The Chinese mainland's film screens are shining brighter than ever in 2025. As of December 18, year-end box office revenue — from November 28 to December 31 — has surged past 4 billion yuan (about $570 million), including pre-sales, according to Maoyan Entertainment. Just days ago, the China Film Administration announced that the annual total crossed 50 billion yuan.
Blockbusters like Zootopia 2 have driven this momentum. Artisan Gateway reports the animated sequel has grossed a staggering 3.55 billion yuan in the Chinese mainland alone — nearly half of its roughly $1.14 billion global haul, per Box Office Mojo.
But this is more than a one-hit wonder. The film industry is pioneering a Film+ consumption model, using hits as launchpads for immersive experiences across tourism, dining, retail and more.
This year's “Chinese Film Consumption Year” initiative, launched by the China Film Administration, has woven cinema into everyday life through brand collaborations, vouchers and themed events. In April, the “2025 Chinese Film Consumption Year: Beijing Film & Life Festival” fused film, food, culture and travel both online and offline. Over 30 major districts welcomed 76.66 million visits and generated 25.17 billion yuan in personal spending.
On the creativity front, IP-driven merchandise is booming. Creators of the Chinese animation Nobody planned product lines early, driving nearly 2.5 billion yuan in sales via authorized merchandise, according to China Media Group.
As markets converge, the Chinese mainland's film industry is emerging as a key engine for domestic demand and wider economic growth — proving that today's blockbusters are tomorrow's business boosters.
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China's booming 2025 box office spurs growth beyond the film industry
cgtn.com
