The 2026 Spring Festival film season has ignited screens across the Chinese mainland, with total box office earnings surpassing 2 billion yuan ($290 million) within days of its launch. This year's cinematic celebration marks a robust recovery for the entertainment sector, drawing record numbers of families and young audiences to theaters during the holiday period.
Leading the charge is the action-packed sequel Pegasus 3, which has raced to 900 million yuan in ticket sales. The film's fusion of cutting-edge visual effects, veteran actors, and nostalgic callbacks to previous installments has created what industry analysts call "the perfect Lunar New Year crowd-pleaser."
Cinema managers report unprecedented demand, with many theaters operating at 95% capacity during peak hours. The strong performance comes as China's film industry introduces new premium formats, including 4D motion seats and laser projection systems specifically upgraded for the Spring Festival rush.
While action films dominate the charts, this year's lineup also features family comedies and historical dramas catering to diverse age groups. The cultural phenomenon underscores both the enduring popularity of theatrical experiences and the growing sophistication of Chinese audiences.
Industry experts predict the final tally could challenge pre-pandemic records, signaling a full recovery for Asia's largest film market. As the holiday continues through mid-February, theater chains have extended operating hours to accommodate the surge in moviegoers.
