China’s cinema industry is making waves on the global stage as its total box office revenue for 2025 to date has surpassed an impressive 25 billion yuan ($3.4 billion). As of 5:38 p.m. on Saturday, this milestone secures China’s position as the world’s highest-grossing film market.
A significant contributor to this record-breaking achievement is the animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2”, which dominates the charts with an overwhelming 60.8% share of the total earnings.
Globally, “Ne Zha 2” has grossed over 15.6 billion yuan, cementing its status as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. The film currently ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film in global box office history.
This phenomenal success, along with other blockbusters released during the Chinese New Year holiday, has set a strong tone for China’s thriving cinema market this year.
With upcoming holiday periods such as Labor Day on the horizon, the industry anticipates a further boost. A slate of new films spanning various genres and featuring star-studded casts are set to debut, promising to continue fueling the market’s momentum.
According to China Media Group (CMG), moviegoers have been traveling across the nation to experience films in unique settings since the new year. Fans of “Ne Zha 2” have flocked to filming locations in Tianjin and Yibin, immersing themselves in the movie’s world. Meanwhile, others have visited the ‘1900s San Francisco’ set in east China’s Dezhou, inspired by the detective thriller “Detective Chinatown 1900”.
CMG notes that this trend highlights how cinematic experiences are driving cultural tourism and enhancing audience engagement. As China’s film industry continues to flourish, it not only entertains but also fosters a deeper connection between cinema and culture.
