China's animated blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' has ended its historic 153-day theatrical run, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon with a staggering 15.44 billion yuan ($2.15 billion) domestic gross. The film attracted 324 million moviegoers, breaking 113 box office records and achieving 308 industry milestones according to official ticketing data.
The sequel's success underscores the growing global influence of China's animation industry, combining traditional mythological elements with cutting-edge visual storytelling. Analysts note its performance signals renewed confidence in domestic productions amid increasing competition in the world's second-largest film market.
"This isn't just about box office numbers," said Shanghai-based cultural analyst Li Wei. "Ne Zha 2 represents how Chinese creators are reimagining cultural heritage for modern audiences while achieving technical parity with Hollywood." The film's extended theatrical run demonstrates sustained audience interest, with many theaters maintaining screenings despite new releases.
Industry watchers are now speculating about potential international distribution deals and the development of Ne Zha 3, as Chinese studios continue expanding their cross-media storytelling capabilities.
