Nezha Movies: Discovering Chinese Culture Through Animation
Released during the Chinese New Year in 2025, Ne Zha 2 (also spelled Nezha 2) surpassed 10 billion yuan at the box office on February 13th, 2025, becoming the first film in China to achieve this milestone. As of February 18th, after 21 days of the release of this Nezha movie, the total box office (including presales and overseas) had surpassed 12.319 billion yuan ($1.698 billion), surpassing Inside Out 2 to top the global animated film box office rankings, and simultaneously ranking eighth on the global all-time box office chart.
Nezha movies are a fantasy animated film series, and Ne Zha 2 is the sequel to Ne Zha 1, which was released in 2019 and spread worldwide as a cultural phenomenon. Now, Ne Zha 2 has become a hit again. By integrating traditional Chinese mythology with modern narrative techniques, it has attracted countless audiences. Today, more and more people go on China culture tours in search of further evidence of Nezha's legacy.
Nezha Movies and Anime That Brought the Deity to Life
Nezha is an iconic hero in Chinese mythology, and there are a variety of movies and anime about him. For instance, The Legend of Nezha, the Nezha anime series set in ancient historical times, is popular among kids. Nezha movies also exert a profound influence, including Nezha Conquers the Dragon King, New Gods: Nezha Reborn, I Am Nezha, Ne Zha 1, and Ne Zha 2, among which the last two become huge hits globally.
Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child (Ne Zha 1)
The animated movie Ne Zha 1 was written and directed by Jiao Zi (formerly known as Yang Yu). In this film, Nezha was born to be a demon child with godly power but was irritable and prone to anger, and was called the devil Nezha. Unexpectedly, little Nezha and Ao Bing became friends, which made both of them happy. But later on, Nezha learned the truth about his true identity, and then he did things like a demon but was awakened by the love of Lady Yin (Nezha’s mother) and Li Jing (Nezha’s father).
Ao Bing, instigated by Shen Gongbao, attempted to bury Chentang Pass. Nezha confronted Ao Bing and told the truth about his identity, and they decided to fight against the Heavenly Tribulation. With the belief that "my fate is in my own hands, not in heaven's," he broke the labels of good and evil associated with the Spirit Pearl and the Demon Pill, rewriting his own destiny.
Further reading: Who is Nezha
Main Characters & Voice Actors of Nezha 1:
Ne Zha: The Demon Child Churns the Sea (Ne Zha 2)
Ne Zha 2 is the second installment of the Nezha film series. In this story, Taiyi Zhenren attempted to reconstruct Nezha and Ao Bing’s bodies with the Seven-colored Lotus. However, due to the intervention of Shen Gongbao and the revenge actions of the dragon clan, they failed to rebuild Ao Bing’s body. Taiyi Zhenren had no choice but to have the spirit of Ao Bing temporarily enter into Nezha's body.
After Nezha’s rebirth, Taiyi Zhenren took him to the Jade Void Palace to participate in the Immortal Examination and obtain ambrosia to restore the Seven-colored Lotus and reconstruct Ao Bing’s body. Nezha needed to prove himself by defeating the monsters, during which he gradually learned the darkness of the immortal world. Finally, Nezha and Ao Bing collaborated and led the demons to resist the oppression of the immortal world.
Main Characters & Voice Actors of Nezha 2:
What Is the Movie Ne Zha 2 Based On?
The movie Ne Zha 2 originates from the myth of Nezha in the ancient Chinese book Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods) from the Ming Dynasty. In this book, Nezha Taizi is a child deity born to fight injustice by using weapons like the fire-tipped spear, Nezha wheels of wind and fire, and a red cosmic ribbon. Based on this, the story was adapted, and Nezha was portrayed as a chaotic "devil child".In the book Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods), Nezha is a disciple of Buddhist and Taiyi Zhenren, while the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas are the opposite characters to him. Buddhism advocates the principle of conforming to the mandate of heaven, and the Ne Zha 2 movie reshapes these characters, endowing them with more complex emotions and motivations.
Besides, this Nezha movie integrates many Chinese cultural elements. For instance, the design of Taiyi Zhenren speaking the Sichuan dialect is based on the folklore of him achieving immortality in Jinguang Cave on Qianyuan Mountain in Jiangyou, Sichuan.
Furthermore, the depiction of the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas in this Nezha movie is inspired by the five elements of traditional Chinese culture (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth). Historical elements such as the dragon designs of the Forbidden City can also be seen in this movie, which shows a rich cultural heritage.
Further reading about the Chinese dragon:
Why Are Ne Zha Movies So Popular and Successful?
The Ne Zha movies, particularly Ne Zha 2, have become incredibly popular worldwide. What exactly makes Ne Zha movies stand out? How did Ne Zha 2 become so successful? Below are the key factors.
1. The Integration of Traditional Culture and Modern Innovation
One of the key factors for the success of Nezha movies is the bold innovation and reinterpretation of traditional culture. The film has made bold innovative adaptations while preserving traditional mythological stories. For instance, Nezha is portrayed as a demon child with rebellious traits as well as a distinct modern personality, such as smoky makeup and exaggerated expressions.Besides, the film also incorporates modern elements like family education issues and identity recognition, making the story closer to real life and resonating with the audience.
>> Related reading: Chinese Philosophies and Culture Behind Nezha Movies
2. The Incorporation of Sichuan Cultural Elements
The movie Ne Zha 2 adds rich Sichuan cultural elements, as the director Jiao Zi is from Sichuan. In the movie, Taiyi Zhenren speaks in Sichuan dialect, which not only adds regional characteristics but also brings strong comedic effects. This creative adaptation not only makes the story more easily accepted by audiences but also shows the diversity and charm of Chinese culture. Also, the prototypes of the two "guardian beasts" are bronze statues from Sanxingdui in the ancient Sichuan civilization. These add more cultural charm to the film, making it a unique audio-visual feast.
>> Recommended Sichuan Tours: 3-day Chengdu Highlights Tour
3. Strong Symbolism and Metaphors
The Nezha movies are rich with symbolic elements—from Nezha weapons representing inner power to scenes critiquing societal hypocrisy. In Ne Zha 2, visual metaphors (like dollar signs and imperial emblems) critique colonialism and promote global unity.
By the way, for those looking to explore philosophical themes during China travel, these films offer more than just entertainment—they offer insight.
4. Amazing Visual Effects and Animation
The Nezha movies are a visual feast that blends traditional Chinese art style with the most advanced animation technology. For example, the vibrant hues, seamless action sequences, and elaborate visual elements collectively forge a fantastical and grandeur realm. Its visual presentation is the cornerstone of the film's international appeal, drawing in both local audiences and numerous overseas viewers unfamiliar with the story of Nezha.Since it is now a huge hit, if you want to know where to watch Nezha 2, you can check the cinemas nearby as the movie is now playing in cinemas worldwide. Besides, the movie is also available on major streaming platforms, and you can find Nezha Netflix listings in some regions.5. Combination of Humor and Emotion
The themes of the Nezha movies are not easy since Nezha faces many challenges, but the films use a more balanced way to tell the story, especially by combining humor and emotion. Taiyi Zhenren’s Sichuan dialect, comedic interactions, and humorous dialogues between characters make people laugh; while the emotional portrayal between Nezha and his parents was touching. Undoubtedly, this way of handling laughter with tears enriches the emotional experience of the audience.The rise of a new mythological hero also reflects the confidence of Chinese culture. Currently, an increasing number of people are studying the characteristics of Nezha. Online, gamers recognize him in Warframe through Nezha augments, while scholars dissect his symbolic role as the Nezha deity of rebellion.
Whether you're watching the Nezha movie in a theater, exploring Nezha temples during your travel to China, or introducing your kids to Nezha characters, these stories offer unforgettable memories. So the next time someone asks you, “Where to watch Nezha?”—you’ll know that the best place might just be at the heart of Chinese culture itself.
