With its stunning visuals and moving story, it’s no surprise that “Ne Zha 2” (2025) is the highest-grossing animated film of all time (and the fifth highest-grossing film ever), earning $2.1 billion since its January 2025 release. This Chinese film has shattered all expectations of Eastern media, proving the East is by no means lacking in comparison to Hollywood.
The story begins immediately after the events of “Ne Zha” (2019), following demon child Ne Zha and deuteragonist (secondary main character) Ao Bing, the two halves of the Chaos Pearl, as they try to regain their bodies after a heaven-sent catastrophe and the tribulations that ensue. While watching “Ne Zha” (2019) beforehand isn’t necessary, it helps in understanding the characters and world more. Rest assured though, as the full movie is currently available for free on YouTube.
Written and directed by Yu Yuan (under the screen name Jiaozi), “Ne Zha 2” incorporates many elements of Chinese mythology and is loosely inspired (seriously, it mostly branches off in its own direction) by the famous 16th-century Chinese novel “Investiture of the Gods”—essentially the Chinese version of Homer’s “Iliad.”
“Ne Zha 2” is truly an entertaining film with thrilling, action-packed fight scenes and tense moments coupled with stunning visuals. Although targeted towards children, it’s enjoyable to all ages and cinemas are packed with both families and adults. While on the longer side at two hours and 24 minutes, the pacing and gripping events left me wanting even more.
Aside from moments of high-strung tension, “Ne Zha 2” balances comedy with raw emotion. Be warned that its comedy consists of potty humor; pee, snot, farts and other gross things are the frequent butt of a joke.
If you can overlook or even embrace crude (but non-explicit) humor, the touching moments, heart-breaking scenes and emotional kickers sprinkled throughout make it a worthy watch. Ne Zha’s journey (or rebellion against the heavens) is riddled with endearing family reunions and gut punches immediately after, in an inspiring watch. He grapples with fate, toils with identity and learns the value of friendship.
“Ne Zha 2” also does not lack in other aspects. From voice acting to soundtrack, the film embraces its Chinese culture. It fuses traditional instruments, such as the suona, erhu, pipa and Tuvan throat singing, with Western instruments in a captivating blend. The music is both powerful and well crafted—epic, soft, grand and ominous when needed; a perfect complement to action-packed fight scenes.
In terms of voice acting, I prefer the original Chinese dub with English subtitles, although there is an English dub available. However, both languages do a splendid job of conveying emotion and personality.
Although not innovative in art style, the sheer detail and majesty of the animation make the film stand out from competitors. There’s a mystical aspect to the scenery that is simply unmatched, and I found my breath taken away on numerous occasions. A few examples are the grandiose Jade Void Palace’s captivating architecture—detailed with intricate carvings—and fluid waves frothing with seafoam, both impeccable in colors, detail and quality.
While “Ne Zha 2” is not the earth-shattering, introspective film of a lifetime, that’s okay. It’s a touching film that treasures filial piety and family in general, in addition to fate-defying journeys of self-discovery and worth. The animation makes for breathtaking eye-candy, and overall an enjoyable film from start to finish—cementing its place alongside Hollywood as a great.
