The Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 has made history by topping the global animated box office, surpassing Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to become the highest-grossing animated film worldwide. As of 7:35 pm on Tuesday, the fantasy epic had amassed an impressive 12.32 billion yuan ($1.6984 billion), according to the ticketing platform Dengta.

Inside Out 2, a 2024 Pixar-produced coming-of-age animation for Walt Disney Pictures, had previously held the top spot, with global earnings reaching $1.6983 billion, as reported by international film review platform IMDb.

Film critic Shi Wenxue, based in Beijing, remarked that Ne Zha 2’s record-breaking success underscores the increasing global appeal of Chinese animation. He noted that the film’s triumph highlights China’s growing cinematic influence, both in technological advancement and storytelling. The achievement also reflects an evolving market where audiences worldwide are becoming more receptive to diverse animated content beyond traditional Western productions.

The film’s international reach has been extensive. According to China Central Television (CCTV), Ne Zha 2 was released across 770 theatres in over 400 cities across 48 states in the United States. In Canada, it premiered in 42 cities across 10 provinces. Meanwhile, in Oceania, it launched in 124 theatres, marking a record-breaking milestone for Chinese-language films in the region over the past two decades.

The widespread release and strong word-of-mouth have fuelled speculation that Ne Zha 2 could become the first animated film in history to surpass the $2 billion mark. Shortly after its release, the X account @DiscussingFilm posted predictions of the film’s potential to achieve this unprecedented milestone.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported on 10 February that Ne Zha 2 has officially become the highest-grossing film ever in China, solidifying its place in the country’s cinematic history.

Despite its monumental success, some foreign audiences remain unfamiliar with the Ne Zha franchise. However, international viewers have still responded positively to the film. On IMDb, Ne Zha 2 currently holds an 8.3 rating, with many praising its stunning visual effects and action sequences. One reviewer noted that while non-Chinese audiences might not fully grasp the intricacies of the story, the film’s striking animation and dynamic sequences leave a lasting impact.

Shi Wenxue compared the film’s trajectory to that of Pixar’s works, which have traditionally dominated global animated markets by incorporating universal themes and emotionally resonant narratives. He explained that Inside Out 2’s initial box office success was due in part to its accessibility and ability to connect with diverse audiences.

However, Ne Zha 2, despite being rooted in Chinese mythology, has proven that cultural specificity is not a barrier to international success. Shi believes that the film’s emotional depth, unique visual aesthetic, and widespread acclaim have piqued the curiosity of global audiences. As more viewers seek to understand the story behind the spectacle, Ne Zha 2’s reach is expected to grow further.

As of Sunday (16th February 2025), China’s 2025 annual box office, including pre-sales, had surpassed 20 billion yuan. Ne Zha 2 played a dominant role in this milestone, accounting for an extraordinary 59.4 percent of the market share. Its unprecedented success suggests a new era for Chinese animation on the global stage.