In a landmark achievement for the film industry, the Chinese mainland's box office revenue for 2025, including advance ticket sales, has officially crossed the 10-billion-yuan (nearly $1.4 billion) mark. This impressive milestone places the Chinese mainland at the forefront of global box office rankings, surpassing North America.
As of 3:30 p.m. on Monday, the box office earnings during the Spring Festival period reached a new historical high of 8 billion yuan (over $1.1 billion), according to data from the National Film Administration. This surge underscores the growing influence and appeal of Chinese cinema both domestically and internationally.
Leading this success is the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2, which has already outperformed last year's Spring Festival champion, Yolo. The film has shattered over ten national box office records and is on track to become the highest-grossing film in the Chinese mainland's cinema history.
In 2019, Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child (Ne Zha 1) made a significant impact with 5 billion yuan (around $690 million) in earnings. Returning with a more compelling storyline and breathtaking visuals, Ne Zha 2 has sparked widespread discussion and admiration among audiences.
Not long ago, Chinese studios were primarily seen as Hollywood's \"back office,\" handling minor visual effects for U.S. films. However, the landscape is rapidly changing. The Chinese mainland's computer-generated imagery (CGI) industry is carving its own path, producing high-quality animations that tell stories deeply rooted in Chinese culture. This shift not only enhances the global competitiveness of Chinese films but also promotes cultural pride and innovation within the industry.
The remarkable growth of the Chinese mainland's box office reflects broader trends in global cinema, where emerging markets are playing an increasingly pivotal role. As Chinese filmmakers continue to push creative boundaries and leverage advanced technologies, the nation's film industry is poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.
Reference(s):
2025 Chinese New Year box office soars to 10B yuan, tops global charts
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