'Ne Zha 2': The most successful animated film of all time arrives in U.S. theaters
Ne Zha 2, the record-breaking animated phenomenon from China, will debut in U.S. theaters on August 22 with a brand-new English dub. Directed by Jiaozi, the film has already earned an unprecedented $2.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time and the fifth-biggest animated theatrical release in history.
'Ne Zha' in 'Ne Zha 2.'
A24
A24
A24
A24
The film is rooted in Chinese mythology and draws inspiration from the 16th-century classic novel Investiture of the Gods. A hand-drawn prologue revisits key events from the first Ne Zha movie, though audiences unfamiliar with the original are encouraged to watch it beforehand to better understand the sequel’s story.
At the heart of the film are best friends Ne Zha (Crystal Lee) and Ao Bing (Aleks Le), reincarnations of the Demon Orb and Spirit Pearl. After being destroyed by divine lightning, the pair return as spirits until Master Taiyi Zhenren (Rick Zeiff) attempts to restore them using a Sacred Lotus. Their revival is interrupted by Shen Gongbao (Jaden Waldman), who launches an assault with an army of monsters under the command of Dragon King Ao Huang.
The plot grows more complex when Ao Bing’s form collapses and he is forced to share Ne Zha’s body, sparking a struggle for control. Their survival depends on completing three dangerous trials to obtain a magical elixir that can restore Ao Bing, while war threatens their homeland of Chentang Pass. Along the way, Ne Zha and Ao Bing encounter a host of adversaries, mythological beings, and personal challenges that push the boundaries of loyalty, friendship, and identity.
Known for its spectacular CGI animation and large-scale battle sequences, Ne Zha 2 blends fast-paced storytelling with elaborate action. The film explores universal themes of family, belonging, and resilience, though its layered mythology and two-hour-plus runtime present a dense cinematic experience.
Critics note that the sequel combines emotional storytelling, humor, and intense fight scenes, balancing heartfelt moments with high-energy clashes reminiscent of Dragon Ball Z. The animation quality has drawn comparisons to Pixar and Illumination, signaling China’s growing prominence in global animation.
With its U.S. release, Ne Zha 2 gives domestic audiences the chance to experience the animated epic that has captivated viewers worldwide and set new box-office milestones.
