Ne Zha 2, the much-awaited sequel to the 2019 hit animated film Ne Zha, has made a major impact at the box office. It hasn’t just been a success and ended the historic 24-year run of a legendary film franchise that earned over $7.7 billion worldwide.

This new achievement is big news for Chinese animation and a major shift in global box office history. With Ne Zha 2’s strong performance, a franchise that dominated global cinema for more than two decades has finally been pushed aside.

Which Franchise Did Ne Zha 2 Overtake?

According to recent box office reports, Ne Zha 2 has officially ended the long-standing record of the Pokémon movie franchise. The Pokémon films held the record for the highest-grossing animated movie franchise for nearly 24 years, with multiple films contributing to a total global earning of $7.7 billion.

But now, Ne Zha 2’s impressive domestic and international box office numbers have surpassed Pokémon’s total, marking the end of an era for the Japanese franchise.

A Massive Milestone for Chinese Animation

This victory is also a huge win for Chinese cinema, especially its growing animation industry. In recent years, China has been putting out high-quality animated films that not only perform well locally but are also gaining popularity worldwide.

The success of Ne Zha 2 proves that Chinese-made animated films can now compete with international giants like Disney, Pixar, and of course, long-time Japanese competitors like Studio Ghibli and Pokémon.

What Made Ne Zha 2 So Popular?

Several things worked in Ne Zha 2’s favour:

Strong Fan Base: The first Ne Zha movie in 2019 became a cultural phenomenon in China. It was loved for its modern twist on traditional Chinese mythology and relatable storytelling.

Better Visuals: Ne Zha 2 improved on animation quality and character design, giving audiences a fresh but familiar experience.

New Story Arc: The sequel introduced a new plot while continuing the emotional journey of the main characters, which kept fans excited and curious.

The film was released in theatres across China and also in select countries worldwide, helping it collect strong box office numbers globally.

Why Is This So Important?

For over two decades, Pokémon films were untouchable at the top of the animated franchise list. Every new release added to their success, and the franchise became a household name across the world.

But Ne Zha 2’s performance changes things. It shows that audiences are ready for new stories and fresh voices in animation. It also highlights how China is becoming a major player in the global film industry, not just with action or drama films, but also in animation.

The Future of Ne Zha Franchise

With the success of Ne Zha 2, fans are already asking—will there be a Ne Zha 3?

Though there’s no official confirmation yet, the positive response from audiences and box office figures make it very likely. If the franchise continues to grow, it could start a long-term run just like Pokémon once had.

For now, Ne Zha 2’s box office win is being celebrated across China and by animation fans everywhere. It marks a turning point in global animation history, proving that new legends can rise, even against the biggest franchises in the world.

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