Blog

Ne Zha 2: A Mythological Masterpiece or Just Another Flashy Sequel?

If you’re into animated films that blend mythology, action, and a touch of humor, Ne Zha 2 might just be your next obsession. Directed by Jiaozi and released in 2025, this Chinese animated fantasy is the sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, which shattered box office records and put Chinese animation (or donghua) on the global map. But does Ne Zha 2 live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what fans are saying—because, let’s be real, their opinions are the real tea.

The Plot: A Battle for Survival (and Cool Fight Scenes)

After barely surviving a heavenly lightning strike, Ne Zha and Ao Bing are left as spirits, doomed to fade away unless they can reclaim their mortal bodies. Enter Taiyi, their mentor, who plans to rebuild them using the legendary Seven-Colored Precious Lotus. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. The process is anything but smooth, with obstacles ranging from divine interference to personal demons (literally and figuratively).

Fans are divided on whether the story is a step up from the first film. Some, like one MyAnimeList user, call it “the best animated movie I’ve seen in the past 20 years,” comparing it to Pixar’s golden age classics. Others, however, feel the emotional beats fall flat, with one critic pointing out “shallow and awkwardly-executed emotional moments” and “childish dialogue.” Still, even the skeptics admit the action sequences are “shockingly cool,” so if you’re here for the fights, you won’t be disappointed.

Animation: A Visual Feast

One thing everyone agrees on? The animation is stunning. The first film already set a high bar, but Ne Zha 2 cranks it up with fluid fight choreography and vibrant, detailed backgrounds. A self-proclaimed animation student on MyAnimeList gushed that “the animation has surpassed expectations,” calling it a “perfect blend of Chinese artistry and modern techniques.”

But it’s not just about looking pretty—the film’s visual storytelling shines, especially in scenes where Ne Zha and Ao Bing grapple with their identities. The use of color and lighting to reflect their spiritual states is subtle but effective, adding depth to what could’ve been just another flashy spectacle.

Humor: Hit or Miss?

Ah, comedy—the eternal divider. Ne Zha 2 doesn’t shy away from humor, but whether it lands depends on who you ask. Some fans love the “crude humor” (as one critic put it), finding it a refreshing break from the heavier themes. Others, though, feel it undercuts the drama, making certain moments feel tonally inconsistent.

One thing’s for sure: if you enjoyed the first film’s mix of slapstick and wit, you’ll probably vibe with this one too. But if you’re hoping for a more mature tone, you might find yourself rolling your eyes at some of the jokes.

The Big Debate: Is Chinese Animation Surpassing Japan?

Here’s where things get spicy. With Ne Zha 2 breaking box office records, some fans are claiming Chinese animation has “surpassed Japanese anime.” But is that really the case?

A MyAnimeList user put it bluntly: “Chinese donghua beating Japanese animation is something they have to prove more than just 2-3 movies.” They argue that while Ne Zha 2 is impressive, Japan’s anime industry has decades of classics and a wider variety of genres. Another fan countered, saying “Nezha 2 is the one Chinese animated movie that has perfected the art of Chinese filmmaking.”

The truth? Both sides have a point. Ne Zha 2 is a milestone for Chinese animation, but comparing it to the entire Japanese industry is like comparing a single great dish to a whole buffet.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you love mythology, breathtaking animation, and action-packed storytelling, Ne Zha 2 is a must-watch. It’s not flawless—some pacing issues and tonal shifts might throw you off—but it’s a bold, visually spectacular ride that proves Chinese animation is a force to be reckoned with.

And hey, even if you’re not sold on the story, the fight scenes alone are worth the price of admission. As one fan perfectly summed it up: “I liked it way more than I thought I would!”

So grab some popcorn, settle in, and see for yourself whether Ne Zha 2 is the next big thing or just another flashy sequel. Either way, you’re in for a wild ride.

What do you think? Have you seen Ne Zha 2? Drop your thoughts below—let’s keep the debate going!