Ne Zha II (2025) – Full Movie Guide, Plot, Cast & Record-Breaking Success

 Ne Zha II, also known simply as Ne Zha 2, is the 2025 Chinese animated fantasy action film and direct sequel to the hugely successful Ne Zha (2019). Directed and written by Yu Yang, this follow-up expands the mythological world of the rebellious young demigod Ne Zha and his friend Ao Bing in a breathtaking story that has captivated audiences worldwide. Wikipedia

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🎞️ Overview & Release

Released in Chinese theaters on January 29, 2025, Ne Zha II premiered during the Chinese New Year — a peak moviegoing season in China. It later reached international audiences with releases in regions such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with English-language versions distributed by companies like A24 and CMC Pictures. Wikipedia+1

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📖 Plot Summary

Ne Zha II continues the epic saga of Ne Zha and Ao Bing after surviving a celestial strike that turns them into Spirits. With no bodies of their own, the immortal Taiyi seeks to restore them using the mystical Seven-Colored Precious Lotus, but the journey is fraught with danger. Along the way, they face celestial opposition, internal struggles, and daunting trials as they fight to regain their physical forms and protect their world. Rotten Tomatoes

The film blends fantasy, adventure, and action, rooted deeply in Chinese mythological tradition while maintaining universal themes of friendship, identity, and destiny. Collider

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👥 Cast & Characters

While Ne Zha 2 features a large ensemble voice cast, some of the principal characters include:

• Ne Zha – The fiery young hero on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Rotten Tomatoes

• Ao Bing – Son of the Dragon King and Ne Zha’s loyal companion sharing his body. Rotten Tomatoes

• Taiyi Zhenren – The immortal responsible for guiding their rebirth and trials. Rotten Tomatoes

For more detailed character lists and voice actors, you can refer to dedicated pages like the Ne Zha 2 listing on Rotten Tomatoes. Rotten Tomatoes

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📊 Record-Breaking Box Office & Reception

Ne Zha II shattered global box office records, becoming:

✅ The highest-grossing animated film of all time
✅ The highest-grossing non-English language film ever
✅ One of the top-grossing films worldwide in 2025
✅ The biggest film in a single territory thanks to its massive performance in China alone Wikipedia

Against a production budget of approximately US$80 million, the film grossed over US$2.2 billion worldwide — an astonishing achievement that highlights the growing global influence of Chinese animation. Wikipedia

Critics have also praised the movie for its visual spectacle, engaging storytelling, and dynamic action, with positive audience reactions reflected in high scores on review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes. Rotten Tomatoes

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🌍 Cultural & Industry Impact

Ne Zha II represents a monumental moment for Chinese animation and global cinema:

• It demonstrates that non-Hollywood animated films can achieve unprecedented worldwide success. Wikipedia

• It has helped expand the global presence of mythology-inspired storytelling in mainstream animation. Rotten Tomatoes

• The English-dubbed version featuring global talent like Michelle Yeoh has amplified its international appeal. Reuters

The film’s success also underscores the rising cultural influence of Chinese cinema, particularly during events like the Chinese New Year season when local productions tend to dominate box office charts domestically and internationally. ysln.ycwb.com

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🎬 Why Ne Zha II Matters

More than just a sequel, Ne Zha II is a cinematic milestone — blending traditional Chinese myth with modern animation technology and universal storytelling. Its commercial achievement and critical acclaim mark a new era where global audiences embrace international animated stories as much as Western blockbusters. Wikipedia