China’s summer movie season is heating up as the box office surpasses the impressive 1 billion yuan ($139 million) mark. As of 10:19 a.m. on June 20, the 2025 summer box office in China reached 1.02 billion yuan, according to data from BEACON Pro, one of China’s leading movie data platforms.
This milestone is driven by a mix of international blockbusters and domestic hits captivating audiences nationwide. Topping the charts are “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” “Endless Journey of Love,” “How to Train Your Dragon: A New Era,” “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Art World Tales,” and “Lilo & Stitch.”
The excitement doesn’t stop there. The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival is currently underway, showcasing a slew of upcoming releases that promise to keep the momentum going throughout the summer. From animation and historical dramas to suspenseful thrillers, this year’s lineup caters to the diverse tastes of moviegoers.
One film generating significant buzz is “Dongji Island,” set to hit theaters on August 8. Based on a true story from World War II, the film tells the heroic tale of local fishermen from Dongji Island who rescued over 300 British prisoners of war. These prisoners were stranded after a Japanese transport ship was sunk by a U.S. submarine in 1942 near the Zhoushan archipelago.
Yin Hong, Vice Chairman of the China Film Association, highlighted the richness of this summer’s film offerings. He noted that the variety in themes and genres reflects the growing creative strength of Chinese cinema in portraying contemporary life and bringing historical narratives to the screen.
With such a vibrant selection of films, China’s summer box office is poised for continued success. Movie enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting season filled with stories that entertain, inspire, and showcase the dynamic landscape of Chinese filmmaking.
