China’s animated blockbuster ‘Ne Zha 2’ surpasses ‘Star Wars,’ smashing box office records at home

A rebellious Chinese boy who takes on dragons and defies fate has made his way to Western cinemas after dominating China’s box office. Ne Zha 2, an animated spectacle inspired by Chinese mythology, has become the highest-grossing film ever in a single market, earning an astonishing $1.4 billion in China since its January 29 release. This achievement surpasses Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which made $936 million in the U.S. and Canada in 2015, making Ne Zha 2 the first non-Hollywood film to break into the global top 20 highest-grossing movies.

The success of Ne Zha 2 comes at a time when China’s domestic films are outperforming Western blockbusters, driven by national pride, improved storytelling, and advanced animation techniques. As Hollywood faces increasing challenges in China, the country’s own filmmakers are seizing the opportunity to tell stories rooted in Chinese folklore with cutting-edge visuals. Audiences have responded enthusiastically, with Ne Zha 2 becoming a cultural sensation.

Following its record-breaking run in China, the film has expanded internationally, launching in Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Among overseas viewers, particularly the Chinese diaspora, excitement has been high, with fans eagerly securing presale tickets and filling theaters. Many praised its compelling story, humor, and action-packed battles, drawing comparisons to major Hollywood blockbusters like The Avengers.

As a sequel to a 2019 box office hit, Ne Zha 2 benefited from a prime Lunar New Year release with minimal competition. Blending tradition with modern storytelling, the film appeals to both older audiences familiar with classic mythology and younger generations seeking fresh narratives. Ne Zha, the mischievous yet powerful protagonist, challenges divine authority and resonates with themes of rebellion, friendship, and identity.

Some viewers interpreted visual elements in the film as subtle political messages, adding to its intrigue. This nationalistic sentiment has fueled support for homegrown productions, mirroring the success of other Chinese blockbusters like The Battle at Lake Changjin and Wolf Warrior 2.

Made entirely in China, the film involved over 4,000 crew members and 138 animation studios. Director Yang Yu initially sought international assistance for key scenes but ultimately found that Chinese teams delivered better results. While acknowledging that China’s animation industry still lags behind top Western studios, Yang believes the gap is closing rapidly.

China’s animation scene has flourished, with audiences embracing locally made films over Hollywood and Japanese productions. Beyond cinema, this cultural resurgence extends to other industries, such as video games, with titles like Black Myth: Wukong gaining global recognition.

As Ne Zha 2 continues its international rollout, its ability to replicate its Chinese box office triumph remains uncertain. While some experts doubt its global crossover appeal, its success underscores China’s growing cultural confidence and its ability to produce world-class animated films.