The animated Chinese blockbuster Ne Zha 2, based on traditional mythology, has shattered several box office records and has now become the highest-grossing movie in China’s history. The film, which tells the story of a rebellious young deity battling dragons, has become the first movie to gross over $1 billion in a single market, surpassing Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which earned $936 million in the United States back in 2015.
Ne Zha 2 was released on January 29, coinciding with the Lunar New Year, a key period for cinema-goers in China. This release came after a disappointing 2024, which saw a 23% drop in the country’s box office receipts compared to the previous year. The highly anticipated sequel, which took five years to make, has not only captured the imagination of Chinese audiences but has also contributed to the resurgence of China’s film industry.
The story is a sequel to the 2019 animated hit Ne Zha and is inspired by the 16th-century novel Investiture of the Gods. By drawing on traditional Chinese stories, Ne Zha 2 taps into a growing national pride and a desire for films that reflect Chinese cultural heritage. The film has also been praised for the advancements in special effects, which are seen as evidence of China’s film industry catching up to, and possibly surpassing, Hollywood’s capabilities.
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Gao Zhen, a 36-year-old who watched the film with his child, said, “Ne Zha is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. We resonate with the characters and background.” He also praised the visual effects, noting that “Foreign movies may have dazzling visuals, but Chinese cinema has also mastered those techniques now.”
Qu Peihong, a 26-year-old media worker, shared similar sentiments. “I used to prefer Western animation, like Disney and Pixar. But now, Chinese animation is getting stronger, and I prefer domestic productions more.”
The original Ne Zha became China’s highest-grossing animated film when it was released in 2019. Ne Zha 2 has surpassed the box office earnings of previous record-breaking films, including the 2019 sci-fi sensation The Wandering Earth and the 2021 patriotic war film The Battle at Lake Changjin, in just nine days. This quick success has been credited with reigniting confidence in China’s film industry after a year without major box office hits.
Qu Peihong, reflecting on this boost, stated, “The return of Ne Zha has boosted people’s confidence in the industry.”
Ne Zha 2 was directed by Jiao Zi, whose real name is Yang Yu. While initially attempting to collaborate with international partners, he found the results lacking and decided to assemble an all-Chinese team. This decision is seen as a pivotal moment in the film's success.
Though the film has made waves in China, some fans have speculated that there may be hidden geopolitical undertones in the film. They suggest that the villain’s palace could be a symbolic reference to the U.S. Pentagon or White House, though the filmmakers have not addressed these theories.
Zhang Zhengfa, a 22-year-old viewer, said, “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.”
The success of Ne Zha 2 has led many experts to argue that Chinese animation has grown into a formidable industry. Ying Zhu, the author of Hollywood in China, commented, “This film has transformed a traditional folklore into a modern tale of individuality, which struck a chord with audiences.”
Zhu also noted that Ne Zha 2 fits into a broader trend of Chinese narratives embracing themes of “rebellion and nonconformity,” similar to how audiences responded to the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong in 2023. Black Myth, which combines elements of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West with state-of-the-art graphics, features a rebellious Monkey King battling demons.
However, the international reception of Ne Zha 2 remains uncertain. While the movie has been a resounding success in China, there is doubt as to how well it will be received abroad, especially since the original Ne Zha had limited success outside China.
“I don’t think [foreign audiences] will understand it as deeply as we do,” Qu said. “But I hope this movie will help them to understand Chinese culture.”
Despite the uncertainty about global reception, Ne Zha 2’s box office success is a clear indication that Chinese films, particularly those that draw on the nation’s rich cultural heritage, are having a profound impact on domestic audiences. With its combination of traditional stories, cutting-edge animation, and national pride, the film sets a new benchmark for the Chinese film industry, leaving many excited for what may come next.
