How ‘Ne Zha 2’ Became the Highest-Grossing Animated Film Ever

This year, “Ne Zha 2” has emerged as the highest-grossing animated film globally, surpassing $1.9 billion in box office earnings. It achieved this without significant traction in the U.S., rewriting records previously held by films like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” With strong cultural resonance and progressive animation quality, the film has sparked national pride amid rising tensions in international trade, potentially revitalizing the Chinese film market.

In a surprising twist for this year’s cinematic landscape, the highest-grossing animated film isn’t from the usual giants like Marvel or Pixar. Instead, it’s “Ne Zha 2,” a Chinese animated phenomenon that has amassed an astounding $1.9 billion across nearly 80,000 screens within a month while hardly making a dent in U.S. theaters. It’s achieved what no other film has, surpassing the box office record set by “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in North America after only 11 days, as compared to the latter’s 165 days.

This milestone further establishes “Ne Zha 2” as the biggest animated film in history, outpacing the newer “Inside Out 2,” which earned $1.66 billion. Anticipation continues to grow, with projections suggesting it may soon be the first animated feature to exceed the $2 billion mark. Amid these achievements, the film has sparked national pride in China, especially in the context of ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.

According to Stanley Rosen, a political science expert at USC, the movie’s success transcends mere entertainment; it’s now a symbol of national pride and loyalty. Support for “Ne Zha 2” has become a means of expressing patriotism, and its soaring box office earnings are a source of excitement during China’s Lunar New Year holiday.

With its critically acclaimed reception and the perfect timing of its release amid the festive period, ticket sales are expected to climb to $2.09 billion. This significant financial milestone positions the film as the fifth-highest grossing movie of all time, trailing behind “Titanic” and ahead of “The Force Awakens.” So far, its impact outside China has been minimal, generating around $15 million in the U.S.

Market analyst Lai Li observes that the film has maintained strong momentum even post-holiday, with minimal declines in ticket sales. At its best, it captured an impressive 70% market share, showcasing an extraordinary box office performance that continues to surprise industry observers.

“Ne Zha 2” tells a fantasy adventure story rooted in Chinese mythology, tapping into cultural narratives that resonate with audiences. The film’s contemporary themes, such as social justice, also appeal to younger viewers. The anticipation surrounding this sequel parallels the iconic evolution seen in blockbuster franchises, reminiscent of how “Terminator 2” outshined its predecessor.

The visual quality of “Ne Zha 2” has been enhanced significantly by advancements in CGI, which have captivated viewers both locally and abroad. IMAX screenings boosted box office sales to $131 million, breaking records previously held by monumental films like “Avengers: Endgame.” Consumer demand for a visually stunning and culturally relevant cinematic experience played a crucial role in its captivating box office run.

In recent years, Hollywood productions have frequently dominated the Chinese market. However, as local films gain audience preference, there’s hope for a resurgence in the box office. Despite a downturn in earnings since 2020, analysts emphasize that the success of a few high-quality films like “Ne Zha 2” can rejuvenate the industry.

Rosen suggests that sustainable box office success hinges on the continued production of outstanding films. The ongoing success of “Ne Zha 2” exemplifies the changing landscape of cinema in China, paving the way for future animated triumphs and a cultural renaissance in film.

The incredible success of “Ne Zha 2” reshapes the competitive landscape of animated films, showcasing that local productions can surpass Hollywood giants in box office earnings. With milestone achievements and cultural significance, this film represents a turning point for the Chinese film industry and hints at a brighter future where quality films can drive market revival. The box office numbers are a testament to the power of storytelling deeply rooted in cultural mythology, sparking national pride and resonating with audiences of all ages.

Original Source: variety.com