In a landmark achievement for the film industry, China's box office revenue for 2025, including advance ticket sales, has officially crossed the 10-billion-yuan (nearly $1.4 billion) mark. This surge positions the Chinese mainland at the pinnacle of the global box office rankings, surpassing North America in cumulative earnings.
As of 3:30 p.m. on Monday, the box office during the Spring Festival period reached a new historical record of 8 billion yuan (over $1.1 billion), according to data from the National Film Administration. The Spring Festival, a peak season for moviegoers, has significantly contributed to this unprecedented success.
Leading the box office is the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2, which has outperformed last year's Spring Festival champion, Yolo. Ne Zha 2 has shattered over ten national box office records and is now poised to become the all-time highest-grossing film in China's cinema history.
Back in 2019, Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child stunned the movie industry by earning 5 billion yuan (around $690 million). Now, Ne Zha 2 returns with a more compelling storyline and breathtaking visuals, sparking widespread discussion and enthusiasm among audiences.
China's film industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. Not long ago, Chinese studios were seen as Hollywood's \"back office,\" handling minor visual effects for U.S. films. As the industry grew, many productions outsourced work to foreign studios. However, this trend is changing. China's computer-generated imagery (CGI) industry is stepping forward, helping to tell stories rooted deeply in Chinese culture.
The success of Ne Zha 2 not only reflects the rising quality of domestic productions but also highlights the growing appeal of Chinese cinema on the global stage. As China's film industry continues to evolve, it is set to play an increasingly influential role in shaping global entertainment trends.
