China's 2025 New Year Box Office Breaks 10B Yuan, Tops Global Rankings
In a landmark achievement for the global film industry, China's box office revenue during the 2025 Chinese New Year period has officially surpassed the 10-billion-yuan mark (nearly $1.4 billion). This record-breaking figure includes advance ticket sales and cements China's position at the pinnacle of the global box office rankings, surpassing North America.
As of 3:30 p.m. on Monday, the cumulative box office earnings for the Spring Festival period reached an unprecedented 8 billion yuan (over $1.1 billion), according to data from the National Film Administration. This surge in revenue underscores the robust growth and resilience of China's film market.
Leading this cinematic success is the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2, which has outperformed last year's Spring Festival champion, Yolo, shattered over ten national box office records, and is now poised to become the highest-grossing film in China's cinema history.
The original film, Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child released in 2019, astonished audiences and industry experts alike with earnings of 5 billion yuan (around $690 million). The sequel, Ne Zha 2, returns with a more compelling storyline and breathtaking visuals, sparking widespread discussion and acclaim.
The rise of Ne Zha 2 not only signifies the increasing popularity of animated films in China but also highlights the advancements in the country's computer-generated imagery (CGI) industry. Once considered merely supporting Hollywood productions by handling minor visual effects, China's CGI industry is now at the forefront, helping tell stories deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
This transformation reflects a broader shift in China's film industry, which previously outsourced much of its high-end production work to foreign studios. The success of domestically produced films like Ne Zha 2 demonstrates a growing confidence and capability within China's creative sectors.
Industry analysts attribute this box office boom to several factors, including the strong lineup of domestic films, effective marketing strategies, and a growing appetite among Chinese audiences for culturally resonant stories. The achievements of this year's Spring Festival films are expected to have a lasting impact on the global film landscape.
As China's film industry continues to flourish, it offers new opportunities for investors, filmmakers, and audiences worldwide. The record-setting box office figures not only boost the domestic economy but also position China as a key player in the global entertainment market.
