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The Highest-Grossing 2025 Film, Crossing $2 Billion, Ends Up Being an Animated Movie

Dec 23, 2025, 7:15 PM CUT

For decades, animation’s charm was often whispered about, a secret treasure for kids and dreamers alike. But as technology sharpened, stories grew bolder, worlds more vivid, and audiences hungrier for imagination unbound. Stunning visuals, epic adventures, and heartfelt tales drew everyone in. And in 2025, the highest-grossing film became an anime.

Ne Zha 2 became a global phenomenon in 2025, earning a staggering $2.001 billion to claim the title of the highest-grossing film worldwide. A24’s English-dubbed version made $23.2 million domestically, while the vast majority of earnings, $1.977 billion, came from overseas audiences. 

Praised for its breathtaking animation and captivating story, the film appeals to all ages. The PG-13 English dub is now streaming on HBO Max, letting fans around the world experience this unforgettable cinematic triumph.

After Ne Zha and Ao Bing are struck by godly lightning, Master Taiyi uses the Seven-Colored Sacred Lotus to save them. Sharing Ne Zha’s body, they face three deadly trials to become immortals. Betrayal, destruction of Chentang Pass, and Wuliang’s deceit escalate the conflict.

Ne Zha becomes a xian, restores Ao Bing, and together they defeat Wuliang’s forces, break the cauldron, and expose the heavenly sect’s treachery. The film is brought to life by a stellar cast.

Ne Zha 2 features a voice cast that breathes fierce energy and heart into every character. Turning legendary heroes and cunning villains into unforgettable personalities that leap off the screen.

Inside the cast of Ne Zha 2 (English): Who gives the characters their fire

In Ne Zha 2, the characters leap to life through a stellar voice cast. Crystal Lee and Griffin Puatu bring Ne Zha’s child and adolescent forms to vivid existence. Aleks Le voices the determined Ao Bing, while Michelle Yeoh shines as the brave Lady Yin. 

Vincent Rodriguez III and Rick Zeiff lend depth to Ne Zha’s parents, Li Jing and Taiyi Zhenren. William Utay commands attention as the cunning Master Wuliang, making every character unforgettable and thrilling.

Expanding on the cast, Christopher Swindle voices Ao Guang, Kari Wahlgren voices Ao Run, Daniel Riordan brings Shen Gongbao to life, while Damien Haas and Grace Lu embody Deero and Crana. 

Each performance adds depth and energy, making the fantastical world unforgettable. Fueled by its thrilling plot and this stellar ensemble, Ne Zha 2 shattered records and became the highest-grossing film of 2025.

What do you think about Ne Zha 2 becoming the highest-grossing film of 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Written by

Yusra Miraj Khan

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra

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