In a stunning milestone, the Chinese mainland's 2025 box office has already eclipsed the full-year 2024 gross, fueled by a blockbuster National Day holiday surge. As of early October, year-to-date ticket sales reached 42.5 billion yuan, surpassing all of last year.
Local productions dominate the scene, accounting for nearly 90 percent of ticket sales. From history epics to animations, over 300 films have hit screens across the Chinese mainland this year, offering audiences a diverse cinematic menu.
Holiday Highlights
During the National Day holiday, 13 new titles are battling for attention. The historical epic The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death pays tribute to untold heroes, while the family-friendly animation Three Kingdoms: Starlit Heroes brings a classic tale to life with fresh visuals.
Mainland Films Going Global
Beyond domestic success, Chinese mainland films are gaining traction worldwide. The first 8K movie shot in space, Shenzhou 13, has screened in the UK, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Mexico. Animation hit Ne Zha 2 has grossed over 15.44 billion yuan globally, with 400 million yuan from overseas markets.
The historical drama Dead To Rights, depicting the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, has crossed the 3 billion yuan mark and stirred audiences in the United States, Canada, and Germany.
As the Chinese mainland's film industry flexes its muscles at home and abroad, young global audiences are invited to explore these stories. Whether you are a cinephile or a traveler seeking cultural insights, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for mainland cinema.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
