Chinese Sensation ‘Ne Zha 2’ Has Just Surpassed ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ at the Global Box Office
A massive wave of excitement is sweeping through the movie world, and it’s coming straight from China. The animated blockbuster ‘Ne Zha 2’ has taken the global box office by storm, racking up numbers that have left some of Hollywood’s biggest heavyweights in the dust.
‘Ne Zha 2’ follows the adventures of a fiery young hero named Ne Zha, a character pulled from ancient Chinese mythology. He’s got magical powers, a rebellious streak, and a mission to protect his people. The movie builds on the success of its 2019 predecessor, ‘Ne Zha,’ which already made a splash with over $700 million worldwide. This time, though, the sequel has gone way beyond that, pulling in cash at a pace that’s hard to believe.
What’s the big news? This Chinese sensation has now earned more than ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ at the global box office. That’s right—‘The Avengers,’ the 2012 Marvel hit directed by Joss Whedon, brought together Iron Man, Captain America, and the Hulk for a superhero team-up that made $1.52 billion. Then there’s ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ the 2022 action flick with Tom Cruise soaring back into the cockpit, which flew to $1.49 billion. Both are massive achievements, but ‘Ne Zha 2’ has zoomed past them, and it’s not slowing down.
I can’t help but marvel at how fast this happened. Released during the Chinese New Year in January 2025, ‘Ne Zha 2’ hit theaters at the perfect time—families were out celebrating, and the holiday vibe gave it a huge boost. Directed by Yang Yu, who goes by Jiaozi, the film mixes jaw-dropping animation with a story that’s got heart and humor. It’s got a vibe that appeals to kids and adults alike, which probably explains why it’s been packing theaters week after week.
The numbers are wild. Most of the money—over $1.9 billion—comes from China alone, making it the biggest film ever in a single market. That beats out ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ which held the record with $936 million in North America. Globally, ‘Ne Zha 2’ has crossed the $2 billion mark, a feat only a handful of movies like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’ have managed. It’s even outdone ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and is climbing toward the top five of all time.
What’s cool about this is how it flips the script on what we expect from blockbuster films. ‘The Avengers’ had a star-studded cast—Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson—and a budget of $220 million. ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ leaned on Cruise’s charisma and a hefty $170 million price tag. Meanwhile, ‘Ne Zha 2’ was made for just $80 million, proving you don’t need Hollywood cash or A-listers to dominate. It’s all about the story and the visuals, which have blown audiences away.
We’ve seen this kind of success spark pride across China. People are calling it a cultural win, a chance to show off their myths and talent on a global stage. The first ‘Ne Zha’ was a hit, but this sequel takes it to another level, with better animation and a tighter plot. It’s not just a kids’ movie—it’s got themes of standing up to fate and fighting for what’s right, which hit home for a lot of viewers.
This isn’t just about money—it’s about what’s next. Chinese films are stepping up, and Hollywood might need to take notice. We’re seeing a shift where local stories can outpace the usual suspects. For me, it’s exciting to think about what other gems might come out of this. ‘Ne Zha 2’ isn’t just a movie—it’s a game-changer.