China's film industry achieved a historic milestone this week as its 2025 box office revenue exceeded 50 billion yuan ($7.08 billion) on December 13, cementing its position as one of the world's most dynamic entertainment markets.
The record-breaking figure represents a 12% year-on-year increase compared to 2024's full-year total, with analysts attributing the growth to a combination of government-supported cultural initiatives and the rising popularity of domestic productions. This year's performance marks a complete recovery from pandemic-era disruptions, surpassing pre-2020 revenue levels by nearly 40%.
Industry observers note that locally produced films currently account for 68% of total ticket sales, reflecting both improved production quality and strategic screening allocations. The expansion of premium cinema formats across third- and fourth-tier cities has also contributed significantly to audience growth.
With three weeks remaining in 2025, market watchers predict the annual total could reach 53-55 billion yuan, boosted by upcoming holiday releases including the highly anticipated historical epic Dynasties United and the animated feature Panda Voyagers.
