For years, Hollywood films have dominated the global box office, thanks to the widespread influence of American pop culture and the sheer reach of major studio-backed productions. Blockbusters often rake in over a billion dollars annually, leaving other films far behind. However, this year, a surprising contender has entered the scene, proving that the world of cinema is more diverse than ever.

Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 has taken the box office by storm, not only becoming the highest-grossing film of the year but also setting a new record as the highest-grossing animated film of all time. With a budget of just $80 million, the film has defied all expectations. Released on January 29, 2025, Ne Zha 2 has already earned an astounding $1.92 billion worldwide in just four weeks, surpassing Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 ($1.69 billion) and other major contenders, including The Lion King, Frozen 2, and the Minions franchise.

What makes Ne Zha 2‘s achievement even more remarkable is its place in the context of global cinema. While many Hollywood films routinely dominate the global box office, this Chinese animated film has firmly planted itself among the elite, alongside juggernauts like Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and Titanic. With the film still running in theaters across China, it’s highly likely that Ne Zha 2 will soon cross the $2 billion mark, joining an exclusive club of just six films to ever achieve such heights.

This fantasy adventure film, directed by Jiaozi, is part of the Fengshen Universe, following the success of its predecessors Ne Zha (2019) and Jiang Ziya (2020). Loosely based on Chinese mythology and the 16th-century novel Investiture of the Gods, the movie’s timely release during the Chinese New Year has only added to its appeal, tapping into the festive spirit that often boosts box office numbers.

The film’s success is not just due to its strong storytelling and cultural relevance but also its ability to outshine even some of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Despite a much lower budget, Ne Zha 2 managed to outperform Captain America: Brave New World by almost seven times, proving that quality content can resonate with global audiences, regardless of its origin.

Currently, Ne Zha 2 holds the title of the seventh highest-grossing film of all time, a truly remarkable achievement for any movie, let alone an animated one. As it continues to dominate the box office, it’s clear that the landscape of global cinema is evolving, with new players emerging to challenge Hollywood’s reign.

In conclusion, Ne Zha 2’s record-breaking success marks a historic moment for both Chinese cinema and the animation industry. Its impressive box office run serves as a testament to the power of storytelling, cultural connection, and the increasing global reach of non-Western films. With its remarkable journey, Ne Zha 2 is not only rewriting the record books but also reshaping the future of animated films in the global box office race.