Ne Zha 2

Rating 7/10

It may surprise many readers that Ne Zha 2 has just become the 5th highest-grossing movie ever. And it has achieved that remarkable box office success almost entirely in China. Its earnings surpass $2 billion at this writing, with only $31 million coming from all other markets outside of China. This positions it among the biggest money-making hits worldwide, currently ranking ahead of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and just below Titanic. However both American movies relied heavily on the world population–not just the U.S.–to earn cash.

So, what is this sequel about? Ne Zha is a mischievous demon child, and Ao Bing is a noble dragon prince. They were once enemies but have become allies. The two have been struck by lightning, which destroys their physical bodies, but their souls survive and remain separate. Now, sharing a single form, they take turns inhabiting the same body—only one can manifest physically at a time, which creates tension. With Ao Bing’s new body dangerously unstable, the two set out to complete three perilous trials to save him. Along the way, they face a brewing war between humans and gods and a conspiracy to wipe out the dragons.

Got all that? I’ve actually simplified things. Ne Zha 2 is a lot to take in, especially if you jump in without seeing the first picture. But honestly, I don’t think it would have made much of a difference. The fantasy world is so wild and out there that no amount of backstory is going to make it more coherent. There’s a quick primer at the start, but unless you majored in Chinese mythology, most of the developments here are the kind of nonsensical twists that require a suspension of disbelief. Various gods, demons, and spirits wield boundless powers. It’s one of those stories you simply have to roll with and enjoy for its sheer imagination.

Even though the story didn’t transfix me, the account offers a lot of unique elements. The animation is absolutely stunning and the film’s standout feature — this is where Western audiences can appreciate the spectacle. Another strange element is how the narrative intersperses its mythological grandeur with lowbrow humor, sometimes in ways that feel oddly placed in a family-friendly feature. In one scene, Ne Zha wanders around Yu Xu Palace until he finds what he thinks is the restroom, and we see him relieve himself. But it’s not a lavatory but rather the sacred hall where a special elixir is crafted. Later, the beverage is served to the Immortal Wuliang, who unknowingly drinks it. (Ew!) He declares it delicious, and suggests it should be brewed that way forever more.

That kind of irreverence sums up Ne Zha 2—a saga that blends stunning artistry, over-the-top fantasy, and bizarre comedic choices into one of the largest box office hits in history. Whether you get swept up in its supernatural madness or merely marvel at the grandiosity, no one can deny this is a cinematic phenomenon unlike anything else.

02-20-25