“Nezha 2”: The Chinese Animated Film Smashing Global Records

It’s a global phenomenon—one that French audiences are only just discovering. Nezha 2, the Chinese animated film, hits theaters in France on April 23, 2025, riding the wave of a sensational international success. With over $2 billion in global box office revenue, it has become the most profitable animated film in history, surpassing blockbusters like Inside Out 2 and Frozen II.

But the record-breaking doesn’t stop there. Nezha 2 has also made history as the first non-Hollywood feature to break into the Top 10 highest-grossing films of all time, securing fifth place—behind Titanic and ahead of Star Wars: Episode VII. It’s an unprecedented achievement for an Asian production and a clear sign of the Chinese film industry’s meteoric rise.

Inspired by the classic 16th-century Chinese novel The Investiture of the Gods, Nezha 2 tells the story of a demon child raised by humans who forges an alliance with a dragon prince to fight an epic battle in defense of their clan. It’s a tale that blends tradition and modernity, powered by a strong mythological core.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the film’s technical quality is a standout. A total of 138 Chinese animation studios collaborated over five and a half years to produce this visually stunning feature. With a final budget of $80 million—less than half the estimated $200 million spent on Inside Out 2—the film is both an artistic and industrial triumph.

A Late but Highly Anticipated Arrival in France

Ironically, the original Nezha—released in China in 2019—was never distributed in France, neither in theaters nor on streaming platforms. As a result, Nezha 2 will introduce French audiences to the saga without the context of its predecessor, but with the backing of global acclaim and anticipation.