China’s 2025 box office has soared to new heights, surpassing 10 billion yuan (nearly $1.4 billion), making it the top global box office earner—a landmark achievement for the nation’s film industry.
The 2025 Spring Festival holiday alone contributed 9 billion yuan to the total box office as of noon on Tuesday, setting a new record for the same period in China’s cinematic history. For six consecutive days since January 29, daily box office revenues have exceeded 1 billion yuan, following the release of six highly anticipated films targeting the holiday season.
Domestic Films Dominate the Charts
Leading the pack is the animated fantasy epic “Ne Zha 2“, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “Ne Zha“. Directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, the film has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals and compelling storytelling. Since its release, “Ne Zha 2” has grossed over 4.1 billion yuan, breaking into the top ten highest-grossing films in China’s box office history. According to forecasts by movie data platform Maoyan, the film is expected to surpass 6.7 billion yuan, potentially becoming the highest-grossing film in Chinese cinema.
“The film is wonderful and touching, and the story is told really well. Chinese movies are truly great,” said a moviegoer in Baoding City, in north China’s Hebei Province.
Embracing Traditional Chinese Culture
Half of this year’s Spring Festival releases are deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture, highlighting the nation’s rich heritage. “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force“, the second installment of a mythological trilogy, is based on the Ming Dynasty novel “The Investiture of the Gods“. The trilogy weaves a tale of epic battles between mortals, deities, and demons, depicting the fall of the Shang Dynasty and the rise of the Zhou Dynasty in the 11th century B.C.
The film has also made waves internationally, opening in Mandarin with English subtitles in over 180 theaters across more than 30 cities in North America, as well as in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium, introducing Chinese mythology to new audiences worldwide.
Innovation Drives Success
Audiences have been thrilled by the advanced special effects and immersive experiences offered by this year’s films. Five of the six major releases feature high-end formats such as IMAX, CINITY, China Giant Screen, and Dolby Cinema. IMAX China set a new record with 88 million yuan in first-day earnings, surpassing its previous record from 2021.
Films like “Operation Leviathan” showcase cutting-edge technology, featuring over 50 meticulously crafted large-scale scenes that explore underwater shooting techniques and high-tech weaponry. The growing appetite for immersive experiences and the integration of technologies like artificial intelligence are key trends contributing to the success of China’s box office.
“China’s film industry is no longer just competing—it’s innovating,” said Tom Ara, global co-chair of the Media, Sport and Entertainment sector at DLA Piper.
Chinese Stories on the Global Stage
With a focus on strong narratives, rich characters, and cultural authenticity, Chinese films are resonating with audiences both at home and abroad. Director Yang Yu believes that when Chinese culture goes global, it relies on the quality of the work itself. “These are the things that cannot be outsourced,” he said, emphasizing the importance of original scripts, stories, and characters.
The impressive performance of China’s box office in 2025 reflects not only the strength of its film industry but also its growing influence on the global stage. As Chinese cinema continues to break records and push boundaries, audiences worldwide can look forward to more captivating stories and cinematic experiences from China.
