The sequel to the 2019 animated film, Ne Zha 2, has achieved an unprecedented milestone by surpassing $1.7 billion in box office revenue, overtaking Pixar's Inside Out 2 as the highest-grossing animated film globally. Since its release in January, this Chinese production has been breaking records within the domestic market, becoming the first movie to exceed $1 billion in a single territory. The film remains exclusive to mainland China for now and is anticipated to reach even greater heights, potentially crossing the $2 billion mark—a feat never before accomplished by any film in a single market.

Since hitting theaters on January 29, Ne Zha 2 has amassed an impressive ¥12.47 billion ($1.72 billion USD) at the Chinese box office. This remarkable achievement not only secures its place as the top-grossing animated feature but also ranks it eighth among all-time highest-grossing films, surpassing major blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, Jurassic World, and The Avengers. The movie draws inspiration from the 16th-century Chinese literary work "Investiture of the Gods" and has garnered widespread acclaim for its storytelling and animation quality.

The success of Ne Zha 2 marks a significant milestone for non-Hollywood productions, being the first non-Western film to achieve over $1 billion in ticket sales. Industry analysts predict that the film could reach $2.08 billion in China alone, which would elevate it to the fifth position on the list of highest-grossing movies ever. Such a performance would place it ahead of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Avengers: Infinity War, solidifying its status as a monumental achievement in cinematic history.

Given its ongoing popularity, Ne Zha 2 will continue to be shown in theaters until March 30, with plans to expand its release to Hong Kong shortly. The extended theatrical run underscores the film's enduring appeal and sets the stage for potential international releases in the future. This accomplishment highlights the growing influence of Chinese cinema on the global entertainment landscape, particularly in the realm of animated features.