The Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 has made history, becoming the first film ever to gross over $1 billion in a single market. Released on January 29, 2025, during the Lunar New Year, the film raked in an astounding $1.1 billion in just 12 days, shattering China’s all-time box office records.
This unprecedented achievement marks a major milestone for the Chinese film industry, with Ne Zha 2” being the first non-Hollywood movie to join the billion-dollar club. The film’s success has propelled China’s Lunar New Year box office earnings to a record-breaking 9.5 billion yuan ($1.3 billion), an 18.8% increase from last year.
Ne Zha 2 has not only surpassed the previous single-market record holder, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (which grossed $936.7 million in North America), but it is also on track to potentially surpass the global totals of Hollywood giants like Top Gun: Maverick and Barbie.
This animated sequel, loosely based on Chinese mythology, follows the titular boy with magical powers and his friend Ao Bing as they face a new crisis that threatens humankind. With stunning visuals and action-packed sequences, Ne Zha 2 has captured the hearts of audiences across China.
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The film’s director, Yang Yu (aka Jiaozi), has expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to the audience for their love and enthusiasm.”
Ne Zha 2 is set to release in North America on February 14, and it remains to be seen whether it can replicate its domestic success on the international stage. However, one thing is certain: this animated epic has already cemented its place in cinematic history.
