Nezha 2: ancient Chinese stories prove a winning formula for animated film success

Eight days after its release, Nezha 2 became China’s highest-grossing movie ever with its take on mythical figures

February 9th, 2025, SCMP

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China’s box office records were smashed this week as animated blockbuster Nezha 2 became the highest-grossing film in the country’s history following its January 29 release.

Millions around the country flocked to cinemas over the Lunar New Year holiday to watch the latest instalment in the Nezha phenomenon, which is adapted from the epic tale of Nezha, a youthful deity who defied the dragons in Chinese mythology.

That a story taken from Chinese history and folklore should be so popular with audiences is no surprise.

Over recent years, amid China’s rapid economic growth and technological rivalry with the West, there has been an increase in national pride and a revival of traditional culture. This has seen old and new collide, with these ancient tales being retold using the latest in digital technology.

It is this reignited passion for traditional Chinese culture that has also seen success for similar entertainment, including Tang dynasty-inspired blockbuster 30,000 Miles from Changan, and classic novel-based action game Black Myth: Wukong.

Box office takings for Nezha 2 are touted to be the closest to international industry standards ever achieved. On Thursday, the film officially became China’s highest-grossing movie, reaching 5.8 billion yuan (US$796 million) in revenue, overtaking the previous record set in 2021 by The Battle at Lake Changjin, a patriotic account of the Chinese stand-off against the United States during the Korean war.

It marks a new milestone for locally produced animation, which has been overtaking the shares of Disney and Japanese motion movies in the Chinese market in recent years.

Nezha 2, or Nezha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea, explores how Nezha, a boy born with a demonic destiny and great strength, realises that the cosmic order has been manipulated by the deity leader Wuliang Xianweng to consolidate power and the superiority of his clan.

While grappling with his self-image and identity, Nezha and his best friend Ao Bing unite the suppressed spirits in the sea to fight against the system.

The film has sophisticated animation and a captivating plot, but industry experts have said its success still hinges on its use of traditional mythical figures.

外刊精读244期：哪吒2登顶中国票房史上第一，中国动画崛起何以崛起？ (选自SCMP)

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