Over the Lunar New Year break, the Chinese box office saw an enormous surge, as five significant films collectively brought in a staggering $536.9 million during the weekend, according to data from Artisan Gateway.
During the five-day vacation stretch in 2025, a grand total of $1.24 billion was earned, which represented a staggering 234.1% rise compared to the corresponding timeframe of the previous year. This surge was primarily fueled by impressive openings and exceptional Imax showings that set new records.
In its opening weekend, Enlight Pictures’ “Ne Zha 2” raked in an impressive RMB2.16 billion ($300 million), cementing its position as a box office powerhouse. This animated sequel, set in the realm of mythology and following the adventures of the hero Ne Zha, continues the franchise’s reign at Chinese theaters. With a total earnings of $434.2 million so far, it stands undisputed as the leading film during this holiday season. Moreover, “Ne Zha 2” also topped the Imax box office, earning $22.1 million and becoming the fastest Imax release in China to surpass RMB100 million, and the 13th highest-grossing local-language film in Imax history.
In its first five days, “Ne Zha 2” has surpassed the previous record holder, “Moana 2,” which earned $386.3 million last year. With two more days left during the Lunar New Year celebrations, if “Ne Zha 2” continues at its current pace, it’s projected to break the record as the highest-grossing Chinese film ever, surpassing the $913 million earned by “The Battle at Lake Changjin.” Unless there’s a significant drop in ticket sales, “Ne Zha 2” is also expected to outshine “Inside Out 2” and become the highest-grossing animated film in a single market, surpassing its $653 million record.
In second position, As One Production’s movie “Detective Chinatown 1900” opened with earnings of $133.9 million, further strengthening the popular crime-comedy series. This is the fourth installment in the series and it takes place in early 20th century Shanghai, where a detective tackles a high-stakes mystery. The film also fared well on Imax screens, earning $2.6 million from premium large-format presentations. To date, it has grossed a total of $253.1 million.
In the second installment of Beijing Culture’s popular 2023 fantasy series, “Creation of the Gods 2,” secured the third spot during its opening weekend with a gross of $41.2 million. Imax theaters accounted for $7.3 million of this total, highlighting the film’s popularity in formats offering enhanced visual experiences. The movie has now amassed a grand total of $124.3 million.
In the latest box office rankings, Fantawild Animation’s “Boonie Bears: Future Reborn” earned the fourth spot with a total of $26.8 million. This long-running animated series continues to be a traditional favorite during Lunar New Year celebrations, consistently drawing in family audiences. The movie has now accumulated a total of $57.9 million in earnings.
Completing the list of the top five box office earners, the movie “Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants” by China Film premiered with a gross of approximately $21.3 million. This martial arts epic from Tsui Hark, adapted from the renowned Jin Yong novel, has also garnered substantial income from Imax screenings, raking in an additional $3.5 million. To date, its total earnings have reached $75.4 million.
During the Lunar New Year celebrations, Imax achieved an unprecedented success, earning a staggering $43 million over the weekend, marking a new record. Five Lunar New Year films screened at Imax contributed an impressive $38.1 million by Sunday, breaking the 2023 record of $34 million with still two days remaining in the festive period.
Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax, stated that blockbusters are returning to China with a magnitude beyond expectations. The impressive earnings during the Chinese New Year suggest that the decrease in box office sales last year was due to insufficient supply, rather than a lack of interest. This upcoming tentpole-heavy local language schedule for 2025 appears to be perfectly poised for success.
Through February 5th, China’s theater market is predicted to maintain its robust energy, supporting the belief that the box office will fully recover from the declines experienced in 2024.
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2025-02-03 12:47