In a landmark achievement for the global film industry, China's box office revenue for 2025 has officially surpassed the 10-billion-yuan mark (nearly $1.4 billion), including advance ticket sales. This milestone places China at the forefront of the worldwide box office rankings, overtaking North America in cumulative earnings.
As of 3:30 p.m. on Monday, the box office revenue during the Spring Festival period reached a historic high of 8 billion yuan (over $1.1 billion), according to data from the National Film Administration. This record-breaking performance underscores the growing influence and vitality of China's cinema market.
Leading this unprecedented success is the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2, which has already outperformed last year's Spring Festival champion, Yolo. The film has shattered over ten national box office records and is poised to become the highest-grossing film in China's cinema history.
Back in 2019, Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child stunned the 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.
This achievement marks a significant shift in China's film industry. Once considered Hollywood's \\"back office\\" for minor visual effects work, Chinese studios are now stepping into the spotlight. The growth of China's computer-generated imagery (CGI) industry is enabling filmmakers to tell stories deeply rooted in Chinese culture with world-class production values.
The rise of domestic blockbusters like Ne Zha 2 reflects a broader trend of China’s cultural renaissance and its increasing soft power on the global stage. For business professionals and investors, this signals burgeoning opportunities within China's expanding entertainment industry. Academics and researchers may find fertile ground for studying the interplay between cultural narratives and technological advancement in Asian cinema.
As China's film industry continues to evolve, it not only captivates local audiences but also garners international attention, offering fresh perspectives and stories to global viewers and enriching the tapestry of world cinema.
Reference(s):
2025 Chinese New Year box office soars to 10B yuan, tops global charts
cgtn.com
