The story of Monster Hunt 2
Monster Hunt 2 picks up in a world where monsters and humans have learned to coexist—or at least, they're trying to. The film centers on Wuba, a baby monster born to be king, whose very existence threatens to ignite an all-out civil war among monster clans. Rather than a straightforward hero's journey, the narrative weaves together political intrigue, slapstick comedy, and genuine stakes as various factions scheme to control or protect the young creature. It's a premise that sounds chaotic. And honestly, it kind of is—but that's partly the point. The 110-minute runtime moves at a breakneck pace, piling plot twist upon plot twist as heroes and villains scramble to determine Wuba's fate.
Behind the making of Monster Hunt 2
Monster Hunt 2 arrived in February 2018 as a Chinese-Hong Kong co-production, bringing together a formidable lineup of talent and studios. Director Raman Hui helmed the sequel, working with a cast anchored by Hong Kong legend Tony Leung, alongside Bai Baihe, Jing Boran, Li Yuchun, and Tony Yang. The film was backed by heavyweight production companies including Edko Films, Tencent Pictures, Dadi Film Group, Huaxia Film Distribution, and the China Film Group Corporation—a roster that signals serious financial investment and distribution muscle across the region. Released on February 16, 2018, the film landed with a box office take of $706,153, which, while modest by blockbuster standards, reflected the niche appeal of the Monster Hunt franchise in international markets. On the awards circuit, the film earned 1 win and 9 nominations, suggesting that despite mixed critical reception, the industry recognized craft and effort in its execution. The Metascore of 63/100 indicates qualified professional respect, even if mainstream critics weren't unanimous.
What makes Monster Hunt 2 stand out
The thing nobody mentions is that Monster Hunt 2 actually swings for something more ambitious than its predecessor—a film that's trying to balance genuine emotional stakes with cartoon-level absurdity. Tony Leung brings gravitas to a role that could've been played as pure comic relief; instead, he anchors the film's emotional core, giving audiences a reason to care about Wuba's survival beyond the spectacle. The film's visual design deserves a mention too—the monster creatures themselves are rendered with playful detail, and the action sequences don't skimp on scale or creativity. What's striking is how the film wrestles with the idea that even monsters have families, politics, and reasons for their choices, which gives the civil war subplot more weight than you'd initially expect. That said, the Rotten Tomatoes score of 45% suggests the execution didn't quite land for critics, and the IMDb rating of 5.4/10 from over 2,300 voters points to a film that divides audiences—some charmed by its earnestness, others frustrated by tonal whiplash or pacing issues. The film doesn't quite nail the tightrope walk between comedy and drama, but the attempt itself is worth noting.
Where to stream Monster Hunt 2 online
Monster Hunt 2 is available across major OTT services, and you can check the current streaming availability through the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page. Rather than hunting through multiple apps, Movie OTT aggregates all the platforms where Monster Hunt 2 is currently streaming—whether that's Netflix, Prime Video, or other major services in your region. Availability varies by country and changes frequently, so it's worth checking the widget before you settle in to watch. The 110-minute runtime makes it a solid evening watch, and having it in your streaming lineup means you can revisit the Monster Hunt universe whenever the mood strikes.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Monster Hunt 2 a standalone film or do I need to watch the first Monster Hunt?
While Monster Hunt 2 is technically a sequel, it's designed to work for new viewers. That said, having seen the original 2015 film will deepen your understanding of the world and character relationships. If you're curious about the franchise, Movie OTT's streaming guides can help you find both films.
Q: Who directed Monster Hunt 2?
Raman Hui directed the sequel, bringing his vision to the monster-filled chaos that defines the franchise.
Q: What's the runtime and rating for Monster Hunt 2?
The film runs 110 minutes and is not rated, making it accessible to a broad audience across different regions.
Q: Why is Monster Hunt 2's IMDb score so low compared to its Metascore?
The gap between the Metascore (63) and IMDb rating (5.4) suggests that professional critics were more forgiving of the film's tonal shifts and pacing than general audiences were. This kind of split often happens with films that take creative risks.
Q: Is Monster Hunt 2 part of a larger franchise?
Yes, Monster Hunt 2 is part of the Monster Hunt Collection, which began with the original 2015 film. The franchise explores a world where monsters and humans coexist.
Final thoughts on Monster Hunt 2
Monster Hunt 2 isn't a masterpiece, but it's a film that swings for the fences. It's got heart, ambition, and a willingness to be weird—three things that matter more than polish sometimes. If you're in the mood for fantasy-adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously, and you don't mind a little narrative chaos, it's worth a watch. The cast carries the film, and the monster-design work shows genuine craft. Not every film needs to be a ten—sometimes a seven or six that's genuinely trying to entertain you is enough.
