China’s Ne Zha 2 has officially surpassed Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time; this milestone marks a huge shift in the global animation industry, depicting the growing influence of Chinese cinema on the world stage. With a staggering box office total of 12.3 billion yuan (approximately $1.69 billion), Ne Zha 2 has narrowly edged out Inside Out 2, which previously held the title with $1.68 billion in global earnings.
A New Champion in Animation
Inside Out 2 had a remarkable run in 2024, captivating audiences and critics alike with its emotional depth and universal appeal. The sequel became the highest-grossing film of the year and surpassed the earnings of other animated giants like Frozen II, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and even its predecessor, Inside Out. However, its reign at the top was short-lived, as Ne Zha 2 stormed into theaters in 2025 and quickly climbed the ranks, setting multiple records along the way.
The success of Ne Zha 2 is particularly notable for its rapid ascent. Unlike previous record-holders like Frozen II, which held the title for nearly five years, or Frozen, which dominated for six years, Ne Zha 2 achieved this feat in a matter of months, this unprecedented turnaround highlights the film’s immense popularity and the growing appetite for Chinese storytelling in the global market.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Ne Zha 2 is more than just a box office phenomenon; it’s a cultural milestone. The film is the first in 2025 to cross the $1 billion mark, a feat typically reserved for summer blockbusters. It has also become China’s highest-grossing film, surpassing previous domestic hits by a big margin. What’s more, the majority of its earnings come from a single market—China—making it the biggest single-market grosser in cinematic history.
Ne Zha 2 is the only non-English-language film in the top 20 highest-grossing movies of all time. This achievement underscores the film’s universal appeal and the increasing global recognition of Chinese cinema. Its success is a testament to the power of culturally resonant storytelling, as the film reimagines a beloved Chinese mythological figure for modern audiences.
What This Means for the Chinese Film Industry
The triumph of Ne Zha 2 is a beacon of hope for the Chinese film industry, which has been in a period of recovery and transformation. The first Ne Zha film, released in 2019, was a critical and commercial success, grossing $726.2 million worldwide. However, its sequel has far exceeded expectations, nearly doubling its predecessor’s earnings and solidifying the franchise as a global powerhouse.
The film’s success also highlights the potential of Chinese animation to compete with Hollywood heavyweights. Unlike many Western animated films that rely on multinational rollouts and extensive marketing campaigns, Ne Zha 2 achieved its record-breaking numbers primarily through domestic support. This demonstrates the strength of China’s domestic market and its ability to propel local productions to international acclaim.
Looking Ahead: Can Ne Zha 2 Maintain Its Lead?
While Ne Zha 2 has already made history, its journey is far from over. The film has a strong chance of becoming the highest-grossing movie in 2025, though it faces stiff competition from highly anticipated releases like Avatar: Fire and Ash. Regardless of the outcome, Ne Zha 2 has already cemented its place in cinematic history, proving that animated films outside Hollywood can captivate global audiences and redefine industry standards.
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