As of 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Chinese mainland's year-end box office for the season running from November 28 to December 31 has shot past 4 billion yuan (about $570 million), according to data from major online platforms.
Youth-driven blockbuster releases and festive film festivals have been key drivers of this surge. From local action hits to international titles dubbed in Mandarin, urban audiences are packing cinemas with immersive formats like IMAX and 4DX enjoying peak popularity.
Industry experts say this early milestone underlines a broader comeback for theatrical releases in the Chinese mainland, pointing to a hunger for shared experiences after years of home streaming. As the holiday window continues, studios are set to fine-tune schedules and marketing to ride this wave well into the new year.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
