With a global box office revenue exceeding $1.2 billion, Na Tra 2 (Na Tra: The Demon Child Rises from the Sea) has set a record as the highest-grossing film in a single market, surpassing Hollywood blockbusters like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Avengers: Endgame.
The impressive earnings of Na Tra 2 not only mark an extraordinary achievement in the Chinese market but also signify a major leap forward for the country’s billion-dollar film industry.
“Na Tra 2” becomes the cinematic sensation of early 2025, earning over $1.2 billion (Photo: News).
Na Tra 2 is directed by Sủi Cảo and serves as a sequel to the first installment released in 2019.
The first part earned $725 million, ranking fourth on the list of highest-grossing films in China’s box office history. It was also the first Chinese animated film to be shortlisted for Best Animated Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards.
Na Tra 2 combines elements of Chinese mythology with intense battle scenes and plenty of humorous, lighthearted moments. This makes Na Tra 2 the top choice for moviegoers during the New Year celebrations.
Film critics have praised the movie for its many appealing highlights, captivating both adults and younger audiences. International media suggest that the success of Na Tra 2 is no accident.
The film boasts meticulous production, featuring international-standard graphics. Its spectacular battle scenes deliver a visual feast for viewers. Notably, it took nearly five years to complete.
Moreover, the screenplay has been highly acclaimed for blending mythological elements into contemporary narratives. The film conveys positive life messages about pursuing dreams despite challenges.
The success of both Na Tra installments marks a significant milestone for Chinese animation and has earned respect from international media.
“Na Tra 2” is predicted to exceed $2 billion in the near future (Photo: Sina).
For many years, Hollywood dominated the global box office with action-packed blockbusters and fantasy films like Avengers: Endgame and Avatar. The rise of Na Tra 2 has caught the attention of international experts, highlighting the emergence of Asian cinema, particularly from China.
On February 13, a verified X (formerly Twitter) account with over 170,000 followers commented: “The first film to make $1 billion that nobody watched except the Chinese.”
The post garnered millions of views and became a trending topic on Weibo (China’s social media platform), sparking mixed reactions.
Currently, the top five highest-grossing films worldwide are all Hollywood productions. Leading the list is Avatar (2009) with over $2.9 billion in revenue.
Following are Avengers: Endgame (2019) with over $2.7 billion, Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) earning $2.3 billion, Titanic (1997) hitting $2.2 billion, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) reaching nearly $2.1 billion.
