Hollywood Didn’t Make This $1B Box Office Smash—China Did

Against all odds, the animated sequel Ne Zha 2: Demon Child Conquers the Sea has shattered box office records, becoming the first non-Hollywood film to earn over $1 billion and the highest-grossing movie of all time in China. In just eight days, it surpassed Star Wars: The Force Awakens to claim the title of biggest single-market release in history.

But how did a mythological Chinese film—one that Disney, Pixar, or DreamWorks didn’t make—achieve a success that even some Hollywood heavyweights struggle to reach?

For those unfamiliar, Nezha is a legendary figure in Chinese mythology, known for his defiant spirit, god-like abilities, and epic battles against celestial and demonic forces. First appearing in the 16th-century novel Investiture of the Gods, Nezha has long been a staple of Chinese folklore, symbolizing rebellion, destiny, and self-determination.

While Hollywood has often adapted Chinese myths (Mulan, Kung Fu Panda), China now tells its own stories on its terms—and audiences love it.

The Ne Zha film franchise began in 2019 with the release of Ne Zha, which became China’s highest-grossing animated movie ever, earning over $725 million. The film reimagined Nezha as a misfit demon child fighting against his dark fate, winning over audiences with stunning visuals, heartwarming storytelling, and high-energy action.

Western critics compared it to Pixar and DreamWorks hits, but Ne Zha had something unique—a deep connection to Chinese culture and mythology that made it feel fresh and exciting. Now, five years later, its sequel has surpassed all expectations.

Released during the Chinese New Year 2025, Ne Zha 2 has taken the box office by storm. Here’s what makes it special:

• Bigger story, bigger stakes: The film continues Nezha’s battle against celestial forces, introducing new threats, deeper conflicts, and even more breathtaking action sequences
• Next-level animation: If you thought the first movie was visually stunning, Ne Zha 2 raises the bar with photo-realistic water effects, vibrant battle scenes, and cinematic action
• Global cultural moment: The film’s resonance with Chinese audiences is undeniable but also breaking through internationally. Critics call it “China’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” for its bold animation style and emotional storytelling

For years, Hollywood dominated the global box office. But Ne Zha 2 proves audiences—especially in China—are turning to homegrown blockbusters over Western imports.

In 2024, no American movie cracked China’s top 10 highest-grossing films. Instead, films rooted in Chinese culture and mythology are winning over audiences.

And it’s not just movies. We’ve seen a growing Western interest in Chinese media, from video games like Black Myth: Wukong to apps like Rednote, which surged to #1 in the U.S. App Store when TikTok faced a ban. 

Now, with Ne Zha 2’s upcoming U.S. release, American moviegoers can experience it firsthand.

When and where to watch Ne Zha 2 in the U.S.

Ne Zha 2 will officially release in select theaters in the U.S. on February 14, 2025. Given the overwhelming demand, some theaters have already sold out pre-sale tickets, so secure your tickets now before showings fill up.

But before watching Ne Zha 2, you might want to check out the first film to see what the hype is about. The movie is available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies!

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If you love high-energy action, stunning animation, and mythological epics, Ne Zha and Ne Zha 2 are must-watches. Whether you’re a fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Kung Fu Panda, or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this film delivers a fresh and exciting take on heroism, fate, and destiny.

Will Ne Zha 2 become a global phenomenon? We’ll find out soon.