'Ne Zha 2' Breaks Records: First Chinese Film to Cross $2 Billion

The Chinese animated film ‘Ne Zha 2’ has made history by surpassing the $2 billion mark at the global box office. This remarkable achievement cements its place as one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time and highlights the growing influence of Chinese cinema on the world stage.

‘Ne Zha 2’ Becomes the First Chinese Film to Surpass $2 Billion

‘Ne Zha 2’ has become the first Chinese film to cross the $2 billion milestone, a feat that underscores the film’s widespread appeal and success. Directed by Yu “Jiaozi” Yang, the movie has captivated audiences with its stunning animation and compelling storyline. According to Artisan Gateway, the film grossed RMB274.9 million ($38.2 million) over the March 3–9 period, bringing its cumulative total to $2.04 billion.

Record-Breaking Run in Imax and Global Box Office

The success of ‘Ne Zha 2’ extends beyond traditional theaters. The film has also set records in Imax, earning $4.2 million in Imax earnings over a week, pushing its cumulative total in the format to $148 million in China and $150.6 million worldwide. This achievement has elevated ‘Ne Zha 2’ to 6th place in the all-time Imax rankings, surpassing notable films like ‘Interstellar’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’.

Global Expansion and Future Prospects

The film’s success is not limited to China. ‘Ne Zha 2’ is set for further expansion with Imax releases planned in the U.K., Ireland, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand in the coming weeks. This global reach is expected to boost its box office earnings even further, potentially pushing it closer to the $2.5 billion mark.

ALSO READ Seven Dwarfs, Seven Lessons from 'Snow White': Personality Traits to Emulate

Impact on the Global Film Industry

The unprecedented success of ‘Ne Zha 2’ has significant implications for the global film industry. It highlights the growing importance of Chinese cinema and the increasing demand for high-quality animated films worldwide. As the first non-English language film to gross over $1 billion, ‘Ne Zha 2’ serves as a testament to the universal appeal of well-crafted storytelling and animation.