Chinese Animation Smashes Records, Signals New Era for Film
China\u2019s animated epic Ne Zha 2 has rewritten cinematic history, becoming the first non-Hollywood film to earn $1.12 billion in a single market. The film shattered its predecessor\u2019s benchmarks, surpassing 160 million admissions in just eight days during the 2025 Lunar New Year season.
Director Yang Yu (aka Jiaozi) combined cutting-edge animation with ancient mythology to create a story that resonated deeply with audiences. \u201cThe fusion of tradition and innovation makes this film uniquely powerful,\u201d said Lai Li, Maoyan analyst, as the movie outpaced global titans like Star Wars: The Force Awakens in single-market earnings.
Why It Matters Beyond Numbers
Beyond box office dominance, Ne Zha 2 represents a cultural milestone. Its reimagining of the mythical hero\u2019s journey\u2014exploring themes of identity and sacrifice through hyper-stylized battles and emotional beats\u2014has become a touchstone for China\u2019s booming animation sector.
\u201cThis isn\u2019t just about revenue\u2014it\u2019s about proving our stories can captivate globally,\u201d Jiaozi told media, reflecting on the franchise\u2019s growth since 2019\u2019s original Ne Zha. Industry experts like Tsinghua University\u2019s Yin Hong praised its \u201cmulti-layered storytelling that bridges myth and modern psychology.\u201d
The Road Ahead
With projections now targeting 12 billion yuan ($1.68 billion) in China alone, the film has reinvigorated a pandemic-battered industry. Its success accounts for 50% of 2025\u2019s Spring Festival box office total, signaling renewed audience confidence.
As streaming expands globally, Ne Zha 2 could become a gateway to Chinese mythology for international viewers. \u201cGreat stories transcend borders,\u201d Jiaozi noted, hinting at plans to refine the franchise for wider appeal while maintaining its cultural core.
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'Ne Zha 2' becomes first non-Hollywood film to hit $1b at box office
cgtn.com
