Having clocked up an impressive 150 cinema visits over the course of 2025, it would be easy to assume that the year’s highlights were dominated by the reliable heavy hitters. The roster included undeniable classics such as Casino and Inglourious Basterds, alongside a steady stream of contemporary releases. Yet, looking back at a year packed with cinematic experiences, the film that truly eclipsed the competition—delivering an emotional punch quite unlike anything else—was not a Hollywood blockbuster, but a Chinese animated sequel that remains curiously under the radar in Germany.
The Invisible Juggernaut
Despite its relative obscurity in the German market, Ne Zha 2 (originally titled Nezha: Mo Tong Nao Hai) stands as the undisputed champion of the year. It is a film that has set new benchmarks for the medium, both in its stunning visual fidelity and its narrative depth. With a staggering global box office take exceeding $1.9 billion, it is a commercial titan, yet it retains the soul of an intimate epic.
The narrative picks up the thread of the young demi-god Ne Zha, a figure drawn from rich mythology who finds himself trapped between the divine and mortal realms. While the premise suggests a barrier to entry, newcomers need not worry; a concise recap at the start brings the uninitiated up to speed, making the first instalment optional viewing. Under the direction of Jiaozi, the sequel forces Ne Zha to confront fresh threats while grappling with the true burden of heroism.
Myth, Emotion and Spectacle
What elevates this production beyond standard animated fare is the maturity of its character arc. We witness Ne Zha evolve from an impulsive youth into a seasoned figure forced to make impossible choices. It is a story woven with themes of sacrifice, the complexities of familial love, and the arduous struggle against one’s own destiny.
The film, which boasts a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes, is a masterclass in fantasy action. Featuring the voice talents of Lü Yanting and Han Mo, it finally saw its German release on March 27. It is a rare beast: a genre-defying animation that manages to overshadow everything else released in 2025, offering a poignant reminder that the most powerful stories often come from unexpected quarters.
A Sleeper Hit for Horror Fans
While Ne Zha 2 dominated the global stage, the horror genre produced its own surprise success story in the form of Zach Cregger’s Weapons. In a landscape often dominated by franchises and reboots, this R-rated horror film managed to pull in nearly $270 million worldwide. For an original property without the safety net of a famous intellectual property, this is a remarkably healthy return and cements its status as one of the year’s breakout hits.
Streaming Home Confirmed
For German audiences who missed its theatrical run, Weapons has already secured a spot in the home entertainment market, having received an FSK 16 rating. However, the future for streaming the film has now been clarified. Following its recent physical release, the film is set to join the catalogue of HBO Max.
The timing is rather fortuitous, coinciding with the streaming service’s expansion into the territory. HBO Max is scheduled to launch in Germany on January 13, 2026, with Weapons becoming available to subscribers shortly after, on January 23. It marks a strong start for the platform and offers a second chance for viewers to catch one of the most effective horror thrillers of recent memory.
