Why Ne Zha 2 Ranks Among the Best Computer-Animated Movies

Ne Zha 2 has taken the world by storm, smashing box office records and earning its place among the best computer-animated movies of all time. Released on January 29, 2025, in China and later hitting U.S. theaters via A24, this Chinese animated epic, directed by Jiaozi, blends jaw-dropping visuals, rich Chinese mythology, and a wild mix of humor and heart. With a global box office haul of over $2 billion, it’s the highest-grossing animated film ever, surpassing Inside Out 2. But is it just hype, or does it truly belong with giants like Toy Story and Spider-Verse? Let’s dive in and find out. For more movie takes, visit Cinewatched.

Stunning Animation That Redefines the Genre

The animation in Ne Zha 2 is a visual feast that puts it shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the business. Jiaozi and his team of over 4,000 animators across 138 studios pushed the limits of CG, delivering vibrant, painterly backgrounds inspired by traditional Chinese art and slick, Pixar-like character designs. The film’s set pieces—like a battle atop a magical staff with thousands of glowing warriors or dragons zipping through stormy skies—are mind-blowingly detailed. Water and fire effects, notoriously tough to animate, shimmer with a lifelike quality that rivals Finding Nemo.

• Standout visual moments:
  • A climactic fight with swirling lava and sea dragons that feels like a painting come to life.
  • Ne Zha’s fire-wheel dashes, bursting with color and motion.
  • Intricate designs of mythical artifacts, like the Seven-colored Precious Lotus.

The technical prowess, backed by a $80 million budget, makes Ne Zha 2 a benchmark for Chinese animation. Check out more on its production at Variety.

A Story Steeped in Chinese Mythology

Ne Zha 2 picks up where the 2019 hit left off, following Ne Zha (voiced by Joseph Cao) and Ao Bing (Mo Han), two mythical beings born from the Chaos Pearl. After surviving heavenly lightning, their spirits are fading, and warrior-priest Taiyi (Zhang Jiaming) must rebuild their bodies using the Seven-colored Precious Lotus. But dragon clans, celestial forces, and a vengeful Ao Guang (Li Nan) throw epic obstacles in their path. The story, rooted in the 16th-century novel Investiture of the Gods, explores identity, destiny, and rebellion against fate.

“Ne Zha 2 weaves Chinese folklore into a universal tale of defiance and friendship.” – My take, not just another critic’s.

The narrative’s depth, blending Chinese mythology with coming-of-age themes, makes it resonate globally. It’s not perfect—some plot points feel rushed, and the lore can overwhelm newcomers—but its emotional core, especially Ne Zha’s bond with Ao Bing, hits hard.

Humor That’s Wild and Weirdly Charming

The humor in Ne Zha 2 is a chaotic blend of high-fantasy epic and lowbrow gags. You’ve got Ne Zha’s bratty quips and slapstick moments, like a farting pig blasting green gas in an old man’s face. Yes, it’s gross—think Shrek on steroids—but it balances the heavy mythological stakes. Some jokes, like a vomit-drinking bit, push the envelope too far for younger audiences, but the wit, especially Taiyi’s Sichuanese-accented bumbling, keeps things lively. It’s not always a home run, but it’s bold and memorable.

• Memorable humor moments:
  • Taiyi’s clumsy attempts to fix the Lotus, with snarky commentary.
  • Ne Zha’s sarcastic jabs at celestial bureaucrats.
  • A running gag about a warrior rodent that’s oddly endearing.

Box Office Domination and Cultural Impact

Ne Zha 2 isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural juggernaut. It grossed $1.1 billion in China in just three days, hitting $2 billion globally in 33 days, making it the first animated film to cross that mark. It’s the highest-grossing non-English film ever and a point of national pride in China, fueled by Lunar New Year hype and word-of-mouth buzz. Social media posts on Weibo show fans buying tickets just to “support Chinese culture,” per NPR. This isn’t just a film—it’s a movement that’s redefined Chinese animation on the global stage.

Flaws That Keep It From Perfection

No movie’s flawless, and Ne Zha 2 has its hiccups. The plot’s dense mythology can feel like a lore dump, especially for those who didn’t see the first film. Pacing drags in the middle, with some side quests feeling like filler. Character development for supporting players, like Ne Zha’s parents, takes a backseat to the spectacle. And while the humor’s bold, the gross-out gags won’t click for everyone. Compared to Toy Story 2’s tight storytelling or Spider-Verse’s polished narrative, Ne Zha 2 can feel overstuffed.

• Key weaknesses:
  • Overloaded lore that might confuse newcomers.
  • Uneven pacing, especially in the second act.
  • Some humor misses the mark for Western audiences.

Why Ne Zha 2 Belongs With the Best

So, does Ne Zha 2 deserve its spot among the best computer-animated movies? Hell yeah. Its visuals are a technical marvel, rivaling Pixar and DreamWorks at their peak. The Chinese mythology gives it a unique flavor, blending epic stakes with universal themes of identity and friendship. The box office numbers—$2.2 billion and counting—prove its global pull, and the emotional beats, like Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s bond, hit harder than most blockbusters. It’s not as polished as Inside Out 2 or How to Train Your Dragon, but its ambition and cultural heft make it a standout.

• Why it ranks high:
  • Unmatched animation quality with a distinct Chinese aesthetic.
  • A story that balances myth, emotion, and humor.
  • Record-breaking box office and cultural impact.

For more on why Ne Zha 2 dominates, visit Cinewatched. It’s a must-watch for animation fans and anyone craving a bold, chaotic epic.

Should You Watch Ne Zha 2?

Ne Zha 2 is a dazzling addition to the best computer-animated movies, with stunning animation, a gripping mythological story, and humor that’s equal parts wild and weird. It’s not perfect—the dense plot and occasional crude gags might not click for all—but its visual splendor and emotional depth make it unmissable. Stream it on HBO Max (for U.S. viewers) or catch it in theaters for the full big-screen experience. Animation nerds and mythology buffs, this one’s for you. Check Cinewatched for more epic reviews.