The Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 debuted domestically this weekend, marking its continuous success at the box office with record-breaking numbers both at home and internationally. The sequel has already crossed the impressive $1.5 billion mark before its global rollout, indicating its potential to enter the prestigious club of films grossing over $2 billion worldwide.
Ne Zha 2 is not just another animated feature; it stands on the verge of becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. Currently, its global box office hauls are estimated at approximately $1.67 billion, which positions the film just days away from securing a spot among the ten highest-grossing films of all time, surpassing box office giants like Jurassic World, Frozen II, and The Avengers along the way. This remarkable achievement spotlights the growing strength of the Chinese cinema market, which has been carefully built over the past two decades.
The film, which opened during the lucrative Chinese New Year period, has outperformed its predecessor's total of $742 million within mere days. Produced on a budget of about $80 million, Ne Zha 2 showcases how domestic productions can impact the global film scene. With strong performances reported from overseas markets, the film grossed approximately $5.5 million domestically and 1.63 billion globally.
The success of Ne Zha 2 is unprecedented, marking it as the highest-grossing film ever produced by China. Notably, this film overtook the previous record-holder, The Battle of Lake Changjin, with remarkable swiftness. It now has the potential to join the ranks of films with lifetime worldwide earnings surpassing $2 billion, including major Hollywood blockbusters like Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens and Avengers: Infinity War.
The film's significant milestone is reflected through its captivating storyline, connected to the beloved figure from Chinese mythology. The tale follows the iconic boy god Nezha and his ally Aobing as they navigate challenges and strive to maintain their physical forms. This familiar narrative resonates with audiences and combines humor, emotion, and thrilling animation.
According to film tracker Maoyan, Ne Zha 2 is predicted to earn over $2 billion at the Chinese box office alone. "Ne Zha 2 is the highest-grossing non-Hollywood film ever made," stated Box Office Mojo, showcasing the film's unprecedented status.
Dengta Data confirmed the global earnings had surpassed 12.12 billion yuan (approximately $1.67 billion) by Monday evening. With these figures, the film has secured its place as the second-highest-grossing animated film ever, surpassing Disney's Frozen II from 2019.
The cultural impact of Ne Zha 2 extends beyond mere financial success. Its popularity showcases the potential and artistry inherent within the Chinese animation industry. Audience engagement has been recognized particularly outside the domestic market, with major interest noted from territories like Australia, where the film has captivated viewers.
With its fascinating narrative and remarkable box office performance, Ne Zha 2 not only exemplifies the potential of Chinese films internationally but also establishes itself as part of the history of animated cinema.
Looking forward, analysts and audiences alike will be watching closely as Ne Zha 2 continues its theatrical run, with expectations riding high. The anticipation surrounds whether it can eclipse the global box office of other iconic films, adding another chapter to the already significant story of animated cinema.
To experience this monumental achievement firsthand, audiences are encouraged to watch Ne Zha 2 currently playing in theaters.