This film was produced by Light Chaser Animation and is part of their "New Gods" universe, which also includes New Gods: Yang Jian [14, 17, 31]. Key Differences at a Glance Ne Zha (2019) New Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021) Studio Chengdu Coco Cartoon [13] Light Chaser Animation [9] Setting Ancient mythological China [5] Modern/Future dieselpunk city [9] Main Theme Defying fate and destiny [11] Reincarnation and self-discovery [9, 30] Continuity Direct sequel released in 2025 [10] Standalone within its own cinematic universe [15] AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
The sequel, directed by Zhang Jin, takes the franchise to new heights. Released in 2021, "Ne Zha 2" builds upon the success of the first film, expanding the universe and deepening the characters. The movie follows Nezha as he navigates the underworld and confronts the dark forces of Hades. ne zha 20192019 2021
In 2021, we realized that Ne Zha isn't just a kid’s movie. It’s a Trojan horse for adult angst. The delay hurt, but it also signaled that the studio wasn't going to rush out a cash grab. After the CGI spectacle of The Deep Sea (2021) and the gritty realism of White Snake 2 , the bar has been raised. This film was produced by Light Chaser Animation
Ne Zha meets Ao Bing, the son of the Dragon King, who was born from the stolen Spirit Pearl. Despite their opposing natures—fire and water, demon and spirit—they become best friends. Their bond is tested when Ao Bing is pressured by his clan to destroy Chentang Pass to restore the dragons' honor. Redemption and Sacrifice Released in 2021, "Ne Zha 2" builds upon
And Ao Bing? The dragon prince with the gentle soul and the pressure of his clan? That duo became the bromance of the decade. The climax where they hold hands against the lightning storm—still one of the most visually stunning and emotionally devastating scenes in modern animation.
"Ne Zha" has received widespread critical acclaim and has won several awards, including:
Jiaozi’s 2019 Ne Zha was a watershed moment, becoming the highest-grossing animated film in Chinese history. Its success lay in a brilliant subversion of the "destiny" trope. Traditionally, Nezha is born as a spiritual incarnation, destined for greatness but doomed to a tragic end involving suicide to save his family. The 2019 film retains the tragic element—Nezha is born a "demon pill" destined to be destroyed by lightning after three years—but rewrites the moral framework.