The 'Ne Zha 2' phenomenon: the revolution of Chinese animation
Animation has historically been a field dominated by major Hollywood studios, but in 2025 a film arrived to change the rules of the game: ' NeZha 2: The Demon Child Revolutionizes the Sea '.
This sequel has become a true phenomenon in China and around the world, setting a record for being the highest-grossing animated film in history, opening up a new cinematic horizon for animation lovers around the world.
Since its release on January 29, ' Ne Zha 2 ' has grossed an impressive $2 billion-plus, becoming the first animated film to surpass that figure worldwide, a feat it achieved on March 9 of the same year.
Its global impact has been remarkable, surpassing major Western Disney productions like " The Lion King " and " Frozen 2 "; it also broke " Inside Out 2 "'s record for the longest run in just three weeks.
It also surpassed 'Avengers: Infinity War' at the worldwide box office.
Although a high percentage of its box office revenue comes from the Chinese market, reflecting the preference of Chinese audiences for local productions, this film is making waves around the world, winning the hearts of thousands of people.
This is also why it broke the single-territory box office record for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'.
The film has not only surpassed box office records, but has also sparked a true cultural phenomenon. Its director, Yang Yu (Jiaozi), managed to create a rich and visually stunning narrative that has deeply captivated international audiences. “ NeZha” was his first feature film, taking two years to develop the script and three years to produce.
Following its success, he immediately began working on Ne Zha 2 , which became the most expensive animated film in China, but since its release, it has proven to be worth the investment.
What is it about?
If you've read this far, you're probably wondering what the plot behind this animation is. ' Ne Zha 2' continues the story of its predecessor, ' Ne Zha ' (2019), both inspired by the classic 16th-century novel ' The Investiture of the Gods ', a Ming Dynasty novel attributed to Xu Zhonglin.
Belonging to the adventure and fantasy genre, both films are loosely based on the character NeZha, a protective god from Chinese Buddhist mythology.
The plot follows a boy with extraordinary magical powers, named NeZha, and his friend, a nearly human-like dragon named Ao Bing.
While the first film depicts a young boy trying to find his true identity, understand himself, and challenge his destiny, this sequel sees Ne Zha face new challenges that once again test both his abilities and character when the Dragon King of the Four Seas is unleashed, also delving into themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the search for identity.
The complexity of its characters and the themes it touches on, beyond fantasy and adventure, have made the audience feel identified and emotionally connected to them.
What is the ceiling of 'Ne Zha 2'?
Given its current trajectory, the forecasts are optimistic, and its growth seems unstoppable. Just two months after its release, it has already broken records, making its future even more promising.
This boom represents a triumph not only for the film itself, but also for the entire Chinese film industry, which has begun to gain ground in the global landscape previously dominated almost exclusively by the United States.
Where to watch 'Ne Zha 2'?
Initially, ' Ne Zha 2 ' is not yet available on streaming platforms, generating great anticipation among fans who want to enjoy it at home. However, given its immense popularity, it is likely that it will soon be available on digital platforms in several countries, expanding its reach more easily internationally. Meanwhile, anticipation for its screenings in theaters around the world continues.
The Cultural Impact of Ne Zha 2
“ Ne Zha 2 ” has not only set a milestone at the box office, but has also proven that animation can be a powerful vehicle for telling stories that resonate with audiences. This phenomenon reflects the growing interest in Chinese animated cinema and its ability to compete in a global market dominated by Hollywood. As the industry continues to evolve, we are likely to see more productions that challenge expectations and redefine what cinema can be.
On the other hand, this film, which can be classified as inspired by Chinese mythology, is also a visual and emotional journey, where the magic of animation merges with China's rich cultural tradition, revealing what this country steeped in ancient myths and legends has to offer the world…
An exciting journey into the unknown
The story of “ NeZha ” is undoubtedly just the beginning of an exciting journey that invites everyone to explore a world of imagination and creativity.
The emotional connection it creates in the audience is undeniable, and each screening of “ Ne Zha 2 ” becomes a shared experience that transcends cultural boundaries. It's not just a film; it's a phenomenon that reminds us of the power of well-told stories and cinema's ability to unite people in the celebration of our differences and similarities.
Would you like to immerse yourself in that adventure too?
If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend starting with her first film, “ NeZha ,” released in 2019.
(It is important to take into account the year since the “ New Gods ” saga dedicated a steampunk-setting film to this character in 2021, called “ NeZha: Rebirth of a God ”; a totally different version, both in characters and story, to the films we refer to in this article).
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