The Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2,” produced by Beijing Enlight Media, has achieved a remarkable milestone in global cinema by surpassing the $2 billion mark within just three weeks of its release on January 29, 2025. This success scene marks it as the first Chinese film to attain this unprecedented feat, surpassing well-known titles from Disney and Pixar while leading the global box office. The film quickly set records, raking in $1 billion in a short time and outperforming major Hollywood productions.
“Ne Zha 2” serves as a continuation of the initial installment’s remarkable success in 2019, which garnered over $725 million globally and became a significant landmark in the history of Chinese animation. Drawing from ancient Chinese myths, the film narrates the tale of the rebellious boy “Ne Zha,” endowed with supernatural powers. Its captivating storyline interweaves action, drama, and existential themes concerning identity and fate, winning wide acclaim from audiences and critics worldwide.
This film represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Chinese animation, previously often compared directly with American counterparts like Disney and Pixar. However, “Ne Zha 2” signifies a turning point, demonstrating that China can produce high-quality visual and technical content that rivals the biggest global productions in terms of effects, character design, and intricate details, all while preserving its cultural identity. American critics have acknowledged this progress, pointing out that the film offers a distinct experience from what Western animation audiences are accustomed to.
While Disney and Pixar films rely on advanced techniques and build on Western myths or fairy tales, modern Chinese works like “Ne Zha 2” draw inspiration from popular Chinese folklore, contributing a unique cultural dimension to storytelling. This approach allows Chinese films to blend high technology with local cultural identity, while American films tend to lean more toward fantasy rooted in Western myths or contemporary tales.
The impact of the film extends beyond the artistic realm, significantly influencing other sectors, notably the merchandise and gaming industries, where companies have seen sales spikes. Pop Mart launched a series titled “Ne Zha 2: Born Bonded,” achieving impressive sales on platforms like Tmall, while Sunny & Sandy celebrated success in creating 3D plastic products tied to the film. Additionally, FunCrazy collaborated on a crowdfunding campaign that raised 30 million yuan. Furthermore, shares of Beijing Enlight Media, the film’s primary producer, surged by over 200% within just two weeks following the holiday period.
In terms of tourism, Chinese cities such as Tianjin and Yibin saw a remarkable revival after the film’s release, given their strong connection to the “Ne Zha” legend. Tianjin is a symbolic home for this character in folklore, and the film incorporated local dialect into some dialogues, adding an authentic cultural flavor that resonated with local audiences.
Yibin, located in Sichuan province, features historical sites and temples related to the legend, and its visual representation in the film has boosted interest in the area. This interaction prompted Chinese authorities to launch the initiative “Travel Through China via Films,” aimed at enhancing cultural tourism through local cinematic production.
This initiative seeks to integrate cinema with tourism to strengthen the allure of the country as an international travel destination, building on the success of films like “Ne Zha 2.” It aims to attract foreign tourists to explore the cultural and historical sites featured in these films while organizing international festivals and screenings to promote Chinese culture, thus enhancing the interplay between tourism and culture through film.
The triumphant performance of “Ne Zha 2” reflects the rise of China’s soft power on the global stage, showcasing its heritage and myths as competitive—if not superior—against the world’s largest productions concerning quality and revenue. According to the Brand Finance 2025 Index, China has jumped to second place globally in cultural and media influence, driven by cinematic successes like these. Notable achievements include “The Wandering Earth,” which has become one of China’s biggest science fiction films with global earnings exceeding $700 million.
Furthermore, “Wolf Warrior 2,” which earned over $870 million worldwide, highlights the ability of Chinese productions to deliver action-packed war films that compete in global markets. Films such as “The Battle at Lake Changjin,” also surpassing $1 billion in earnings, have achieved tremendous success both domestically and internationally, solidifying China’s position as a key player in the global film industry.