Ne Zha 2 & Nobody: Box Office Success & Analysis

Chinese Animation Ascends: ‘Ne Zha 2’ Leads a New Wave of Global Blockbusters

Chinese animation is experiencing a golden age, rapidly evolving from a domestically focused industry to a global powerhouse. The past year has been particularly transformative, marked by record-breaking box office numbers and a growing emphasis on quality storytelling that resonates with international audiences.

The industry’s ascent is dramatically illustrated by the phenomenal success of Beijing Enlight Pictures’ Ne Zha 2, which has become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, surpassing Pixar’s Inside Out 2 with an estimated global box office exceeding $2.2 billion. This achievement underscores the growing appeal of Chinese animation on the world stage.

However, Ne Zha 2’s success is not an isolated incident. A wave of other animated features have demonstrated the creative breadth of contemporary Chinese studios. Boonie Bears: Future Reborn grossed $102 million globally, adding to the franchise’s impressive $1.2 billion total across 11 films. The Shanghai Animation Film Studio’s Nobody also achieved significant success, earning an estimated $153 million at the domestic box office.

Nobody distinguishes itself through its unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. The film draws inspiration from the 16th-century literary classic Journey to the West, incorporating traditional Chinese ink-wash painting styles while simultaneously aligning with contemporary cinematic expectations. “As a story inspired by Journey to the West and infused with strong elements of local realism, adopting a style rooted in traditional Chinese aesthetics was a natural choice,” explained Chen Liaoyu, the film’s art director and executive producer.

This shift towards quality over quantity is a defining characteristic of the current era in Chinese animation. “Chinese animation has continued to grow and evolve,” Chen noted. “While earlier stages of development prioritized quantity, the past decade has marked a transition toward quality. A new generation of animation creators has reached a stage of creative maturity, and a new, broader audience is emerging.”

The industry is consciously moving beyond the perception of animation as solely children’s entertainment. “The era when animation was seen solely as children’s entertainment is long over,” Chen added. “Today’s Chinese animation creators are consciously exploring the cultural heritage and spiritual essence of Chinese identity, while also striving to create works with universal appeal.” Nobody, for example, follows four underdog demons who disguise themselves as the heroes of Journey to the West in a quest for immortality, a narrative that resonates with themes of self-discovery and perseverance.

The growing international recognition of Chinese animation was further highlighted at this year’s TIFFCOM, where the China Film Pavilion made its debut. Organized by the China Film Co-Production Corporation (CFCC), the pavilion showcased over 180 recent Chinese productions, including The Volunteers: To the War 3, A Tapestry of a Legendary Land, and Shenzhou 13. The event aimed to foster collaboration and deepen understanding of Chinese film production standards among international filmmakers.

The Chinese film industry’s overall performance is also surging. Box office revenue reached $6.1 billion as of October 8, representing an 18.98% increase year-on-year – already exceeding the total for all of 2024 by over $181 million. The number of moviegoers has also risen to 1.035 billion, a 19.39% increase year-on-year, surpassing 2024’s total by 25.28 million, according to the CFCC.

Further initiatives at TIFFCOM included the CFCC-hosted China Film Promotion, offering international industry representatives a preview of films like A Tapestry of a Legendary Land and Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf: The World Guardians. Additionally, the CFCC, in collaboration with leading universities, co-hosted the launch event for the “Blue Book of China Film 2025” and “Blue Book of China TV Series 2025,” providing an in-depth analysis of the industry’s latest achievements.

The CFCC emphasized its commitment to expanding international exchange and integrating Chinese films into the global cinematic landscape. Productions like Nobody are at the forefront of this effort, gaining attention for both their commercial success and stylistic innovation.

According to Chen, the success of Nobody stems from its ability to connect with modern audiences on a deeper level. “At its core, our aim was to tell an engaging story — one whose metaphors and themes deeply resonate with modern audiences,” Chen stated. “We hope that every viewer can recognize themselves or someone they know within the film.” The film’s creators prioritize storytelling and emotional expression, ensuring that technical artistry serves the narrative rather than overshadowing it.

Looking ahead, Chinese filmmakers are increasingly focused on creating stories with global appeal. “Although the story is rooted in the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West, it is, above all, a story about ordinary people,” Chen explained. “It is not a tale of traditional heroism, but one of self-awareness and staying true to one’s inner self. Most importantly, it is a film filled with humor and joy from beginning to end — a story that anyone, regardless of age or background, can enjoy.” This dedication to universal themes, combined with a growing technical prowess and a rich cultural heritage, positions Chinese animation for continued success on the world stage.