China’s film industry has achieved a historic milestone as its 2025 box office revenue surpassed 2024’s full-year total by early October, fueled by a surge in National Day holiday viewership and the enduring popularity of domestic productions. With 42.5 billion yuan ($5.98 billion) earned year-to-date – including presales – the market demonstrates robust recovery and cultural confidence.
National Day Momentum
As of Thursday afternoon, presales and early screenings for the National Day holiday period exceeded 600 million yuan ($84 million), with 13 diverse releases competing for audiences. Historical epic The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death and animated reboot Three Kingdoms: Starlit Heroes lead the pack, blending patriotic themes with family-friendly storytelling.
Local Films Lead the Charge
Domestic productions account for nearly 90% of 2025 ticket sales, with all top 10 highest-grossing films originating from the Chinese mainland. Over 300 releases this year span genres from historical dramas to sci-fi, reflecting evolving audience preferences. Industry analysts attribute this dominance to improved production quality and narratives rooted in Chinese cultural identity.
Global Screen Presence Expands
Chinese films are gaining international traction through innovative storytelling and technological ambition. Space documentary Shenzhou 13, shot in 8K resolution aboard a spacecraft, has screened in 20+ countries. Animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 ranks fifth globally with $2.1 billion earnings, while historical drama Dead To Rights sparked dialogue about peacekeeping across North American and European markets.
This dual success – domestic dominance and growing overseas influence – positions China’s film industry as both cultural ambassador and economic powerhouse, with box office growth outpacing most major markets.
