The much-anticipated sequel Ne Zha 2, directed and written by Yu Yang (credited as Jiaozi), is a landmark Chinese 3D‐animated fantasy action film that follows on from the 2019 hit Ne Zha. Wikipedia+2ne-zha.fandom.com+2 Featuring the voices of Lü Yanting as young Ne Zha, Han Mo as Ao Bing, and Lü Qi among others, the film draws on the classic 16th-century novel Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi) and Chinese mythological themes.
Plotwise, Ne Zha and his former rival Ao Bing find themselves in grave peril after their bodies are destroyed by divine lightning. To save them, their master Taiyi Zhenren uses a Seven-Colored Sacred Lotus to reconstruct their forms—but Ao Bing’s body remains fragile and faces disintegration. In a desperate deal, the pair must share Ne Zha’s body for seven days and complete three arduous trials set by the immortal sect leader Wuliang in order to obtain an elixir that will restore Ao Bing’s body and avert a war between the dragons and humankind.
Visually and technically, Ne Zha 2 is a massive leap forward for Chinese animation. With an estimated budget of US$80 million and over 4,000 artists working across 138 studios, the film employs more than 2,400 shots and groundbreaking effects to create its epic scale. Wikipedia+1 From its richly detailed mythic settings to sweeping battle sequences and emotional character arcs, it elevates the genre while preserving deep Chinese cultural aesthetics and storytelling.
Beyond the screen, the film has made history. Released in China on 29 January 2025 — the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday — it exploded at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing animated film globally with over US$2 billion in revenue, and setting multiple records including the highest gross in a single territory and highest‐grossing non-English language film. Wikipedia+2San Francisco Chronicle+2 Its success underscores a cultural moment: Chinese storytellers no longer merely follow Hollywood, but lead with ambitious original content rooted in local myth and achieving global reach.
At its heart, Ne Zha 2 explores themes of identity, sacrifice and resisting fate. Ne Zha, a misfit born of a Demon Orb, and Ao Bing, a dragon prince torn between duty and selfhood, must overcome internal conflict, external threats and cosmic orders. Their journey—fraught with epic trials, moral complexity and brotherhood—reflects a deeper message about forging one’s own destiny rather than submitting to predetermined roles.
In professional terms, Ne Zha 2 marks a turning point for the animation industry. For markets and creators worldwide, it is a signal that high-quality, culturally specific content can resonate globally. Audiences and critics alike have praised its technical achievement, bold narrative and emotional depth. As one analysis notes: “uses a solid script and accurate expression of values, proving that ‘respect for the audience’ is the real box-office password.”
In short, Ne Zha 2 is far more than a sequel: it is a mythic, technical and commercial triumph that places Chinese animation on the world stage. With stunning visuals, rich cultural roots and a sweeping epic narrative, it stands as a must-see for fans of animation, fantasy and global cinema alike.
