Cinema from the Spectrum

Author’s note: I watched the English-dubbed version of this movie, as unfortunately I had missed the original Mandarin-language version during its initial run. When the opportunity comes, I hope to watch said version.

Since opening on Chinese New Year of this year, the animated Ne Zha 2 has not only gone on to become the highest-grossing film of 2025, but the highest-grossing animated film of all time. This all might seem unprecedented, especially after years of seeing the top spot in both categories being dominated by Disney productions, but it’s not hard to see why Ne Zha 2 became a massive phenomenon either. It’s a winning formula that might seem familiar, but Jiaozi and company do everything that they can to ensure you’re feeling the scope every minute that it’s all affirmed. Given that this is a movie adapted from Chinese mythology, it’s more than a perfect case about a generations-old story moulding itself for the next. With the American rerelease of an English dub being handled by A24, it can only be sensed that its own audience will grow to greater degrees, especially if its Chinese release remains unparalleled at the box office.

Taking place directly after Ne Zha, the titular demonic entity’s body, alongside that of his friend Ao Bing has been destroyed. This sequel’s story starts out with both Ne Zha and Ao Bing having been granted a second chance at life, but Ao Bing’s body is again destroyed as a result of a war between celestial beings and the Dragon Kings. The aftermath of this conflict forces Ne Zha and Ao Bing to share a physical body, which can only be undone after a series of trials to grant the former’s immortality. This whole quest serves as a coming-of-age for the demonic entity, who hasn’t really grown out of the childlike antics we’ve associated with him in his preceding adventure. But it’s also where Ne Zha 2 ends up standing really beautifully on its own, and expands its scale in ways that are impressive for any recent animated feature.

It all starts by the manner of this film’s world-building. Considering the scale that its predecessor had accomplished, it would only feel fitting that a sequel would turn towards becoming more ambitious: especially as this is a story transcending realms of humans and celestial beings. Every moment of this movie feels so sprawling, but considering the many influences that this story will lay on the table, it only feels like it builds as all the best Hollywood epics would do so. Every minute of this movie isn’t just so stunning to look at, but Jiaozi and his team paint such a world that feels like you’re seeing it the way the childlike demon sees things. The animation is just very lively, ranging from simple background images down to frenetic action scenes; perhaps reaffirming that this centuries-old story can resonate with contemporaneous audiences if told in the right ways.

All this of course feels evident in how Ne Zha 2 never shows itself to be above childlike toilet humour. But when mixed together with astonishing action scenes, it only seems that this might be the perfect way to be taken in with the world you’re witnessing. The title character remains as charming as ever, even if he might start off like an annoying brat, but that’s also part of why he becomes such a compelling hero. Jiaozi maintains this by keeping himself grounded with his own struggles, especially as his own family is deeply important to him despite a war that’s set to be waged on his and Ao Bing’s own kind. This all feels natural to his own growth, and seeing what this all amounts to in the film’s climactic moments is nothing less than satisfying.

There’s also a certain cultural specificity to be found here, given the popularity that Ne Zha 2 has accomplished in China. But there’s also a feeling of universality to it all, as the perceptions of the titular character are hinging upon his own existence as a demon. Yet, this only becomes the perfect opportunity for us to stick around with him as he learns how to come to terms with it, so that everything can turn for the better for those whom he loves most. There’s an artistry to all the technical aspects of this animation, but it serves to create a narrative all about how children are shaped by what they’re taught in a world that constantly is at conflict. Eventually, they’ll find themselves at the forefront of a revolution, especially if it means giving power to those who are looked down upon by higher authorities.

Every minute of Ne Zha 2 certainly is astonishing, considering the fact that its immense scale and world-building would give you the sense that there’s more to come in future films. For an animated feature, this all might seem a bit much, but when you’re seated for it, you can’t help but be taken in by this spectacle. It’s the sort that one would only find themselves craving for those who want to see the medium being pushed even further. Yet there’s a level of familiarity to it all that might only allow for it to become so inviting. Rest assured, you might not need to watch the first Ne Zha in order to get a grasp on what’s happening here, considering the fact the opening recaps the events of its predecessor. But it certainly might help you with growing a better attachment to what you’re about to witness in here.

Watch the trailer right here.

All images via Enlight Pictures.

Directed by Jiaozi
Screenplay by Jiaozi, based on Investiture of the Gods by Xu Zhonglin
Produced by Liu Wenzhang, Wang Jing
Starring Lü Yanting, Han Mo, Lu Qi, Zhang Jiaming, Wang Deshun, Zhuo Yongxi (Mandarin version)
Starring Michelle Yeoh, Crystal Lee, Griffin Puatu, Aleks Le, Vincent Rodriguez III, Rick Zeiff, Damien Haas (English dub)
Premiere Date: January 29, 2025
Running Time: 144 minutes