Ne Zha 2 is considered the biggest hit of 2025. This animated epic movie from China is the undisputed biggest blockbuster of the year. With a staggering worldwide gross exceeding $2.15 billion, it outpaced Hollywood heavyweights like Zootopia 2 ($1.42 billion).
Released during the lucrative Chinese New Year period, the film capitalized on holiday crowds. "What clicked for Ne Zha 2 was a potent mix of cultural resonance and technical brilliance. Drawing from Chinese mythology, it tapped into national pride, positioning itself as a homegrown challenger to Hollywood dominance," a critic wrote.
The film has thematic parallels with the monstrous success of Indian movies like Kantara: Chapter 1, which too drew from Indian mythological themes. Kantara: Chapter 1 draws from southern Indian folk traditions, local deities, spirits, and ritual practices. Ne Zha 2 continues from Chinese mythological lore involving gods, demons, fate, and cosmic order.
The New York Times praised Ne Zha 2 as a "testament to Chinese artistry," while Roger Ebert called it a "rare sequel that amplifies action and drama." Ne Zha 2 not only redefined success but sparked global interest in Eastern storytelling.
