‘Ne Zha 2’ Surpasses $2-Billion Mark, Becomes First Animated Film to Do So

The animated world just got a massive shake-up, and it’s coming from China. ‘Ne Zha 2’ has blasted past the $2 billion mark at the global box office, making it the first animated film ever to pull off this jaw-dropping feat. This isn’t just a win for the movie—it’s a game-changer for animation everywhere.

This sequel builds on the success of the 2019 hit ‘Ne Zha,’ which already turned heads by raking in over $700 million worldwide. That first film introduced us to Ne Zha, a wild, rebellious kid from Chinese mythology who’s part demon, part hero. Now, ‘Ne Zha 2’ picks up the story with even bigger stakes, following the little troublemaker and his buddy Ao Bing as they tackle epic battles and mythical chaos. Directed by Yang Yu—better known as Jiaozi—the movie keeps the action fast and the visuals stunning.

What’s wild is how fast this happened. Released in China on January 29, 2025, right around the Chinese New Year, ‘Ne Zha 2’ hit the ground running. Families flocked to theaters, and word spread like wildfire. In just 52 days, it crossed that $2 billion line, with a huge chunk—over $2.06 billion—coming from China alone. That’s enough to make it the top-earning film in a single market ever. Outside China, it’s pulled in another $40 million or so, and it’s still rolling out in places like the UK, Malaysia, and beyond.

The numbers are crazy, but they tell a story. This isn’t some fluke. ‘Ne Zha 2’ has tapped into something big—think dazzling fight scenes, a cheeky hero, and a deep dive into Chinese folklore that’s got universal appeal. It’s not just beating other animated giants like ‘Inside Out 2’ or ‘The Lion King’—it’s rewriting the record books. We’re talking fifth place on the all-time global box office list, kicking ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ down a notch.

I can’t help but marvel at the scale here. Made on a budget of about $80 million, this film proves you don’t need Hollywood cash to dominate. Jiaozi, a self-taught animator, cooked up a hit that’s got dragons, demons, and a kid who doesn’t play by the rules. Voices like Lü Yanting as Ne Zha and Han Mo as Ao Bing bring the characters to life, keeping us hooked.

The timing helped too. Dropping during the Lunar New Year gave it a boost—tons of people only hit the cinema once a year, and this was their pick. But it’s more than luck. The movie’s been a cultural explosion in China, with local businesses jumping in, offering discounts tied to ticket stubs. It’s like the whole country’s cheering it on.

Now, it’s going global. It landed in the UK and Ireland on March 21, and it’s set to hit over 30 more countries soon. Will it keep the momentum? Hard to say, but the buzz is real. For an animated film—and a non-English one at that—to pull this off, it’s a wake-up call. China’s animation scene is flexing, and we’re all watching.