Since the start of the year, China’s technological and cultural industries have scored successes, commanding increased global attention. Ne Zha 2, the latest Chinese blockbuster, combines both and is on the path to global cinematic domination. From its premiere in mainland China during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) to mid-March, ticket sales exceeded US$2 billion.
Cutting-edge technology brings Chinese folklore and mythology to life, resulting in an epic, record-breaking run for “Ne Zha 2.” Directed by Jiao Zi, a former advertising representative with a degree in pharmacy who taught himself animation, the film continues the story of the rebellious child and deity Ne Zha. It is based partly on the book Investiture of the Gods, a 16th-century Chinese novel in the gods and demons genre written during the Ming dynasty. It showcases ancient armies, dragon kings, marauding giant turtles, sword-wielding squids, an armoured shark, and many larger-than-life characters that fit the technology-driven, animated format.
Reflecting China’s intentional approach to all aspects of national development, Ne Zha 2 builds on the domestic success of its prequel, Ne Zha, released in 2019, the most-viewed animated film of its time in China. Two years later, in the fourteenth national five-year plan (2021-2025), the Cinema Administration of China included the intent to “ guide the way towards the fulfillment of the objective of Vision 2035 to make China an important film actor” and a leading global film producer. The success of Ne Zha 2 is closely related to these policies.
Ne Zha 2 is considered a cultural phenomenon, connecting with audiences of all ages and cultures and across borders. The movie entertains while exploring universal themes such as identity, free will, rebellion, and self-determination and incorporates modern political machinations and social tensions in many subplots.
During a press conference on the sidelines of the recently concluded Two Sessions, China’s government recognized its latest gift to global entertainment during the two Sessions in the last year of its current five-year plan. Chen Guanghao, deputy of the National People’s Assembly and director of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Sichuan province, stated, “The global success of Ne Zha 2 has boosted the cultural industry’s popularity. We continue to cultivate and develop the digital, cultural, and creative industries, fostering deeper collaboration between universities and enterprises in industrial parks.”Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, added, “These great Chinese successes are becoming new bridges for cultural exchanges between China and the world and a new window from China to the world. The fundamental reason behind this is that there is a strong desire among the peoples of China and other countries to exchange economically, commercially, and culturally and to share opinions. It also shows that in the process of globalization, all countries can achieve development in an open and mutually beneficial environment.”
The film has successfully expanded into international markets, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan. Its European debut was in London on March 14, 2025, and it has upcoming releases in France and Germany. Ne Zha 2 is expected to hit the American market, which should naturally extend to the Caribbean market.
Ne Zha 2 now ranks just behind Titanic, Avatar: The Way of Water, Avengers: Endgame, and Avatar in global earnings. This achievement makes it the first non-American film in a language other than English and not produced by Hollywood to reach this level of success.