China's 2025 year-end film box office surpasses 5 billion yuan

As of December 28, China's 2025 year-end film season had generated more than 5 billion yuan (about $714 million) in box-office revenue, marking the highest figure for the same period in eight years.

The strong performance has not only pushed China's total annual box office beyond 51 billion yuan for 2025, but also underscored the robust vitality and vast potential of the Chinese film market.

The year-end season features more than 70 domestic and international films, marking a record high in recent years. Unlike previous years dominated by comedies and family-friendly films, this year's lineup spans the genres of history, suspense, documentary, heartfelt dramas, fantasy and public-interest films.

Domestic titles feature prominently in the year-end lineup, making up nearly 90 percent of all releases. Among them, the war film "Gezhi Town" stood out with its tightly woven narrative and strong sense of national sentiment, grossing more than 350 million yuan. The documentary "Chinese White Dolphin" portrays the living environment and conservation efforts surrounding the rare marine species, striking an emotional chord with audiences. The hostage thriller "Escape from the Outland," inspired by real events, portrays human responses and choices in life-and-death situations, generating strong audience response even during preview screenings. So far in 2025, Chinese films account for over 80 percent of China's total box office, underscoring their overall market strength.

Imported titles, which enrich audience choices, have also boosted the market. "Zootopia 2" has earned nearly half of its global box office from the Chinese mainland, far surpassing its North American performance and continuing to top global charts. "Avatar 3" has also drawn large crowds to cinemas across China. With China now accounting for nearly one quarter of global box office revenue, its sustained market prosperity is increasingly reshaping the global film industry and cementing its role as an indispensable force in the worldwide cinematic landscape.

Beyond content, the mature "Film Plus" ecosystem has further energized the market. The wider adoption of premium formats such as CINITY and IMAX, enhanced immersive experiences including 4K and 4D, and the expansion of value-added services – ranging from merchandise sales and themed screenings to cross-industry collaborations – have significantly boosted audience spending and transformed movie-going into a more dynamic cultural experience.