Ne Zha II Review: An Animated Event of the Year

From laughter to tears, Ne Zha II has it all.

If 2019’s Ne Zha was a groundbreaking achievement for Chinese animation, its sequel, Ne Zha II, is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. From writer-director Jiao Zi, this is the animated event of the year. It is crafted with love, care, and sheer enthusiasm, and this passion is evident in every breathtaking frame.

Like the first film, I opted for the dubbed version, and once again, it doesn’t disappoint. The English voice cast delivers powerful performances that elevate the spectacle and keep audiences engaged throughout its lengthy runtime. Even with its epic length, the movie earns every minute of it. Each battle, each emotional beat, grows bigger, better, and bolder.

Heart, Humor, and Heroism

Ne Zha II has the rare ability to make you laugh, cry, and pump your fist with a resounding “hell yeah.” Imagine Dragon Ball colliding with My Hero Academia and infused with the spirit of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The result is a movie with heart, humor, and pure heroism that will inspire viewers of all ages.

The 3D presentation amplifies the immersion, delivering an unforgettable cinematic experience. The animation itself is gorgeous, blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with cutting-edge artistry. Jiao Zi’s team infuses the movie with countless styles and dazzling effects, cementing it as a high-water mark for animated filmmaking.

Story of Rebellion and Redemption

At its core, Ne Zha II continues the mythic tale of the rebellious young boy feared by both gods and mortals. Born with uncontrollable powers, Ne Zha must now face an ancient force determined to destroy humanity. The film expands on themes of identity, free will, and defiance, while pushing the character further into his hero’s journey.

Ne Zha is not the flawless superhero archetype. He’s bratty, impulsive, and deeply emotional. And yet, that’s what makes him relatable. His defiance—captured in the viral line, “So what if I’m a demon?”—resonates as a rallying cry for individuality and self-determination.

A Global Phenomenon

Released earlier this year in China, Ne Zha II shattered records, grossing $2.2 billion by March and becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. With its release in IMAX and theaters across the United States on August 22, Western audiences finally get to experience what millions worldwide have already embraced.

The scale behind its production is staggering. Over 4,000 animators from 138 studios worked on the film, delivering nearly 2,400 animation shots and 1,900 special effects shots. It’s no exaggeration to say the entire Chinese animation industry had a hand in its creation.

Verdict

I give Ne Zha II 5 out of 5 stars. It isn’t just a sequel—it’s a triumph. With dazzling visuals, an emotionally gripping story, and a universal message of defiance and hope, it sets a new gold standard for animated epics. It’s the rare film that manages to be culturally specific and universally resonant at the same time.

I’m glad I caught up with the first movie last night, because now I can’t wait for whatever comes next in this saga. Ne Zha II is a film that delivers spectacle and soul in equal measure.

Read more Reviews on Nerdtropolis and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube.