Chongqing - In recent days, the Chinese animated film Ne Zha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea (Ne Zha 2) has been on a record-breaking streak. 

On Thursday evening, its box office earnings (including pre-sales) surpassed 10 billion yuan (USD 1.4 billion), making it the first film in Chinese cinema history to reach this milestone. It currently ranks 17th on the global box office chart.

International Poster of Ne Zha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea (Ne Zha 2). (Photo/Official Account of Nezha 2)

Audience reviews of the film have evolved from praising its appeal to all ages and stunning visual effects to recognizing its deeper themes of identity struggle, defying fate, and even broader interpretations. As a cultural product, Ne Zha 2 embodies cultural confidence, resonates with societal emotions, and aligns with contemporary values, amplifying discussions and extending its influence to over 200 million viewers.

Behind Ne Zha 2's success stands China's "animation powerhouse." In an era of technological advancements, Chinese animators meticulously craft each frame, infusing traditional Eastern aesthetics into cutting-edge visual effects, preserving the artistic soul of animation.

"This is a moment of glory for all animators. I hope it can go even further," said Zhou Yuanyang, head of Juxing Animation, who was responsible for character effects in both Ne Zha films, upon learning that Ne Zha 2 had become the highest-grossing film in a single market in global box office history.

At a time when animation technology is evolving rapidly worldwide, China's animators have made remarkable strides in innovation and gained cultural influence on a global scale.

The success of Ne Zha 2 goes beyond commercial achievement—it has become a cultural phenomenon. Its North American premiere saw packed theaters, marking unprecedented global recognition for Chinese animation.

Reports indicate that the film's success has led to urgent recruitment efforts within the animation industry. Red Whale Pictures recently announced openings for more than ten positions, including post-production compositors, VFX artists, and character animators. However, Ne Zha 2's executive producer, Yu Zhixin, clarified that these hires are part of the company's long-term expansion rather than a direct result of the film’s success.

Juxing Animation's Zhou Yuanyang expressed his hope that the Ne Zha craze will attract more talent to the industry. However, he also acknowledged that, given the current market landscape and the evolving aspirations of young professionals, the industry still faces a talent shortage.

As Ne Zha 2 continues to shatter box office records, its impact extends beyond entertainment. It reflects cultural confidence, captures the social zeitgeist, and resonates with contemporary values, furthering its reach among audiences worldwide.

Meanwhile, Chinese animators are hard at work on future projects. We look forward to more all-age stories rooted in Chinese culture, more scripts that reflect reality with empathy, and animation that goes beyond visual spectacle—where Chinese animators captivate the world with powerful storytelling.