Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2: The Sea’s Fury” (2025) has undoubtedly cemented itself as one of cultural significance in film history: grossing at $1.7 billion already worldwide within less than one month of release, placing it among the top 10 highest grossing films of all time. Serving as a sequel to “Ne Zha” (2019), the story puts a modern spin on the centuries-old Chinese mythology tale of Ne Zha, written within the 16th-century novel named “The Investiture of the Gods.” Ne Zha tells the story of a gifted child who is rejected from heavenly status because of his demonic nature, so he uses his powers to carve his own path and forge his own fate. The story embodies traditional Confucian, Buddhist and Maoist values of parental respect, fate and righteousness while also balancing modern themes of free will, individualism and self-determination.
The success of this film fits with Chinese chairman Xi Jingping’s plan to restore ‘cultural confidence’ on the global stage. In his 2022 report, Xi called for an expanded Chinese influence on the global cultural sector. While “Ne Zha 2” fits the criteria of spreading Chinese culture globally, it does so with an almost Western spin. The story arguably follows the hero’s journey format, a popular story-writing technique in Western stories. It also urges defiance against the almighty when suppressed of one’s own might. Some even saw this as a social commentary on the Chinese Communist Party and the power of the people.
“I was surprised the Chinese government allowed its release,” Lambert senior Pearl Kim commented. “It’s quite an ambitious storyline.”
Topping even blockbusters such as “Inside Out 2,” “The Lion King” and “Frozen 2,” it’s clear that “Ne Zha 2” has made its impact on the global box office. “Ne Zha 2” is also the first ever non-Hollywood movie to surpass one billion dollars in box office turnouts, marking a significant upturn for China’s previously ‘dying’ film industry.
“I think that after several decades of being known as the country that’s lacking in the film and animation industry, this is a very inspiring comeback,” Kim stated.
With its runtime extending to March, “Ne Zha 2” might be on its way to clearing contemporary Western films such as “Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens” and “Avengers: Infinity War,” placing itself among the top five highest grossing films of all time. Film critics and casual watchers alike are holding their breaths in anticipation for Ne Zha’s next steps, whether it be conquering the heavens once again or wiping through the box office rankings.
