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The animated Chinese blockbuster Ne Zha 2, based on traditional mythology, has shattered multiple box office records, making it the most successful movie in China’s history. The film, which tells the story of a rebellious young deity battling dragons, has earned over $1 billion in a single market, surpassing Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which grossed $936 million in the United States in 2015.
Ne Zha 2 premiered on January 29 during the Lunar New Year festival which marks an attractive time for Chinese cinema attendance thus becoming a catalyst for China’s film industry recovery. This follows a challenging year in 2024 when cinema ticket sales decreased 23% from the prior year.
The sequel took five years to produce following its origins from the 16th-century book Investiture of the Gods. The movie combines the heightened demand for classic Chinese narratives with rising Chinese nationalistic feelings about technological achievements.
Ne Zha 2 resonates strongly with Chinese audiences, who appreciate the film’s connection to their cultural heritage. Gao Zhen, 36, who watched the movie with his child, said, “Ne Zha is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. We resonate with the characters and background.”
In addition, the film’s special effects have garnered acclaim for their ability to demonstrate the expanding film industry in China. Numerous individuals have observed that the country has transcended, or at least matched, Hollywood in this regard. Gao added, “Foreign movies may have dazzling visuals, but Chinese cinema has also mastered those techniques now.” Qu Peihong, 26, a media worker, noted, “I used to prefer Western animation, like Disney and Pixar. But now, Chinese animation is getting stronger, and I prefer domestic productions more.”
Record-Breaking Box Office Success
The original Ne Zha became China’s highest-grossing animated film after its 2019 release. The sequel quickly broke all previous domestic box office records, including those set by the 2019 sci-fi hit The Wandering Earth and the 2021 patriotic war film The Battle at Lake Changjin, reaching this milestone in just nine days.
The film created new optimism for China’s film sector after the industry experienced a stuttering performance in 2024. Qu commented, “The return of Ne Zha has boosted people’s confidence in the industry.”
Director Jiao Zi initially sought to collaborate with international partners but opted to work with an all-Chinese team after finding the international outcomes unsatisfactory. While some fans have speculated that the film contains hidden geopolitical symbolism, possibly alluding to the U.S. Pentagon or White House, the filmmakers have not commented on these rumors. Several film fans have expressed theories about covert geopolitical references throughout the movie that might refer to U.S. governmental buildings but the filmmakers have declined to provide any official statement about the speculation.
Zhang Zhengfa, 22, shared his excitement after watching the film, “This film far exceeded my expectations, it was really exciting. When I exited the cinema, I felt a deep sense of pride as a Chinese person. I think there will be more in the future. I believe this is just the beginning.”
Experts believe Ne Zha 2 is a clear demonstration of China’s growing dominance in the animation sector. Ying Zhu, author of Hollywood in China, stated, “Chinese animation has grown into a powerhouse and can rival Disney and Japanese animations in the Chinese domestic market.” She also noted that the film successfully transformed traditional folklore into a modern tale of individuality, resonating deeply with audiences.
The film’s rebellious premise had a great welcome, comparable to the widespread popularity of the 2024 video game Black Myth: Wukong, which blends old Journey to the West content with modern graphics technology. The main character, a fun-loving and feisty Monkey King, fights demons in a game that became a worldwide bestseller.
However, there is uncertainty regarding how Ne Zha 2, based on a legend less known outside of China, will be received internationally. Qu noted, “I don’t think (foreign audiences) will understand it as deeply as we do, but I hope this movie will help them to understand Chinese culture.”
