We’re more than halfway into 2025, and only one film has crossed the $2 billion mark at the worldwide box office, become the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, and could even potentially surpass “Titanic’s” overall box office. “Ne Zha 2” returned to U.S. theaters this past weekend with its English-language dub, following an earlier release in February with its subtitled version. The film finished its first run with $20.8 million. A24’s re-release only amassed another $1,547,499 this past weekend. However, given its global popularity and the makeup of Academy voters skewing more in that direction, the film is still in contention for a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination. But will its recent disappointment at the box office affect its chances? Or will its worldwide recognition prove enough for it to be recognized by the Academy?
With its sequel arriving six years after the first film, “Ne Zha 2” has exploded into a global box office phenomenon. Remarkably, only about 1% of its earnings have come from domestic audiences, with the rest fueled by its international success. The film has already shattered multiple box office milestones, holding onto the title of the year’s highest-grosser maybe until the release of James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash“ later this year.
Rooted in ancient Chinese mythology, “Ne Zha 2“ draws heavily from Xu Zhonglin’s 16th-century classic “Investiture of the Gods.“ On the big screen, the story continues the saga of its complex protagonist, Ne Zha (voiced by Crystal Lee). Picking up where the first film left off, Ne Zha and his Spirit Pearl counterpart, Ao Bing (voiced by Aleks Le), survive heavenly lightning but lose their physical forms, forcing them to share a single body. Taiyi Zhenren (Rick Zeiff) tries to regenerate them with his Sacred Lotus, but Ao Bing’s body disintegrates after a demon attack. The two are then tasked with completing three trials in seven days, trials that could restore the Sacred Lotus, grant Ao Bing a new body, and make Ne Zha immortal, all under the watchful eye of Immortal Wuliang (William Utay).
What makes this re-release especially exciting is not only the mythic scope of its story but also its dazzling presentation. With 3D and IMAX formats available for the English-language dub, audiences can experience its breathtaking action sequences and lush animation on a premium scale. Already an epic box office hit, “Ne Zha 2“ also delivers mesmerizing visuals and heartfelt storytelling. The warmth of Ne Zha’s journey draws viewers in, while the film’s spectacular set pieces give it an ambitious edge within the animated fantasy genre.
Critics and audiences alike have embraced the film, with a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a stunning 99% audience score. Part of that success comes from its English dub, which introduces an important new voice: Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Lady Yin, Ne Zha’s mother. A warrior and leader of Chentang Pass alongside her husband, Li Jing (Vincent Rodriguez III), Lady Yin plays both a pivotal role in the story and an emotional anchor for Ne Zha’s journey.
Beyond its action and visuals, “Ne Zha 2“ resonates through its themes. It’s a story about the bonds of family, the struggle to take control of one’s destiny, and the importance of finding strong role models. Above all, the film shines in the relationships at its core: Ne Zha’s tender yet powerful connection with his mother and his evolving bond with Ao Bing.
When looking at “Ne Zha 2“ and its chances of awards this season, the question now is, does it have enough impact with Academy voters to compete? Something like “Avengers: Endgame,“ which can gross over $2 billion, was not nominated for Best Picture. Why? Because we all know, box office does not automatically equal awards appeal. It certainly helps to get the film on voters’ radar, but “Ne Zha 2“ may be lacking enough awareness domestically to give it the edge for a Best Animated Feature nomination. With A24 leading the charge on its re-release, it certainly has drawn the attention of some moviegoers and people within the industry. But its disappointing first weekend, coupled with the continued rise of “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” NEON’s hopeful contender “Arco,“ and the upcoming premiere of “Scarlet,“ it all might be too much for little Ne Zha to find his way into the final five. How can “Ne Zha 2“ stand out if its box office has already peaked by becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time? Its predecessor, “Ne Zha,“ had a tremendous box office of $742.7 million worldwide but failed to secure an Academy Award nomination. Will its sequel suffer the same fate?
Did you catch “Ne Zha 2” in theaters this weekend? Whether it’s in 3D, IMAX, or regular format, we highly recommend you check it out. Do you think “Ne Zha 2” will be a Best Animated Feature nominee? Or will it only have its box office legacy as its crowning jewel? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our X account.
