Ne Zha 2: A Box Office Hit - Story, Earnings, Streaming Info & More!

If you're a fan of epic animations and Chinese mythology, Ne Zha 2 (in Chinese: 哪吒之魔童闹海 - Nézhā zhī Mótóng Nàohǎi) is a movie you can't miss!

The feature film, written and directed by Jiaozi, continues the saga of the iconic hero Ne Zha, bringing even more action, emotion, and an engaging plot that has captivated millions of viewers in China and worldwide.

Find out in this article what makes this sequel so special!

Released in Chinese cinemas on January 29, 2025, coinciding with the first day of the Chinese New Year, Ne Zha 2 arrived with high expectations following the enormous success of its predecessor, Ne Zha (2019).

The first film grossed over $700 million at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing Chinese animation in history.

With such a strong legacy, the sequel did not disappoint and quickly became a box office phenomenon, earning impressive figures in its first days of release.

Ne Zha 2 is part of an adaptation of a saga known as Fengshen Yanyi, or The Creation of the Gods, a historical novel from the Ming Dynasty. This classic literary work narrates mythological and legendary events that lead to the formation of the Zhou dynasty and the fall of the Shang dynasty. Ne Zha's story is one of the most popular arcs in this novel, frequently adapted into different media over the years.

Below is a list of films that adapt The Creation of the Gods, though they are not necessarily connected:

- Nezha Conquers the Dragon King (1979)

- League of Gods (2016)

- I Am Nezha (2016)

- Ne Zha (2019)

- Jiang Ziya (2020)

- New Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021)

- New Gods: Yang Jian (2022)

- Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (2023)

- Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force (2025)

- Ne Zha 2 (2025)

After Ne Zha, son of Commander Li Jing of Chentangguan, and Ao Bing, son of the jailer and Dragon King of the East Sea Ao Guang, together withstand celestial lightning, their physical bodies are destroyed.

To prevent their souls from dissipating, Taiyi Zhenren exhausts his Sacred Lotus to reshape their physical forms. Enraged, Ao Guang organizes an attack on the city, releasing the imprisoned monsters under his palace, including the other three Dragon Kings.

Ao Bing defends the city, and Ao Guang realizes his son is alive. However, due to the effort exerted in protecting Chentang Pass, Ao Bing's body disintegrates.

The triumph of Ne Zha 2 is no mere coincidence. Several factors contributed to the warm reception from the Chinese audience and the film’s massive success. Here are three main reasons:

- Connection to Chinese Mythology: Like its predecessor, Ne Zha 2 delves deep into traditional Chinese legends. Ne Zha’s story is one of the most iconic in the country’s culture, and its reinvention in a modern format strongly resonates with audiences of all ages.

- Impressive Visual Effects: Chinese animation has been rapidly evolving, and Ne Zha 2 proves it with stunning visuals, epic battles, and richly detailed settings. According to data provided by the film’s creative team, Ne Zha 2 features nearly 2,000 visual effects shots, making it one of the most elaborate Chinese animations ever produced.

- An Inspiring Message: At the heart of the story is Ne Zha’s struggle against his predetermined fate, a theme that deeply resonates with audiences. The idea that we can challenge imposed expectations and forge our own path makes the film not only thrilling but also inspiring.

The themes of family, friendship, and the hero’s determination to protect his homeland align with universal human emotions, touching audiences across different countries.

Ne Zha 2 premiered in China on January 29, 2025, and quickly broke box office records. In its opening weekend, it grossed over $150 million, solidifying itself as one of the biggest premieres of the year. With its national success, the film also began international distribution, reaching other Asian markets, the United States, and parts of Europe.

This year marks the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema and the 130th anniversary of global cinema. Ne Zha 2 not only showcases the excellence of traditional Chinese culture to the world but also builds a new bridge for cultural exchange between different civilizations.

Ne Zha 2 Review - Is It Worth Watching?

The reception of Ne Zha 2 has been overwhelmingly positive. On Douban, one of China’s most influential review platforms, the film scored an average of 8.5/10, with praise for its engaging narrative, smooth animation, and character development. International critics also highlighted how the film balances tradition and innovation, making it an example of the advancement of China’s film industry.

On the other hand, some reviews noted that the film relies heavily on the success of the first installment and does not innovate as much as it could. However, for fans of animation and mythology, Ne Zha 2 remains a must-watch experience.

Where to Watch Ne Zha 2?

Currently, Ne Zha 2 is available in cinemas across China and select screenings worldwide. The film is expected to arrive on streaming platforms in the coming months, though there is no official confirmation yet on which services will offer it. Keep an eye on platforms like Tencent Video, iQIYI, and Youku, which frequently release Chinese productions for global audiences.

You can watch New Gods: Nezha Reborn on Netflix, a film that shares the same historical foundation but is not directly related to Ne Zha (2019) or Ne Zha 2 (2025). Nevertheless, it can be an excellent introduction for those interested in exploring this mythological universe.

Ne Zha 2 reaffirms the power of Chinese animation on the global stage, combining a rich story with breathtaking visuals and a charismatic protagonist. If you enjoyed the first film, you will surely love this new adventure.

And if you haven’t watched it yet, now is the perfect time to embark on this epic journey and discover why Ne Zha continues to captivate generations! Don’t miss this incredible animation that is redefining the standards of Chinese cinema.

See you next time!