The Secret to Chinese IP Success Behind Global Breakthrough of 'Ne Zha 2'
By CHANG CHEN|Feb 21,2025
Chongqing - Ne Zha 2 has been shattering records at an unprecedented rate since its release. From becoming the highest-grossing Chinese film of all time to surpassing the $1 billion mark and entering the global top ten, each milestone represents a new chapter in its historic success.
The film is captivating audiences worldwide with its recent premieres in North America and Australia, a remarkable achievement that underscores the rising influence of Chinese IPs on the global stage.
On February 8, people raised movie posters at the North American premiere of "Ne Zha 2" in Los Angeles, United States. (Photo/Zeng Hui, Xinhua)
Chinese IP gains greater global influence
On February 13, Ne Zha 2 premiered in Australia before its North American release on February 14. The film’s overseas distribution team reported that Ne Zha 2 screened in more than 770 theaters across North America, with pre-sale box office earnings surpassing the first-weekend records of any Chinese film in the last two decades.
Comscore data showed that the film ranked among the top five at the North American weekend box office, grossing an estimated $7.21 million. This set a new benchmark for the highest opening weekend performance of a Chinese film in North America in recent years.
Hollywood producer Robert King, who has worked with Chinese filmmakers for over a decade, described Ne Zha 2 as a blockbuster-level animated film. He emphasized the film’s appeal to a youthful audience, highlighting the strides Chinese cinema has made in storytelling.
The success of Ne Zha 2 is part of a broader trend: Chinese intellectual property (IP) is steadily gaining international recognition. From films to video games, online literature, and short videos, more Chinese IPs are capturing global attention, helping to create a younger, market-oriented cultural export ecosystem.
The New York Times noted that this wave extends beyond Ne Zha 2. For example, the video game Black Myth: Wukong, based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, achieved immediate success upon its release last year.
A researcher noted that after more than a decade of rapid development, China’s cultural IP industry has reached a level of maturity, building a comprehensive IP matrix that continues to expand its influence on the international stage.
A giant poster of Ne Zha 2 in a shopping mall in Sydney, Australia, on February 13. (Photo/Ma Ping, Xinhua)
What makes Chinese IPs successful overseas?
One of the key factors driving the global success of Chinese IPs is the modernization of classic stories. The fusion of traditional Chinese culture with contemporary creative techniques has proven to be a compelling force for international audiences.
For the animated feature director Jiaozi, literary classics provide an unparalleled source of inspiration for cultural IP, offering a wealth of material to reimagine for modern animated films. The crucial approach, according to him, is not to simply retell these stories but to reframe them through fresh, innovative narrative styles.
Professor Huang Dianlin of the Communication University of China observes that the most successful Chinese IPs resonate with universal emotional themes. For example, Ne Zha’s defiance of destiny and the “collective salvation” theme in “The Wandering Earth” both tap into shared human experiences, making them relatable to audiences across cultures.
“Incorporating classical Chinese aesthetics into modern formats opens new creative possibilities,” Huang noted. “For example, Genshin Impact draws inspiration from traditional Chinese landscape paintings yet presents them within a cutting-edge, anime-inspired open-world game. This approach lowers cultural barriers, particularly for the globally curious Gen Z audience, who are eager for fresh perspectives and a taste of Eastern mysticism.”
Technological breakthroughs in filmmaking and industrialized production methods have further elevated these ancient Chinese stories. Ne Zha 2 showcases this leap, featuring over 1,900 special effects shots that combine meticulous craftsmanship with advanced technology. As a result, the film’s visuals bring traditional storytelling to life in a dynamic, captivating way.
As Chinese IPs continue to adapt and innovate, they are achieving greater success not only within China but also on the global stage, capturing imaginations and expanding their cultural footprint.
(Xinhua News contributed to this report's Chinese version.)
