Rough Draft of Multi-Platform Story Package

Ne Zha 2 and its Success

By Elise Liu

Inside Out 2 was widely expected to dominate the animated film market in 2025. With Hollywood's longstanding reputation and global reach, few questioned its inevitable success. But that changed when Ne Zha 2 emerged from China, earning over $2.1 billion worldwide and redefining the global animation landscape.  

Released on January 29, 2025, Ne Zha 2 is a Chinese animated fantasy action film directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi. The sequel was produced by Coloroom Pictures and Beijing Enlight Media. It continues the tale of the mythological figure Ne Zha from the 2019 hit Ne Zha. The movie loosely draws from the classic 16th-century novel Investiture of the Gods from the Ming Dynasty and follows the story of a rebellious demon born into conflict. While the original film was praised for its humor and action, the sequel deepens Ne Zha's journey, his relationships, and his role in the complex world. By combining mythology with modern cinematic storytelling, the film introduced audiences, especially younger viewers, to traditional Chinese tales in a form that felt bold and fresh. 

With a production budget of approximately $80 million, Ne Zha 2 has reached unprecedented milestones. It has grossed over $2.1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time and the fifth highest-grossing film overall. Notably, it is the first non-Hollywood and non-English-language film to surpass the $2 billion mark. Most of its early revenue came from Chinese theaters, but the film's reach extended quickly, with successful releases US, Canada, Singapore, European countries, and more. 

The animation is lush, dynamic, and deeply expressive. The story itself tackles themes of identity, redemption, and destiny. The tone is deeply intimate, especially when it touches on the themes of familial love. 

[insert interview with knowledgeable film industry profession or fan - still planning the interview questions and will probably include details on how Ne Zha 2 achieved this rare effect using animation and etc.]

Yet despite its success, Ne Zha 2 still faced barriers. Western media coverage was limited in the early weeks of release and much of the available box office data had to be translated or sourced directly from Chinese platforms like Maoyan. (the largest online movie ticketing website in China). Language barriers and cultural unfamiliarity continue to be obstacles for global reach. 

While Ne Zha 2 shares some of the cinematic polish and pacing familiar to global audiences, it does have a few differences from typical Hollywood films. There is a lot of cultural specificity in this film. It deeply embraces Chinese culture, mythology, and language and invites viewers to immerse themselves in this culture, whether they are familiar with it or not. The visual style also differs from the typical clean animation. It includes hybrid styles, including traditional Chinese ink painting influences. Ne Zha 2 offers a refreshing contrast to what many expect from mainstream animation. 

Ne Zha 2 broke records and has broken expectations. Its success shows that global audiences are open to and deeply engaged with stories that are culturally specific, emotionally grounded, and innovative. As animation studios around teh world take note, this moment may mark the beginning of a new era for film animations.