Chinese film ‘Ne Zha 2’ surpasses ‘Inside Out 2’ as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time-OxBig News Network

‘Ne Zha 2’
| Photo Credit: Beijing Enlight Media

The Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 has surpassed Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to become the highest-grossing animated film worldwide. According to ticketing platform Maoyan, the film has amassed 12.3 billion yuan ($1.69 billion) in global box office revenue, making it the eighth highest-grossing film of all time.

Directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, Nezha 2 is a sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha. Inspired by the 16th-century Chinese novel The Investiture of the Gods, the film follows a young hero with magical abilities as he defends the fortress town of Chentangguan. Unlike Hollywood animated films, which rely on international markets, more than 99% of Nezha 2’s earnings have come from mainland China.

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The film has also made history in IMAX, becoming the highest-grossing IMAX release in China with $106 million in earnings, surpassing Avengers: Endgame ($83.5 million). Its strong performance helped propel China’s box office to a record-breaking Lunar New Year season. Over the February 14–16 weekend, Ne Zha 2 earned $275.3 million, maintaining its dominant position in the market.

As the film’s international rollout continues, Ne Zha 2 is expected to climb further up the global box office rankings. It is currently on track to surpass The Lion King and secure a spot among the top ten highest-grossing films of all time.

China’s theatrical market has had a strong start to 2025, with total box office earnings reaching $2.77 billion, nearly double the same period last year. With Ne Zha 2 continuing its run, the film industry in China is experiencing one of its most successful openings to the year.