In a remarkable turn of events that underscores the ever-evolving landscape of global cinema, the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 has claimed the title of the highest-grossing animated film of all time, eclipsing the previous holder, Inside Out 2. As it currently stands, Ne Zha 2 has not only dominated the animation genre but is also poised as the eighth highest-grossing film worldwide. With its earnings surpassing $1.7 billion, the film marks a significant advancement in animated storytelling, showcasing that quality narratives can indeed capture the hearts—and wallets—of audiences far beyond their native lands.
The film surpassed Inside Out 2’s previous record of $1.699 billion in global earnings on a leisurely Wednesday, achieving this feat predominantly through its robust performance in the Chinese market. By Thursday’s close of business, Ne Zha 2 had garnered an astonishing RMB 12.47 billion, equivalent to roughly $1.72 billion. It’s important to note that various ticketing platforms in China account for presales in their reporting, which may cause fluctuations in perceived earnings. In contrast, organizations like Deadline prefer a full-day compiled estimate, providing a slightly more conservative reflection of the film’s staggering financial success.
Despite the remarkable achievements already marked down, projections suggest a minor adjustment may occur, lowering expected earnings to RMB 15.1 billion—around $2.08 billion. Should these projections materialize and Ne Zha 2 reach that monetary milestone, it would not only secure its place in animated film history but also surpass the global totals of celebrated franchises such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
On the broader global cinematic stage, Ne Zha 2 still has formidable competitors ahead. Movies like Spider-Man: No Way Home, which sits at $1.95 billion without a release in China, and Avengers: Infinity War with $2.05 billion, loom large in the rankings. Should Ne Zha 2 attain or exceed the $2 billion threshold, it would achieve an unprecedented feat—becoming the first film to cross that staggering benchmark within a single market.
Given the film’s extended theatrical run in China, which is set to continue until late March, momentum is on its side. The anticipated release in Hong Kong could further amplify its earnings, testing the limits of animated cinema’s reach into audiences worldwide.
Ne Zha 2’s success may very well signal a paradigm shift in how animated films are produced, distributed, and marketed. As industries around the globe take note of the film’s extraordinary financial triumph, we could see an influx of high-budget animated projects emerging from outside Hollywood, reflecting diverse cultural narratives with the potential for substantial global appeal. It is evident that animated films are no longer just children’s fare; they have evolved into a viable medium that can rival traditional live-action blockbusters. In sum, Ne Zha 2 isn’t just a monumental film in its own right; it is a beacon for the future of animated storytelling worldwide.