How to watch

Inspired by the classic novel Investiture of the Gods, director Jiaozi's Ne Zha reimagines the rebellious child deity as a mischievous demon-born boy fighting a destiny he never chose. The 2019 original was a massive box office success in China, and its 2025 sequel, Ne Zha 2, went even further, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time. With stunning animation, irreverent humor and big emotional stakes, the series has won fans far beyond China.

🕐 Release Order

Release order is the natural way to watch, since the sequel continues directly from the first film's climax.

1. Ne Zha (2019)
2. Ne Zha 2 (2025)

The two films form one continuous story, and Ne Zha 2 opens moments after the original's dramatic finale.

📖 Story Chronology

Ne Zha and his friend-turned-rival Ao Bing face the consequences of the first film in the sequel, which explores the conflict between heaven, the Dragon Kings and the mortal world. The chronology matches the release order exactly.

1. Ne Zha (2019)
2. Ne Zha 2 (2025)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Watch in release order. Ne Zha 2 assumes you know Ne Zha and Ao Bing's history and the bargain made at the end of the first film, so starting with the sequel would rob it of much of its emotional punch. Both films are available in Mandarin with subtitles and in English dubs, and both look spectacular on the biggest screen you can find. If you love these films, Jiang Ziya (2020) shares the same mythological source material and is a worthy follow-up.

🔗 Related Guides

• Kung Fu Panda Movie Watch OrderGuide
• The Monkey King Movie Watch OrderGuide
• Detective Chinatown Movie Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!