China's animation film industry has achieved a historic milestone in 2025, with total box office revenue surpassing 25 billion yuan ($3.55 billion), according to data from industry tracker Maoyan. This record-breaking performance underscores the growing global influence of Chinese cultural products and the expanding domestic entertainment market.
The current box office chart shows a mix of local and international productions dominating theaters. Ne Zha 2, the sequel to China's 2019 animated phenomenon, leads the pack, followed by Disney's Zootopia 2 and the original Chinese production Nobody.
Industry analysts attribute this growth to three key factors:
Increased investment in animation technology by Chinese studios
Strong government support for cultural industries
Growing international collaborations in film production
This box office success comes as China's film market continues to recover post-pandemic, with animation accounting for nearly 35% of total cinema revenue this year. The achievement positions the Chinese mainland as a major player in global animation production, challenging traditional industry leaders in Hollywood and Japan.
