“Nezha 2” Breaks Records to Become China’s Highest-Grossing Film Amid Lunar New Year Boom

Chinese animated film “Nezha 2” has made history by becoming the highest-grossing film in China, surpassing all other films, including the former record-holder, “The Battle at Lake Changjin”. The Lunar New Year boost has played a key role in the film’s incredible box office success, making it a standout in China’s film industry.

Nezha 2 Tops China’s Box Office, Surpasses 5.8 Billion Yuan

The animated fantasy film “Nezha 2”, which centers around a mythical boy with powerful magical abilities and martial arts skills, has garnered an impressive 5.8 billion yuan at the box office. According to Maoyan, China’s leading online ticketing platform, the film has eclipsed the previous record holder, “The Battle at Lake Changjin”, a 2021 epic about the Korean War.

“Nezha 2” is now the highest-grossing film in China, cementing its place in the country’s rich cinematic history.

The Story Behind “Nezha 2” and its Predecessor’s Success

“Nezha 2” is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit “Nezha”, which itself ranked as one of the top-grossing films in China. The Nezha franchise is inspired by the 16th-century Chinese novel “Investiture of the Gods”, and follows the story of a young mythical hero destined for greatness.

The success of “Nezha 2” not only marks a significant milestone in Chinese cinema but also reflects a growing interest in locally produced animated films. With magical themes, stunning visuals, and a gripping storyline, it’s no wonder that the film has captivated audiences.

China’s Box Office Booms During Lunar New Year

The release of “Nezha 2” coincided with the Lunar New Year, traditionally one of the biggest periods for box office earnings in China. The holiday festival led to a record-breaking surge in cinema visits and total box office numbers.

China’s film industry saw a significant recovery this year following a disappointing 2024, where box office earnings plummeted by 22.6%.

This year’s booming start is expected to continue as “Nezha 2” maintains its momentum with strong box office predictions.

The Future of China’s Film Industry and Box Office Performance

While “Nezha 2” has shattered records, analysts remain cautious about the future. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, box office earnings are heavily dependent on the release of blockbuster films. The film industry’s success remains uncertain, especially when large distributors hesitate to release big films during economic slumps or outside of peak holiday periods.

Despite these concerns, “Nezha 2”’s box office performance reflects an optimistic turn for China’s movie scene, particularly after a sluggish economy held back audiences in 2024.

Global Influence: “Nezha 2” and Hollywood’s Presence in China

On China’s all-time top 10 films list, only one Hollywood film remains: “Avengers: Endgame”, which secured the ninth position with a box office of 4.25 billion yuan. This further emphasizes the growing influence of local films like “Nezha 2” in a traditionally Hollywood-dominated global market.