Blockbuster Hit Brings Chinese Myths to Global Audiences

A recent blockbuster film is making waves worldwide by bringing the vibrant world of Chinese mythology to the big screen. Blending stunning visuals with timeless legends, the movie has captured the attention of international audiences and sparked renewed interest in traditional Chinese stories. Its global success highlights the growing appeal of culturally rich narratives and the power of cinema to bridge cultural gaps, making ancient myths accessible and engaging to modern viewers around the world.

Mythical figures such as Guan Yu, the revered Chinese God of War known for his crescent blade, and the nimble Sun Wukong, often portrayed flying on clouds wielding his magical staff, are reaching audiences around the world far beyond their origins in classic Chinese literature.

These legendary characters are also featured in globally popular games like Honor of Kings, which retained its title as the world’s highest-grossing mobile game in 2024 - an accolade it has repeatedly earned since its launch nearly ten years ago. The 2024 release of Black Myth: Wukong became a phenomenal hit, selling over 10 million copies within three days and reaffirming Sun Wukong’s global popularity.

This growing fascination with Chinese cultural figures is part of a broader movement in which Chinese media - ranging from games to films and television - are gaining traction globally, sharing China’s deep-rooted mythology and artistic traditions with international audiences.

A prime example of this trend is Ne Zha 2, an animated film inspired by ancient folklore, which continues the story of a rebellious deity with extraordinary powers. Like Black Myth: Wukong, the movie draws from a classic Ming Dynasty novel and explores universal themes such as identity, fate, and redemption.

Following its release on January 29, 2025, which aligned with the Spring Festival, Ne Zha 2 soared to become the highest-grossing domestic film in China and the top-earning animated film globally. It also made history as the first non-U.S. production to surpass $1 billion in worldwide revenue - an achievement that doubled by early March, reaching $2 billion.

The film’s sweeping success has spurred economic activity in sectors beyond cinema. Toymaker Hunan Sunny & Sandy Toys Manufacturer Co. Ltd., the exclusive licensee for Ne Zha toys in China, reported over 450,000 live-stream sales of themed mystery boxes in under two weeks, along with 10 million sets distributed through retail partners.

According to Zhejiang University’s Zhang Zizhong, today’s Chinese film industry is embracing diverse revenue streams, with IP-related merchandise now serving as a major profit engine beyond traditional box office earnings.

The film’s strong cultural ties, including the use of regional dialects like Sichuan and Tianjin, have boosted interest in domestic tourism. Cities associated with the mythology, such as Tianjin and Yibin in Sichuan, have seen about a 30% increase in tourist visits since the film’s release.

Building on the momentum of films like Ne Zha 2, the China Film Administration and China Media Group launched the “China Travel with Chinese Films” initiative, aiming to integrate film and tourism to attract international visitors and promote cultural exchange.

Meanwhile, the financial impact has extended to the stock market. Companies involved in Ne Zha 2's production, including leading producer Beijing Enlight Media Co., Ltd., experienced a sharp rise in stock prices, with shares tripling between January 27 and February 14, 2025.

The success of Ne Zha 2 is drawing greater investment interest in Chinese animated productions, as highlighted by Zhu Yuqing of the China Film Critics Association. PwC forecasts that China’s entertainment and media industry will grow faster than the global average, reaching over $576 billion by 2028, with film and gaming leading the surge.

With continued investment, such as the HKD5 billion ($643 million) commitment to strengthen Hong Kong’s culture and film industries by Alibaba’s media division, China is positioned to expand its influence in global storytelling.

Reflecting this rise, China has now secured second place in the 2025 Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index, signaling the country’s growing impact on global perceptions. Audiences worldwide can expect even more compelling cultural content from China in the coming years.

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Source: CNN‍