Animation Is Transforming Brand Marketing
The global entertainment landscape is evolving, and Hollywood is no longer the sole powerhouse of pop culture. With record-breaking success, Ne Zha 2 proves that international animated franchises can drive massive audience engagement and brand opportunities.
Marketers who focus only on U.S.-based films are overlooking billions in potential revenue from global brand integrations. In this article, Hollywood Branded discusses how Ne Zha 2 and other international animated franchises are reshaping brand marketing strategies worldwide.
Why Ne Zha 2 is More Than Just a Hit Movie
To understand why Ne Zha 2 matters, you first need to know that this isn’t just a one-off animated film - it’s part of a growing Chinese franchise that has already proven its staying power. And beyond that, it's just a great film. The first movie is packed with universal truths that resonate across cultures, told through a compelling story that makes you truly care about the characters.
The Ne Zha Franchise: A Cultural Phenomenon
- The first Ne Zha movie (2019) grossed $726 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Chinese animated film of all time.
- It became China’s first animated film to gross over $100M outside China, signaling global appetite for non-Hollywood animation - as well as showed off the talents of Chinese animators who achieved the level of VFX detail offered by Hollywood filmmaking.
- Ne Zha 2, released on January 29, 2025, smashed records in just 11 days, becoming the highest-grossing non-English film ever in a single market - outpacing even Star Wars: The Force Awakens in domestic earnings.
- Licensed Ne Zha 2 products in China have already hit $53 million in sales, proving that franchises outside the U.S. can generate massive brand revenue.
Photo Credit: CGTN
What This Means for Marketers
- Global animated franchises aren’t just Hollywood’s game anymore - brands need to recognize the power of Asian and European content in shaping consumer trends.
- These films are bringing in not just local audiences, but international ones, meaning brand partnerships tied to these franchises have worldwide impact.
- Marketers who only look at U.S. films are missing out on billions of dollars in brand integration, sponsorship, and co-marketing potential.
Pop Culture Influence Comes From All Over the World - Not Just Hollywood
For decades, American entertainment dominated global pop culture. That’s no longer the case.
From TV series to music to animated films, international content is setting new trends - and brands that recognize this early are the ones winning.
Examples of Global Entertainment Driving Consumer Trends
- Squid Game (South Korea) → Netflix’s most-watched series ever, leading to major global brand partnerships.
- Elite (Spain) → A Netflix hit that Ralph Lauren partnered with - a deal our team at Hollywood Branded helped execute, bringing the luxury fashion house into the world of one of Spain’s most-watched series.
- Demon Slayer (Japan) → The highest-grossing anime film worldwide, with merchandising sales that outpaced major Hollywood blockbusters.
- Ne Zha 2 (China) → Now breaking records, proving that China’s animation industry is no longer just “catching up” - it’s leading
Photo Credit: Netflix
Eager To Learn More?
Ne Zha 2’s record-breaking success is just the tip of the iceberg. The world of animation-whether from China, Japan, or beyond-is transforming how brands connect with audiences worldwide. If you’re looking to explore more ways brands are leveraging animated content for powerful marketing strategies, check out these related blogs.
- Japanese Anime Offers Product Placement Partnerships For Brands
- The Transforming Relationship Between Product Placement And Anime
- Anime Takeover: Why Anime Is Advertising's Next Frontier
- Case Study: How Toonami Strategically Used Anime To Market Their Brand
- Real World Brands Through Product Placement in Zootopia
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