The Chinese animated movie Ne Zha 2 has been in theaters for two weeks and is now preparing for an international release. It has already broken several box office records and is one of the highest-grossing films ever. On its 15th day in theaters, Ne Zha 2 made more money than Incredibles 2 did in its entire run, becoming the fifth highest-grossing animated movie in history. The film continues the story of the original Ne Zha, which came out in 2019 and earned over $740 million worldwide.
So far, Ne Zha 2 has made more than $1.2 billion. Incredibles 2 finished its global run at $1.24 billion back in 2018. Because of its unexpected success, the Chinese ticketing platform Maoyan has increased its predictions for the film’s earnings.
Now, experts believe Ne Zha 2 will bring in around $2 billion in China alone. If that happens, it will become the highest-grossing animated movie ever and join an elite list of only seven films that have crossed the $2 billion mark. The only animated movies still ahead of it in earnings are Frozen ($1.27 billion), The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($1.35 billion), Frozen II ($1.45 billion), and Inside Out 2 ($1.69 billion).
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With a reported budget of $80 million, Ne Zha 2 premiered during the Chinese New Year, a peak movie season. It set a new record for the biggest animated opening, beating Moana 2. Since then, it has earned more than Moana 2 did in its entire run and has also made more money than animated classics like Toy Story 3, The Lion King, and Shrek 2.
Right now, Ne Zha 2 is among the 25 highest-grossing movies of all time. What’s even more impressive is that it reached this milestone without being released outside China. The movie’s massive success highlights how powerful China’s box office is. Ne Zha 2 isn’t just the biggest Chinese movie ever—it’s the highest-grossing film in a single country.
Before Ne Zha 2, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens held the record for the highest earnings in a single country, making $936 million in North America nearly ten years ago.
Directed by Jiaozi, Ne Zha 2 is set for a special IMAX screening on February 12, followed by a wider U.S. release on Valentine’s Day. It’s currently the biggest movie of the year and the only film in 2025 to cross the $1 billion mark worldwide. If it reaches $2 billion as predicted, it will become the first animated film to ever hit that milestone and the only non-Hollywood movie among the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time.