first film ever to gross $1 billion in a single market. Predictions from platforms like Maoyan highlight this optimistic outlook, projecting a final gross of RMB 10.8 billion (around $1.48 billion). As of recent reports, the film has already amassed RMB 7.06 billion ($968.8 million), and it is well within reach of this staggering benchmark.
The momentum behind Ne Zha 2 is not a mere fluke; it embodies a growing trend of consumers gravitating towards domestic productions. The film’s strong reception suggests that local stories resonate more with audiences, and this trend may steer the future of Chinese cinema toward more original narratives.
A Returning Tradition: The Spring Festival’s Role
The 2025 Spring Festival marked a significant rebound for the Chinese box office, with overall grosses reaching an astonishing RMB 9.51 billion ($1.3 billion) over the weeklong holiday, eclipsing the previous record of RMB 8.02 billion. This resurgence can be attributed to various initiatives, including a promotional scheme by the China Film Administration, which offered subsidies to viewers, coupled with regional marketing initiatives aimed at encouraging cinema attendance.
Such strategies have fostered a rapid recovery in cinema attendance following a downturn in 2024, where box office revenues decreased by 25%. The successful record set during this Spring Festival indicates that cinema in China is rebounding robustly after recent challenges, potentially setting a new standard for future holiday releases.
Directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, Ne Zha 2 loosely adapts a classic Chinese myth, following the adventures of the titular character and his friend Aobing. The plot unfolds after the events of the first film and centers on themes of friendship, sacrifice, and resilience as they confront existential threats. The character development and the depiction of traditional mythological elements offer viewers a combination of nostalgia and modern storytelling, further enhancing its appeal.
The presence of beloved characters, combined with the film’s stunning animation and engaging storyline, positions Ne Zha 2 as not just a commercial success but a cultural landmark that reflects contemporary societal values and storytelling traditions. By successfully blending mythology with modern challenges, the creators have tapped into a rich vein of Chinese heritage, ensuring that the film resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
The Future of Cinema: Implications for Hollywood
As the success of Ne Zha 2 unfolds, questions linger about the future of Hollywood films in China. The notable shift in audience preference towards home-grown content may pose new challenges for international studios aiming to captivate Chinese audiences. However, some experts remain cautiously optimistic, suggesting that the resurgence of cinema attendance might create opportunities for global films to reclaim their audience.
Ne Zha 2 is not just a record-breaking film in China; it heralds a transformation in the way domestic narratives are perceived and consumed. As this animated sequel prepares to hit international shores, it underscores a growing confidence in local cinema that could reshape the global film landscape for years to come.