Chinese Animated Film Breaks Global Box Office Records
In a surprising turn of events, the animated film Ne Zha 2 has become the highest-grossing animation worldwide, earning £1.6 billion and surpassing Inside Out 2 shortly after its release. While not widely known in the West, this film has captivated audiences in China and beyond.
Just a few years ago, Chinese cinema was dominated by stories of military heroes and personal rediscovery. However, in 2025, an animated demon child has taken center stage, capturing the attention of viewers and shattering international box office records.
Directed by Yang Yu, Ne Zha 2 draws from Chinese mythology to tell the tale of Ne Zha, a demon child raised by humans. The story follows his quest to find a magical elixir to heal his friend, the dragon prince Ao Bing, who was struck by lightning. The film's stunning visuals and epic battles have drawn millions to theaters across China since its release during the lunar new year holiday, grossing 14.7 billion yuan (£1.6 billion) and becoming the top-performing film in Chinese history. It has also set a new global record, outpacing Pixar's Inside Out 2.
Ne Zha 2 represents a shift from the patriotic films that have been popular in recent years. The Battle at Lake Changjin, a 2021 film about Chinese soldiers in the Korean War, and Wolf Warrior 2, a 2017 movie about a Chinese soldier in Africa, have now been pushed to second and third place in the Chinese box office rankings.
According to Yu Yaqin, an independent film critic in Beijing, the film's success doesn't indicate a decline in patriotic sentiment but rather shows that audiences are finding personal resonance in Ne Zha 2. With economic challenges and high unemployment rates, many viewers relate to the film's themes of fighting against injustice and authority. Ne Zha's declaration, "My fate is controlled by myself, not by God," strikes a chord with those facing struggles in today's China.
Patriotic viewers might also find symbolism in the film, such as potential anti-American themes suggested by some commentators. For instance, when Ne Zha visits the jade palace of the villain Shen Gongbao, the whiteness of the jade has been interpreted by nationalists as a nod to the White House.
The film's release during the lunar new year, a peak time for family cinema outings, contributed to its success. Initially gaining popularity through word of mouth, Ne Zha 2 was soon championed by local authorities and businesses, turning it into a national phenomenon described as China's "guoyun," or national destiny.
Afra Wang, in a recent essay, noted that after the disruptions of the pandemic, many Chinese people are seeking comfort in familiar cultural narratives. "National destiny" offers a framework that places current challenges within a larger, hopeful story.
Ne Zha 2, much like the AI company DeepSeek, has become ubiquitous in China. At a recent press conference, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao praised the film for drawing audiences back to theaters, which is crucial for boosting consumer spending. In Shandong province, a company bought tickets for its employees, and a Beijing bar created a themed cocktail. Even local businesses, like hairdressers, are offering discounts to those who have seen the film.
Despite its success in China, it's uncertain how Ne Zha 2 will perform internationally. The film heavily relies on Chinese mythology and the storyline of the original Ne Zha film from 2019. Taiwan, which shares cultural ties with China, might have been a promising market, but restrictions on Chinese films mean Ne Zha 2 won't be shown there in 2025.
The film will have its UK release on March 21, with previews starting this weekend. Regardless of its reception abroad, many in China believe the film has already made a significant statement: China is achieving its national destiny independently of Western influence.