Ne Zha 2 is making waves as one of the highest-grossing films in global box office history, demonstrating the exponential growth of the Chinese market and captivating audiences worldwide.
Since its release, which was less than a month ago, this animated spectacle has achieved monumental financial milestones. Currently, it stands as the highest-grossing film of 2025 and is poised to challenge iconic hits from renowned director James Cameron, including Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Titanic. It's been making headlines for its unprecedented box office performance, especially within its domestic market.
With nearly $15 million generated domestically this weekend alone, Ne Zha 2 has surpassed the staggering $1.9 billion mark globally. Of this total, over $1.87 billion has come from China, aptly making it the highest-grossing film ever within this single market. What’s more, it has claimed the title of the biggest animated movie worldwide, recently outperforming Inside Out 2, which previously held the record with its $1.7 billion lifetime gross.
Produced on a relatively modest budget of $80 million, Ne Zha 2 stands out not just for its financial achievements but also for its profitability. To put it in perspective, Inside Out 2 had a production budget of approximately $200 million. This positions Ne Zha 2 as one of the most successful financial ventures to date.
Over the course of its remarkable run, the film has outstripped numerous animation blockbusters, including The Lion King, Frozen, and various Toy Story and Shrek films. It has also outperformed nearly all Marvel films and one Star Wars film, showcasing its vast appeal.
According to industry analysts and the Chinese platform Maoyan, projections suggest Ne Zha 2 could gross over $2 billion throughout its lifetime run. If these projections come to fruition, it will eclipse notable films such as Avengers: Infinity War and Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, both of which have held dominant positions in pre-pandemic box office records.
Currently, Ne Zha 2 does not have an official Rotten Tomatoes score, but its audience rating is impressive, standing at 99%. This high level of viewer satisfaction indicates strong support from audiences, contributing to its overall success.
It’s worth mentioning how close Ne Zha 2 is to overtaking established hits. If it can meet the projected numbers, it is set to become among the five highest-grossing films ever. Already, it is recognized as the biggest foreign-language film ever produced and the biggest Chinese film of all time.
Before it overtakes Infinity War and The Force Awakens, it is likely to surpass Spider-Man: No Way Home, which grossed $1.92 billion and was not released in China. This would grant Ne Zha 2 the title of second-biggest hit of the post-pandemic era.
With these impressive statistics and achievements, Ne Zha 2 not only reflects the rising influence of Chinese cinema but also highlights changing dynamics within the global film industry, where audiences are gravitating toward more varied storytelling and culturally rich content. Fans are eagerly watching as Ne Zha 2 continues its box office domination, maintaining interest across the globe.
The film is still playing in theaters, and updates on its progress will be closely monitored by cinema enthusiasts and industry experts alike. One thing is clear: Ne Zha 2 has firmly established itself as not just any animated film, but as a cinematic phenomenon.