Ne Zha 2, an animated feature from China, has achieved a remarkable $1.7 billion at the global box office, surpassing Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to claim the title of the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
Record-Breaking Box Office Performance
Since its release in January, Ne Zha 2 has seen unprecedented success in China, recently becoming the first film to exceed $1 billion in a single market. It marks the first non-Hollywood production to cross the billion-dollar mark, adding another accolade as the top-grossing animated movie globally.
As reported by Deadline on February 20, 2025, Ne Zha 2 has grossed ¥12.47 billion (approximately $1.72 billion) since its theatrical debut on January 29. This figure not only eclipses the previous animated record held by Inside Out 2 but also places Ne Zha 2 among the top-grossing films of all time, currently ranking eighth in the overall highest-grossing movies list, above renowned hits like Top Gun: Maverick and The Avengers.
Future Projections
The animated sequel, a follow-up to the 2019 film, is on track to surpass $2 billion at the box office in China, which would elevate its status significantly among global blockbusters. If it achieves this milestone, it will be the first film ever to reach $2 billion in a single market and join the elite group of films that have crossed the $2 billion threshold globally.
Theatrical Release and Expansion
In light of its continuing success, Ne Zha 2 will enjoy an extended theatrical run in China, with screenings now scheduled until March 30. Additionally, the film is set to debut in Hong Kong later this week, possibly further boosting its box office numbers.
This animated film draws inspiration from the 16th-century Chinese classic Investiture of the Gods, showcasing the rich cultural narrative alongside its commercial success.
