China's animated fantasy film 'Nezha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea' (Ne Zha 2) has stormed the 2025 Spring Festival box office, becoming the highest-grossing animated feature in Chinese cinematic history. The film, a modern retelling of ancient mythology, has captivated audiences with its blend of cutting-edge animation and cultural storytelling.
Dede Nickerson, producer and advisor at DLN Media, praised the film's success, telling CGTN: 'Seeing this box office achievement is truly exciting. It reflects both the creative ambition of China's animation industry and the public's enthusiasm for stories rooted in their heritage.'
Industry analysts highlight the film's timing during the Spring Festival holiday—a peak moviegoing period—and its appeal across age groups as key factors behind its record-breaking revenue. The original 2019 'Ne Zha' grossed over $720 million globally, cementing China's growing influence in animation.
With streaming platforms now competing for international distribution rights, Ne Zha 2 underscores the rising global demand for culturally rich content. As one Beijing-based film student noted: 'This isn’t just a win for studios—it’s proof that our stories can resonate everywhere.'
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Box office success in China exciting to people: Dede Nickerson
cgtn.com
