Top Grossing Korean films do it again!
Highlights:
‘The King Of Kings’ Surpasses ‘Parasite’ To Become Top-Grossing Korean Film In The U.S.
Indonesia’s ‘Jumbo’ Becomes Southeast Asia’s Top-Grossing Animation
‘Ne Zha 2’, the highest-grossing animated film of all time at $ 2.1 billion and counting. ‘Ne Zha 3’ in development.
Key takeaways:
1. Cultural Resonance Matters
· Ne Zha 2 built on Chinese mythology, resonating deeply with local audiences by blending tradition with modern storytelling.
· Films like King of Kings drew on biblical or historical themes, appealing to global audiences familiar with the source material.
2. High-Quality Animation is Now a Global Standard
· All three films showcased visually stunning animation that rivaled Hollywood productions, proving audiences globally now expect top-tier visuals regardless of country of origin.
3. Strong Character Arcs Drive Emotional Engagement
· Jumbo, for example, succeeded by focusing on a heartfelt, personal journey of identity and courage—universal themes that transcend language and culture.
4. Expanding the Global Animation Market
· Their success shows that non-Western studios can now create box-office hits, expanding the influence of animation hubs beyond the U.S. and Japan.
5. Franchise & Merchandising Potential
· Ne Zha 2 tapped into sequel and franchise potential, proving animated series can be long-term commercial vehicles.
· Successful character design and world-building helped all three films build merchandising empires.
6. Cross-Generational Appeal
· These films cleverly balanced kid-friendly humor with deeper messages for adults, broadening their demographic reach.
7. Strategic Release Timing and Marketing
· Smart release windows (e.g., during holidays) and effective online/offline promotion played a critical role in their commercial success.
Finance Department - Gerald & Bhakti