A new animated film featuring a young boy who confronts demons using his magical abilities has achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming China’s highest-grossing film to date, resonating deeply as a source of national pride.
Ne Zha 2, inspired by a character from Chinese mythology, has generated over 8 billion yuan ($1.1 billion; £910 million) in ticket sales during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, as reported by the ticket sales tracker Maoyan.
The film surpassed the previous record held by 2021’s The Battle at Lake Changjin, a propaganda piece centred on the Korean War of the 1950s, which grossed approximately $900 million.
Ne Zha 2 is receiving acclaim as a representation of advancement in the Chinese film industry, which has historically lagged behind Hollywood, even with a substantial domestic audience.
Following its impressive performance in the domestic market, Ne Zha 2 is set to make its international debut next week, with screenings planned in the US, Canada, and Australia.
For audiences in China, Ne Zha 2 exemplifies the growing competitiveness of domestically produced films on the global stage.
“One review on IMDB highlights how it not only showcases the robust strength of Chinese animation following its resurgence, but also illustrates the limitless potential of traditional Chinese mythology within a contemporary framework.”
There are expectations that it may generate an additional $1 billion, potentially exceeding the box office record set by 2009’s Avatar, the highest-grossing film in history.
One comment on Weibo stated, “Now it’s over to the Chinese people overseas to chip in.”
During the Lunar New Year festivities, movie ticket sales in China have experienced a significant surge. This season, Chinese films generated $1.3 billion during the weeklong holiday period, highlighting a rise in consumer spending that has been a key objective for Chinese authorities.
Ne Zha 2 has established a new box-office record in China and has become the first film to surpass $1 billion in a single market, as the Hollywood publication Deadline reported.
Ne Zha 2 has garnered acclaim for its screenplay and stunning visual effects. As audiences rush to theatres, figurines of the film’s characters are experiencing a surge in sales, disappearing rapidly from store shelves.
The film capitalises on the achievements of its predecessor, the 2019 release Ne Zha, which garnered over $725 million at the box office, securing its place as China’s fifth highest-grossing film in history.
