Chinese films are making a significant impact on the global movie industry, captivating audiences worldwide with their compelling storytelling and advanced special effects. The animated blockbuster sequel “Ne Zha 2,” released on January 29, has garnered an impressive 15.6 billion yuan (about $2.1 billion) worldwide, according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan. This achievement places it as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time globally, and notably, the only Chinese film in the top ten, alongside predominantly American titles.
The rise of Chinese cinema comes amid a shift in the international film landscape. China’s top film regulator recently announced plans to moderately reduce the number of films imported from the United States, following excessive tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on Chinese goods. “We will follow the rules of the market, respect the choices of Chinese audiences, and moderately reduce the number of imported U.S. films,” a spokesperson said. This move opens doors for Chinese productions to shine both domestically and internationally.
“The Wandering Earth,” released in 2019, set a new standard for Chinese science fiction films. With its high-level visual effects and post-production processes—including large-scale real-life constructions, robotic arm photography techniques, and virtual shooting—the film broke stereotypes of “low-cost, low-tech” Chinese movies. It has been streamed on Netflix in over 190 countries and translated into 28 languages, capturing audiences around the world.
Another milestone is the 2022 film “Moon Man,” which extensively used virtual studios and real-time rendering technology. This innovation has prompted emerging film and television markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East to purchase similar equipment from Chinese technology suppliers.
The success of these films demonstrates the growing prowess of Chinese filmmakers in adopting cutting-edge technology and delivering stories that resonate globally. As Chinese cinema continues to evolve, audiences worldwide can look forward to a richer and more diverse cinematic experience.
