The Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 is taking the global box office by storm! The 2025 fantasy film has officially surpassed Inside Out 2, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time.
A direct sequel to writer-director Yu Yang’s Ne Zha, the film builds on the success of its 2019 predecessor, which also achieved impressive box office numbers.
Both movies draw inspiration from The Investiture of the Gods, a 16th-century Chinese novel that weaves together myths, folklore, and legendary tales.
Ne Zha 2 Plot Details
According to the film’s synopsis, Ne Zha 2 continues the story following a dramatic celestial event:
“After the heavenly lightning, although Ne Zha and Ao Bing survived by becoming Spirits, they would soon dissipate completely. Taiyi plans to rebuild Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s mortal bodies with the Seven-colored Precious Lotus. However, during the process of reconstruction, numerous obstacles arise. What will become of the fate of Ne Zha and Ao Bing?”
From its voice cast to its U.S. release details, here’s everything you need to know about Ne Zha 2.
Ne Zha 2
What Is Ne Zha 2 About?
The sequel picks up after the events of 2019’s Ne Zha, which revolved around the Chaos Pearl splitting into two entities—the Spirit Pearl and the Demon Orb. The first film introduced Ne Zha, the son of Lord Li Jing, as the reincarnation of the Demon Orb, while Ao Bing, the Dragon King’s son, was reborn from the Spirit Pearl.
Despite their contrasting origins, the two form a deep bond and work together to break Ne Zha’s deadly curse. However, in the process, both are struck by divine lightning. Though their physical bodies are destroyed, their spirits endure.
In Ne Zha 2, Master Taiyi Zhenren, a warrior-priest, attempts to restore their mortal forms using his Sacred Lotus paste. Meanwhile, Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea and Ao Bing’s father, believes his son has perished and seeks revenge, planning an assault on Ne Zha’s town.
Who Voices the Characters in Ne Zha 2?
The film’s voice cast includes several notable Chinese actors, with Joseph Cao and Mo Han leading as the voices of Ne Zha and Ao Bing.
- Joseph Cao Yalong (Run, Tiger Run! and The Storm) voices Ne Zha.
- Mo Han, making his feature film debut, voices Ao Bing.
- Yu Chen provides the voice of Ao Guang in his human form.
- Li Nan voices Ao Guang’s Dragon King form.
- Lü Qi portrays Lady Yin, Ne Zha’s mother and a chieftess ruling Chentang Pass alongside her husband, Lord Li Jing.
- Zhang Jiaming lends his voice to Master Taiyi Zhenren.
Who Directed Ne Zha 2?
Yu Yang, also known as Jiaozi, returns as writer and director for Ne Zha 2, continuing the story from where the 2019 film left off. His directorial debut, Ne Zha, grossed $726 million worldwide, making it China’s highest-grossing film of 2019 and the fifth highest-grossing film in the country’s history at the time.
Where Can You Watch Ne Zha 2?
Ne Zha 2 premiered in China on Jan. 29, coinciding with the first day of Chinese New Year. It later arrived in U.S. theaters on Feb. 14, bringing the highly anticipated sequel to international audiences.
