In a notable development in the film industry, less than a year after Inside Out 2 surpassed Frozen 2 to claim the title of the highest-grossing animated movie of all time—and became the highest-grossing movie globally in 2024, despite competition from Deadpool & Wolverine—the animated film record has been broken again. China’s Ne Zha 2 has ascended to the top, amassing $1.7 billion in revenue to date.
According to a report from Deadline, Ne Zha 2 is also climbing the ranks of the all-time highest-grossing films, currently holding the eighth position, pushing Inside Out 2 to ninth place. However, dislodging the top four spots, dominated by James Cameron’s films and an Avengers installment, remains a significant challenge.
Furthermore, the report highlights that Ne Zha 2 is the first film produced outside Hollywood to surpass the billion-dollar threshold. The synopsis provided by AMC Theaters describes the movie’s plot: "After a heavenly lightning event, Ne Zha and Ao Bing survive by becoming Spirits, but they face imminent dissipation. Taiyi aims to recreate their mortal bodies using the Seven-colored Precious Lotus. The reconstruction process, however, is fraught with challenges. The fate of Ne Zha and Ao Bing hangs in the balance."
This update reflects a correction regarding the top-grossing films of all time, as acknowledged by io9.
For those interested in other entertainment news, io9 provides a schedule for upcoming releases from Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, as well as updates on Warner Bros. DC Universe offerings and the future of Doctor Who.