'Ne Zha 2' Bids Farewell After 153 Days of Smashing Records

By Billy Jiang, June 30, 2025

After rewriting the record books and redefining the power of Chinese animation, Ne Zha 2 is finally set to leave cinemas tonight.

As of 11.59pm on June 30, the film’s screening license will expire, and theaters across China will no longer be able to schedule it—effectively marking the end of its historic run... unless another last-minute extension is announced.

The odds look slim for what would be a fifth extension, with the film’s official Weibo account posting an emotional farewell video on June 30, hinting that the curtain is closing for good.

'Ne Zha 2' bids farewell on Sina Weibo. Screenshot by That's

Since its release, Ne Zha 2 has gone through four key extensions, staying in theaters for an astonishing 153 days.

The results?

A staggering RMB15.91 billion in box office revenue, propelling it to fifth place on the global all-time box office list—an extraordinary feat for any film, let alone an animated sequel rooted in Chinese mythology.

Screenshot by That's

Some fans have even taken their love for the film to the next level.

A post on Sina Weibo shows that a dedicated viewer has seen Ne Zha 2 more than 15 times.

Here’s a quick timeline of its record-shattering journey:

Feb 28 Originally set to exit theaters, but extended to Mar 30 after hitting RMB12.247 billion.
Mar 21 Extension granted until Apr 30, with global revenue reaching RMB15.2 billion, placing it fifth worldwide.
Apr 22 Another extension through May 31, as it aimed for the global top three.
May 21 Final (?) extension pushes the run to June 30.

Ne Zha 2 has proven to be more than just a blockbuster—the movie is a cultural moment, a box office juggernaut, and a sign that Chinese animation has arrived on the global stage with full force.

Have you seen it yet?

We’d love to hear what you thought.

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[Cover image by That's]