Malaysian Animated Film Ejen Ali 2 Breaks Box Office Records

In a stunning achievement for Malaysian cinema, “Ejen Ali The Movie 2” (EATM2) has become the highest-grossing animated film in the country’s history, amassing an impressive RM55.1 million (US$11.7 million) at the box office as of June 18, 2025. This milestone not only surpasses all previous local and international animated films screened in Malaysia but also outshines several Hollywood and Asian blockbusters released in recent months. The success of EATM2 signals a growing appetite among Malaysian audiences for homegrown stories that resonate with local identity and spirit.

A Triumph for Local Storytelling

The record-breaking performance of EATM2 is a testament to the evolving landscape of Malaysian animation, where local creators are increasingly capturing the hearts of audiences with bold, culturally rooted narratives. Produced by WAU Animation in collaboration with Primeworks Studios, the film builds on the success of the “Ejen Ali” franchise, which began as a television series on TV3 in 2016. Since then, it has expanded into a global phenomenon, reaching over 65 countries across South-East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and North America.

Set in the futuristic city of Cyberaya, EATM2 follows the adventures of a young boy, Ali, who is recruited as a secret agent by the Meta Advance Tactical Agency (MATA). Tasked with mastering an AI-assisted armored suit under Project Satria, Ali navigates personal challenges and rivalries while confronting a larger conspiracy threatening Cyberaya. The film’s dynamic storytelling, combined with its high-quality animation, has struck a chord with viewers of all ages, reflecting a maturity in local animated content that rivals international standards.

Voices Behind the Success

Usamah Zaid Yasin, the director of EATM2, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and collaborators. “This success does not belong to WAU Animation alone but to all the agents who believed in and stood by us from the beginning” said Yasin. He also praised the dedication of his team, stating, “I truly appreciate the dedication of the entire WAU Animation team who have poured their energy and creativity into making this film a success”.

Yasin extended thanks to Primeworks Studios for their innovative promotional efforts, which ensured the film remained a top choice for audiences. “Thank you also to our production partner, Primeworks Studios, who have given their full commitment in promoting this film, and have always come up with fresh and bold new ideas” he added. Above all, he credited the fans as the backbone of the franchise, describing them as the “main source of inspiration since day one”.

Similarly, Nini Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of Media Prima Television Network and Primeworks Studios, celebrated the collective effort behind the film’s achievement. “This achievement is the result of our shared cooperation, trust and passion” said Yusof. She urged audiences to continue supporting EATM2 to reach the next target of RM60 million (US$12.8 million), emphasizing the importance of public backing for the future of the franchise. “Only with your strong support can we realize our dream of producing the next Ejen Ali script, for the development of the local creative industry that will make Malaysia proud” she noted.

A Milestone for Malaysian Cinema

The journey of “Ejen Ali” from a television series to a cinematic powerhouse highlights the potential of Malaysia’s creative industry to compete on a global stage. The first film, released in November 2019, grossed RM30 million (US$6.4 million) across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia, setting a high benchmark for animated features in the region. EATM2 has nearly doubled that figure, underscoring the franchise’s growing appeal and the increasing sophistication of local production values.

Beyond box office numbers, the franchise has also made strides in international collaborations. “Ejen Ali Season 3” became the first Malaysian animated intellectual property to be co-produced with Disney+ Hotstar South-East Asia, launching exclusively on the streaming platform in June 2022. Such partnerships signal a bright future for Malaysian content creators, who are gaining recognition for their ability to craft stories that resonate both locally and globally.

Cultural Impact and Future Aspirations

The success of EATM2 is more than a financial victory; it reflects a cultural shift in how Malaysian audiences perceive and support local content. By weaving themes of identity, resilience, and innovation into its narrative, the film has become a source of national pride. It challenges the notion that animated films must rely on Western tropes to achieve mainstream success, instead proving that stories grounded in local contexts can captivate diverse audiences.

As the film continues to screen in cinemas nationwide, industry observers are watching closely to see if it can achieve its ambitious RM60 million target. Meeting this goal could pave the way for further installments of the “Ejen Ali” saga, potentially elevating Malaysia’s standing in the global animation market. For now, fans and creators alike are savoring this historic moment, a celebration of creativity and community spirit that transcends the silver screen.

As EATM2 continues to draw crowds, one question lingers: can this momentum inspire a new wave of Malaysian storytellers to dream bigger and reach further?