"Ne Zha 2" success shows growing appeal of Chinese culture: industry insiders

The record-breaking box office performance of Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" has highlighted not only the success of China's movie industry, but also the expanding global appeal of its culture, according to industry professionals.

The animation has surpassed Disney's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" to secure its spot as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time globally.

According to data from China's ticketing platform Maoyan, the film's global earnings, including presales, have exceeded 15.019 billion yuan (about 2.09 billion U.S. dollars) as of Saturday.

The milestone was reached just 45 days after the film's release on Jan. 29.

As of now, the film has been screened in over 1,000 theaters across North America and 162 theaters in Australia and New Zealand, setting a record for the highest number of Chinese films shown in the past two decades.

Since the beginning of March, "Ne Zha 2" has also premiered in the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, sparking a movie-watching frenzy.

"It's quite surprising that China can make this kind of animation. I think the Chinese animation is leveling the Hollywood one, it's much better now," said Jay Reyes, a branch manager of SM Cinema, the largest cinema exhibitor in the Philippines.

After making its debut in Thailand on Thursday, the movie quickly garnered a strong local following.

"The essence of Chinese culture conveyed by this film lies in its deep affection. At the same time, it also showcases sincere friendship and the philosophy of balance between Yin and Yang, conveying the profound idea that only through collaboration can we build a better future for the world," said Suvannee Chinchiewchan, SF Group's chief marketing officer.

A sequel to the 2019 animated box office hit, "Ne Zha 2" combines breathtaking animation with a rich narrative rooted in Chinese traditional folklore, taking audiences on an emotional journey that blends action, humor, and heart. It is widely acclaimed as a film that resonates with all age groups.

"Ne Zha 2" success shows growing appeal of Chinese culture: industry insiders

China's movie industry is increasingly deriving its earnings from broader consumer economy.

Released during the 2025 summer season, the film "Nobody" became China's highest-grossing two-dimensional animated film -- and its success went beyond theaters.

Through licensing and brand partnerships, the movie has generated 2.5 billion yuan (about 358.3 million U.S. dollars) in retail sales to consumers, with more than 800 licensed products on the market.

Ranging from plush toys to food and home goods, the movie-related merchandise can be purchased from over 3,000 online and offline outlets.

Meanwhile, souvenir stores are crowded at Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia themed land, with hats, plush toys, and collectibles seeing steady demand from visitors.

"China's film industry is no longer defined by box office revenue alone. It has become a new growth engine that links and energizes multiple cultural sectors. At the heart of every successful film is strong storytelling. High-quality productions create cultural value, which in turn enhances the commercial value of intellectual property and opens up new consumption opportunities. I believe China's film industry delivered an outstanding performance in the past year," said Chen Xiaoda, vice dean of Shanghai Vancouver Film School.

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