Ne Zha 2 (2025) – The Highest-Grossing Animated Film in History
Ne Zha 2 is not just a movie—it is a global cinematic phenomenon. Released on January 29, 2025 in China, this sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha quickly became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, earning over $2.2 billion worldwide. Directed by Yu Yang (Jiaozi), the film masterfully blends ancient Chinese mythology with cutting-edge animation technology, making it a must-watch for movie lovers around the globe.
Storyline and Plot
Picking up right after the events of the first movie, Ne Zha 2 follows the legendary heroes Ne Zha and Ao Bing. After being struck by a divine lightning bolt, their bodies are destroyed. Their wise master, Taiyi Zhenren, reconstructs them using the mystical Seven-Colored Sacred Lotus.
Reborn with extraordinary powers, they must face new enemies—most notably Master Shen and the Dragon Kings—while struggling with questions of identity, destiny, and redemption.
The story delivers a perfect mix of action, fantasy, and emotional depth, appealing to both children and adults.
Box Office Records
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Worldwide gross: $2.2 billion
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Production budget: $80 million
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China earnings: 15.46 billion yuan (over $2.1 billion) – a record for a single market
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First non-English animated feature to surpass $2 billion globally
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Surpassed Disney and Pixar hits, including Inside Out 2, to claim the top spot
These numbers make Ne Zha 2 the undisputed box office champion of animated films.