China's film industry has reached a historic milestone, with total box office revenue surpassing 25 billion yuan ($3.4 billion) in 2025—solidifying its position as the world's largest cinema market. The figure, current as of Saturday afternoon, includes presales for upcoming releases and reflects a 22% growth compared to the same period last year.
The animated sequel Ne Zha 2 has driven much of this success, capturing a staggering 60.8% share of domestic ticket sales. Globally, the film has earned over 15.6 billion yuan ($2.1 billion), becoming the highest-grossing animated feature in history and securing fifth place among all-time box office champions.
Industry analysts attribute the surge to strategic holiday releases and innovative audience engagement. 'The Chinese New Year period set records, but the momentum continues through creative synergies between film and tourism,' noted a China Media Group (CMG) representative. Fans of Ne Zha 2 are visiting filming locations in Tianjin and Yibin, while the Detective Chinatown 1900 set in Dezhou has drawn crowds seeking immersive entertainment experiences.
With Labor Day approaching, distributors plan to release 12 new films across genres—from sci-fi epics to family dramas—further stimulating market growth. The trend underscores China's growing influence in global entertainment and its unique ability to blend cultural storytelling with economic impact.
