'This movie just dethroned Disney for the highest-grossing animated film ever. I've seen it twice.'

I have a confession to make. Over this past month, I visited the cinemas twice to watch and then rewatch one movie in particular. Voluntarily. With my own money. And in this economy… that is saying A LOT.

As someone who watches movies for a living, consider this my official PSA that you need to watch this fantastical animated movie ASAP. I am talking about Ne Zha 2, the Chinese animated blockbuster that's absolutely smashing box office records worldwide — and my emotional stability along with it.

You might be thinking, "What the heck is Ne Zha 2?"

And fair enough. Unless you've been keeping tabs on foreign cinema or have a secret obsession with global box office statistics (no judgment), this cultural phenomenon may have flown completely under your radar.

Watch the trailer for Ne Zha 2. Article continues after video.

Growing up with Chinese heritage, the story of Ne Zha was as familiar to me as Cinderella or Snow White is to most Aussies. Ne Zha is basically a popular figure in Chinese mythology, who appears as a rebellious demon child with superpower abilities (think a Gremlin crossed with Astro boy). Through many trials and tribulations, he defies his destiny of being evil and ends up saving the day and ascending to immortality as a deity, of sorts — the original "problem child" if you will. In traditional folklore, he is depicted riding a set of flying wheels made of fire and brandishing a magic hoop.

But this film isn't a straightforward retelling of Ne Zha's tale. This sequel has taken a beloved folk story and transformed it into a visually spectacular, emotionally gut-wrenching, surprisingly hilarious modern epic about family, friendship, standing up against tyrannical authority, and the experience of being a misunderstood outsider.

Oh, and it's casually become the highest-grossing animated film OF ALL TIME. That's right — it's beaten Inside Out 2, The Lion King, and every other animated juggernaut you can name, raking in an eye-watering US$2 billion. Let that sink in for a moment. Not bad for a film you probably haven't even heard of, am I right?

He's so cute, look at him! Image: Warner Bros. Pictures

My first viewing was with my mum. One of the central storylines in the film is the relationship between Ne Zha and his mother and I knew it would hit us both right in the feels, and boy, did it deliver. Watching my mum watch this story we've both known forever — and have watched various iterations of together throughout my childhood — now reimagined with mind-blowing visuals on the big screen, was an experience I'll never forget. At one point, we were both in tears.

The graphics in this film are absolutely ridiculous. It apparently took 138 Chinese animation companies and over 4,000 practitioners FIVE YEARS to complete. The dedication shows — it's genuinely the most visually impressive animation I've seen in years.

After the credits rolled, and we'd both pretended we had something in our eyes (dust! allergies! definitely not tears!), I immediately knew I had to drag my husband to see it too. This wasn't just a movie… it was a cultural event I needed him to experience.

The graphics!!! Image: Warner Bros. Pictures

The second viewing let me appreciate the finer details — the incredible battle sequences with an insane amount of detail, the clever humour that works across cultures, and the emotional depth that somehow hit me even harder the second time around. One particular scene had the entire cinema reaching for the tissues. If you know, you know.

A real standout of the franchise is the relationship between Ne Zha and the film's supporting lead, Ao Bing (Ne Zha's archnemesis in the original tale, but his friend in this updated version). In a world of toxic masculinity and superficial bromances, there's something truly touching about watching two boys share a vulnerable, healthy relationship on screen. What begins as a destiny of rivalry transforms into one of the most moving male friendships we rarely get to see.

Their journey from enemies to friends pulls at our heartstrings because it shows something, so many men secretly crave — the freedom to form deep, meaningful connections with their male counterparts without judgement. Their bond reminds us that male friendships can be profoundly nurturing and emotionally rich too. It makes us wonder why we don't celebrate these connections more, both on screen and in our daily lives.

The global success of Ne Zha 2 feels personally validating in a way that's hard to describe. This isn't just a nice animated film that's done well… it's shattered records and cultural barriers, becoming the first non-Hollywood film to cross the billion-dollar mark globally. There's something powerful about seeing a story so rooted in my own culture not just succeed but resonate with international audiences.

A movie about family. Image: Warner Bros. Pictures

What makes Ne Zha 2 special is that it's authentically Chinese but somehow so universally relevant. The themes of institutional prejudice, fighting against a predetermined fate, and finding your own path despite what others expect — these are universal struggles wrapped in stunning visuals and cultural specificity. Struggles that feel even more poignant in the current political climate.

I understand that diving into foreign films can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. There's that initial hesitation when faced with subtitles demanding your attention at the bottom of the screen, splitting your focus between reading and absorbing the visual storytelling. Yet, this initial discomfort is the doorway to something remarkable — a window into worlds, perspectives, and artistic expressions you might never otherwise encounter.

In the wise words of Director, Bong Joon-Ho: "Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films." What he said.

In saying that, with the groundbreaking success of the film, Ne Zha 2 is apparently getting the star treatment it deserves, with distributors now crafting an English-dubbed version featuring renowned Hollywood voice actors to bring our beloved characters to life and broaden its international appeal.

While I am a firm believer and advocate for subtitles over English dub because, let's be honest, some magic just can't be replicated, I do think this is a win for the movie and for the industry at large. So yay!

Watching Ne Zha 2 succeed in the way that it feels like watching a part of my childhood grow up and conquer the world. It's a reminder that stories can cross borders, that cultural specificity can lead to universal appeal, and that sometimes the most rebellious thing you can do is be authentically yourself.

So if you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favour and experience the film that's rewriting animation history.

Just maybe bring tissues. And your mum. And then go again with friends.

Trust me on this one.

You can still catch Ne Zha 2 in select cinemas nationwide.

Feature Image: Supplied / Warner Bros. Pictures.