‘Ne Zha 2’ surpasses ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ to become fifth highest-grossing film of all time
Ne Zha 2 surpasses Star Wars as the highest-grossing film, earning over $2 billion globally with stunning animation.
The sequel to the 2019 hit continues to dominate the Chinese box office and is projected to finish its domestic run at around $2.1 billion
Updated - August 19, 2026 02:51 pm IST
The Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 has climbed to the fifth spot on the list of the highest-grossing films of all time, surpassing Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The film’s total earnings have now exceeded $2.085 billion globally, with over $2.054 billion coming from China alone, according to Deadline.
The sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, Ne Zha 2 continues to dominate the Chinese box office and is projected to finish its domestic run at around $2.1 billion. The film’s international rollout is ongoing, with upcoming releases in Indonesia, several European markets, and Japan.
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Directed by Yang Yu, Ne Zha 2 is rooted in Chinese mythology and follows the titular demon child as he embarks on a mission to restore his friend Ao Bing’s physical form after a devastating lightning strike. The film’s battle sequences, stunning animation, and symbolism have made it the highest-grossing animated movie worldwide, overtaking Inside Out 2.
The film has also performed exceptionally well in IMAX, earning $155 million globally — $151.6 million of which came from China — making it the sixth biggest IMAX release ever. 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.
Published - March 18, 2025 11:20 am IST
cinema / cartoons and animation
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