The Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 continues to break records, further solidifying its place in cinematic history following a recent announcement that its screening has been extended on the Chinese mainland until April 30, 2025. The news came on March 21, 2025, via the film's official Weibo account, marking its second extension since its release on January 29 during the Chinese New Year.
In just a few short months, Ne Zha 2 has achieved significant financial milestones, grossing over 15.23 billion yuan (about 2.12 billion U.S. dollars) globally. This remarkable success places it fifth in the all-time global box office rankings, with less than 1.2 billion yuan needed to catch up with fourth-placed Titanic.
Initially, the film quickly rocketed up to the top of China's box office chart within just nine days of its debut, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time globally by February 18, 2025. Its impressive earnings are a testament to the growing influence of Chinese animation on the world stage.
Ne Zha 2 not only surpassed the previous record held by the Pixar release Inside Out 2, which amassed $1.698 billion but has also distinguished itself as the highest-grossing non-English language film ever. Its gripping narrative based on the 16th-century Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods showcases a demon-busting demigod who battles malevolent forces to protect his village, a story that resonates strongly with audiences.
In a nod to its robust international appeal, Ne Zha 2 has grossed over $37.09 million in overseas markets, maintaining 15th place among the international box office rankings for Chinese films, according to data from the ticketing platform Maoyan released on March 21, 2025. Since mid-February, the animated feature has been screening in several overseas markets, including North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, and plans for broader releases are in place across various regions in Europe.
This incredible box office performance has prompted distributor Trinity CineAsia to secure rights to 37 countries and regions across Europe, further expanding its reach. The film has already hosted preview screenings in the UK and Ireland on March 14, 2025, with a broader theatrical release scheduled in countries like France, Germany, and Spain soon.
The film's spectacular journey reflects a broader trend concerning animated feature films worldwide, where international and independent titles have also seen significant success. One such example is Flow, a European production that recently made headlines thanks to its innovative, dialog-free approach and CG technology, grossing over $36 million globally.
Overall, Ne Zha 2 stands out not only for its record-breaking figures but also for its impact on the traditional perceptions of animated films within a global context. It signifies a turning point wherein non-Western animations are not merely viewed as niche productions, but powerful contenders in the global entertainment arena.
While the film thrives in cinemas, it has become an essential part of conversations around animated films, highlighting the way forward for future production companies in not just China but on a global scale. Industry insiders and audiences alike are witnessing a fundamental shift in storytelling that these successful films embody.
