China’s Spring Festival, a much-anticipated cultural event, has once again demonstrated its tremendous influence on the box office landscape by shattering previous records during the 2025 celebration. The combination of animated sequels, beloved franchises, and strategic promotional efforts spurred a boom in ticket sales, resulting in remarkable figures that highlight both the festive spirit and the resilience of China’s cinema industry.
From January 28 to February 4, 2025, the total gross for the Mainland box office reached an astounding RMB 9.51 billion (approximately $1.3 billion). This remarkable revenue eclipsed the earlier record of RMB 8.02 billion, showcasing a significant increase in audience participation and interest in cinematic offerings during this period. January 29 alone marked a notable milestone with a jaw-dropping single-day gross of RMB 1.8 billion ($247.5 million), indicating a robust market response.
The momentum did not wane throughout the festival, as daily ticket sales consistently exceeded RMB 1 billion (about $137.5 million) across the week. According to Maoyan, a prominent movie rating and ticketing platform, the total number of tickets sold reached a staggering 187 million, signifying a cultural event where cinematic experiences played a central role in holiday celebrations.
Dominating the box office was the highly awaited “Ne Zha 2,” which amassed an impressive RMB 4.84 billion ($665.6 million) by the end of the week. This film not only surpassed its predecessor from 2019 but is rapidly approaching the record set by 2021’s “The Battle at Lake Changjin,” which remains the highest-grossing film in Chinese cinema. Predictions indicate that “Ne Zha 2” may close out its run with total earnings around RMB 8.7 billion ($1.2 billion). If it successfully crosses the $1 billion threshold, it would mark a groundbreaking achievement as the first film to reach this benchmark in a single market.
The film’s success speaks volumes about the appeal of animated sequels in China, where audiences are consistently drawn to narratives from established franchises, thereby allowing familiar characters and themes to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Trailing closely behind “Ne Zha 2,” the second film in the Lunar New Year lineup was “Detective Chinatown 1900,” which garnered RMB 2.28 billion ($313.5 million). This mystery-comedy franchise has also proven to resonate with audiences, solidifying its position as a popular choice during the holiday season. Other notable films included “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force,” “Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants,” “Boonie Bears: Future Reborn,” and “Operation Hadal.” The continued success of these films highlights the trend of sequels and adaptations capturing audience interest.
A comprehensive promotional campaign orchestrated by the China Film Administration aided box office growth. By implementing subsidies totaling RMB 600 million ($83 million) and promoting various incentives, moviegoers were encouraged to flock to theaters in greater numbers. The trend of quality-driven films, many of which extend established franchises, played a crucial role in attracting viewers. Professor Stanley Rosen from USC attributes the success of these films to their familiarity and overall quality, which resonates strongly with audiences.
While this surge in ticket sales is promising, caution must be exercised in interpreting this trend as an outright recovery for the Chinese box office, especially after the substantial downturn experienced in 2024. It remains to be seen whether this event signifies a pronounced shift in consumer behavior or merely represents a temporary uplift in interest.
As China’s cinemas emerge from a challenging period, the broader implications for Hollywood films remain uncertain. Recent years have seen a selective acceptance of international titles within the Chinese market, and 2024 displayed an easing of censorship restrictions, allowing two Hollywood entries to successfully secure spots in the top 10 films for the year. The evolving dynamics will surely shape the future of cross-cultural cinematic partnerships and the distribution strategies adopted by filmmakers worldwide.
The success of the 2025 Spring Festival box office serves as a declaration of the enduring passion for cinema in China, validating the significance of culturally rich narratives and established franchises in a landscape marked by change and adaptation.