New Animated Movie Surpasses $434 Million Opening Weekend and You Probably Haven’t Seen It

Ne Zha 2 has emerged as a powerhouse at the Chinese box office, potentially positioning itself as one of the most significant animated blockbusters in history. As a sequel to the highly successful 2019 film Ne Zha, it is the third installment in the Fengshen cinematic universe. All three films—including the 2020 release, Jiang Ziya—draw inspiration from the 16th-century classic, The Investiture of the Gods, a tale rich with gods and demons set against the backdrop of Ancient China.

Record-Breaking $434 Million Opening in China

The narrative of the first Ne Zha film introduces viewers to the titular character, who rises to combat various demons. In the sequel, Ne Zha 2, Nezha joins forces with dragon prince Ao Bing to tackle perilous sea monsters. The film debuted spectacularly over the Lunar New Year holiday, earning a staggering $434 million during its opening five days. Industry experts anticipate that Ne Zha 2 could amass upwards of $944 million in total earnings, solidifying its status as a historic Chinese box office contender.

A Potential to Become China’s Highest-Grossing Film

After the underwhelming box office performance witnessed in China in 2024, Ne Zha 2’s triumph at the Lunar New Year showcases an impressive rebound.According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s earnings suggest it may surpass the previous record held by The Battle at Lake Changjin, which grossed $913 million. If Ne Zha 2 surpasses this benchmark, it will carve its name in cinematic history.

Watch Ne Zha 2 Trailer

China’s 2025 Lunar New Year Box Office Exceeds $1 Billion

This year’s Lunar New Year witnessed stellar performances from multiple films, culminating in a remarkable Chinese box office total exceeding $1 billion. Aside from Ne Zha 2, other successful releases included Detective Chinatown 1900, Creation of the Gods 2, Boonie Bears: Future Reborn, and Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants. Remarkably, the cumulative revenue reached an impressive $1.24 billion—a staggering 234.1% increase from the previous year, illustrating a robust recovery for cinematic ventures in the region.

Prosperity of Chinese Box Office

Highlighted performances included Detective Chinatown 1900 at $133.9 million, and Creation of the Gods 2 with $41.2 million in their opening weekends. The collective success of these films underscores a thriving momentum in China’s box office, promising a fruitful year ahead for the industry.

Ne Zha 2 Poised to Set New Records

Amidst growing box office success, Ne Zha 2 is quickly establishing itself as a record-breaking phenomenon. Beyond the anticipation of overtaking previous highest-grossing films, it may also become the first film to surpass $1 billion in a single territory. Projections indicate that if it reaches just $56 million more, Ne Zha 2 will attain this lofty milestone.

Competitive Landscape Against Animated Counterparts

The film recently set a new benchmark as the fastest IMAX release to surpass RMB100 million, approximately $13 million in the U. S.Furthermore, its five-day total bested Moana 2‘s previous mark of $386.3 million. Current analyses suggest that Ne Zha 2 could also eclipse Inside Out 2 to become the highest-grossing animated feature in a single market.

When Will Ne Zha 2 Be Available Internationally?

Following its impressive success in China, Ne Zha 2 is set to make its international debut in markets like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on February 14, 2025. This rapid release schedule stands in stark contrast to its predecessor’s two-month delay, enabling fans to experience the sequel much sooner.

Although Ne Zha 2 has excelled in China, its predecessor struggled to gain traction domestically, accruing just $3, 695, 530 at the box office, suggesting that Ne Zha 2 might not replicate its Chinese success in Western markets.

For more insights, refer to the following sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Box Office Mojo, Variety.

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