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How Has Ne Zha 2 Film Boosted Cultural Confidence & What Does it Mean for Global Film Market?

March 9, 2025
As of February 25, 2025, Ne Zha 2 has surpassed 13.8 billion RMB (around 1.9 billion USD dollar) in global box office revenue. This remarkable achievement has drawn widespread attention, particularly in China and other parts of Asia.
NeZha 2 not only shattered multiple box office records, but it also set a new benchmark for the highest-grossing single-market film, becoming the first Chinese and Asian film to cross the 10 billion RMB mark. Deepseek projects that the film’s global box office total could reach between 15.2 billion and 17.3 billion RMB, positioning it among the top five highest-grossing films in cinema history.
In recent years, Chinese culture has emerged as a powerful force in the global market, with its unique charm and innovative capabilities.
From the international attention garnered by the game Black Myth: Wukong, to the rising popularity of Chinese dramas overseas, and the widespread acclaim for Ne Zha 2, Chinese cultural products are increasingly making their mark.
NeZha’s distinctive cultural perspective, exquisite production craftsmanship, stunning visual effects, and profound thematic exploration have captivated audiences, while its themes of defiance, fate, and self-empowerment resonate universally.
Rao Shuguang, President of the China Film Critics Association, praised the film for skillfully blending traditional Chinese mythology with modern storytelling techniques, creating a narrative that resonates with contemporary sensibilities.
On Chinese social media, netizens have hailed Ne Zha 2 as a “historic moment of cultural confidence.”
Fans across China have celebrated the film’s success, even comparing it to Hollywood’s superhero dominance. One popular comment on Weibo read, “Hollywood spent a century exporting superheroes. Now, we have our own Ne Zha.”
These successes not only showcase the profound depth and richness of China’s cultural heritage, but also highlight its creative power and growing cultural confidence.
Many Chinese netizens think the success of these cultural exports underscores the unique allure and contemporary relevance of Chinese culture. It also demonstrates how Chinese culture can confidently and innovatively present itself to the world, opening new pathways for the international dissemination of Chinese culture.
Ne Zha 2 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Chinese animation.
As noted by China Daily, at its core, Ne Zha 2 is a masterclass in cultural reinvention, praised for its seamless blend of tradition and innovation. The film reimagines the ancient myth of Ne Zha, a rebellious deity from Chinese folklore, while infusing it with modern themes of identity, resilience, and social justice.
With the ongoing reforms in China’s film industry, combined with economic and technological advancements, a flourishing cultural market, and an emerging pool of talented creators, the Chinese animation sector has gained significant momentum. A new generation of passionate filmmakers and innovative studios has risen, warmly embraced by a massive and engaged audience of Chinese animation fans.