In a quiet weekend for the international box office, Chinese animated juggernaut Ne Zha 2 has achieved a monumental milestone, overtaking Star Wars: The Force Awakens to become the fifth highest-grossing film of all time worldwide. With a global total of US$2.085 billion, the film has firmly cemented its place among cinematic giants like Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and Titanic.
As of Sunday, Ne Zha 2 has grossed RMB 14.86 billion (US$2.054 billion) in China alone, according to Maoyan. Adding over US$31 million from international markets, the film’s global earnings now exceed US$2.085 billion, edging past The Force Awakens’ US$2.071 billion. Maoyan projects the film will reach RMB 15.2 billion (US$2.1 billion) in China by the end of its theatrical run. The film’s international rollout continues, with releases in Indonesia on 21 March, followed by several European countries and Japan.
In IMAX theatres, Ne Zha 2 has generated US$155 million globally, making it the sixth highest-grossing IMAX release ever. Of this, US$151.6 million comes from China. In the UK, IMAX screenings accounted for 35% of the film’s preview launch, marking the biggest opening for a local-language film in the format in the market.
The film’s success in China can be attributed to several factors. As a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Ne Zha, which grossed nearly US$700 million, it had built-in anticipation. Releasing during the lucrative Lunar New Year period and appealing to a broad audience also played a role. Some companies even gave employees the day off to watch the film, with Shandong-based Weilong Food busing staff to screenings to “help Ne Zha 2 rank first in the world.”
While Ne Zha 2 has generated curiosity and over US$30 million in select international markets, 99% of its earnings come from China. This highlights the challenge Chinese films face in gaining traction outside their home market.
Elsewhere at the box office, Warner Bros.’ Mickey 17 added US$15.6 million internationally in its second weekend, bringing its global total to US$90.5 million. Disney/Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World grossed US$6 million overseas in its fifth weekend, pushing its global total to US$388.6 million.
Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.
Natalie
Si Jia
