“Move Over Disney! Ne Zha 2 Becomes the Highest-Grossing Animated Film Ever!”
A new animation king has emerged, and it’s not from Hollywood. Ne Zha 2, the breathtaking sequel to the 2019 Chinese blockbuster, has officially become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Surpassing Inside Out 2, Frozen II, and even The Lion King (2019), this CG fantasy adventure from Chengdu Coco Cartoon has stormed global box offices, raking in a staggering ¥12.3 billion ($1.69 billion)—and it’s still climbing.
Breaking Records Left and Right
According to China’s leading ticketing platform Maoyan, Ne Zha 2 has not only shattered the animated film record but has also entered the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time, ranking at #8. Its domestic dominance is undeniable, with over 3.6 million admissions in China and an impressive $8.3 million opening weekend in North America.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here are the mind-blowing records Ne Zha 2 has set so far:
- Highest single-day gross for a Chinese animated film (~$96M)
- Highest-grossing animated feature release in China’s history
- Highest-grossing non-U.S.-produced film of all time
- First film ever to cross $1 billion in a single market
- Biggest animated release of all time, globally
For a film that’s been in theaters for only three weeks, these numbers are historic.
Ne Zha Returns—Bigger, Bolder, and More Badass
Directed by returning visionary Jiaozi (Yu Yang), Ne Zha 2 continues the tale of the fiery, rebellious young warrior Ne Zha. This time, he forges an unlikely alliance with Ao Bing, the dragon prince, as they battle monstrous sea creatures threatening the land.
Inspired by the classic Chinese mythology novel Investiture of the Gods, Ne Zha 2 expands on its predecessor’s breathtaking visuals, epic battles, and deeply emotional storytelling.
The New Box Office Hierarchy
With Ne Zha 2 now taking the top spot, here’s how the highest-grossing animated films worldwide stack up:
- Ne Zha 2 – $1.69B+
- Inside Out 2 – $1.69B
- The Lion King (2019) – $1.65B
- Frozen II – $1.45B
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie – $1.36B
- Frozen – $1.29B
- Incredibles 2 – $1.24B
- Minions – $1.16B
- Toy Story 4 – $1.07B
- Moana 2 – $1.04B
Hollywood, Take Notes—The Rise of Chinese Animation
While Disney, Pixar, and Illumination have long dominated the animation box office, Ne Zha 2 proves that China is now a major player in global animation. The success of Ne Zha 2 follows a trend of Chinese animated films gaining international recognition, blending cutting-edge visuals with culturally rich storytelling.
With its North American release just beginning, the real question now is—how much further can Ne Zha 2 go? Will it become the first-ever animated film to hit $2 billion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the animation world will never be the same.
