China's 2026 box office hits 13-billion-yuan mark

China's film market continues its robust momentum in 2026. As of May 1, the year-to-date box office, including pre-sales, has surpassed 13 billion yuan ($1.9 billion).

The Labor Day holiday movie lineup is already off to a strong start, with new releases earning over 120 million yuan in pre-sales and sneak previews.

This year's Labor Day holiday selection is notably diverse, offering everything from revolutionary history and gritty crime thrillers to heartwarming family dramas, ensuring there is something for every taste.

What's playing this Labor Day?

The 2026 Labor Day slate covers a wide spectrum of genres. Here are the highlights you won't want to miss:

Blood-spattered Cliff is a gripping historical drama inspired by the Long March, capturing the resilience of belief and the enduring sense of national mission upheld by the Communist Party of China. The film arrives as 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the epic march (1934–1936).

Missions to the Moon: Part 1 is a documentary chronicling the journey of Chang'e-6, which achieved humanity's first-ever sample collection from the far side of the moon. The film takes viewers through every stage of the mission, from launch to lunar touchdown.

Cold War 1994: This is a Hong Kong-style police thriller. As a prequel to the "Cold War" series, the film adopts a dual-timeline approach weaving together 1994 and 2017, deepening the story while filling in key plot points from previous installments.

GG Bond: Race Through Time: This film is a top-tier animated choice for families. With vibrant visuals, it creates a joyful holiday atmosphere for parents and kids alike.

The Devil Wears Prada 2, which opened on April 30 in China, along with other imported hits like Michael, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Project Hail Mary and Hoppers have provided international choices to audiences in China for the current holiday period.

2026: A year of cultural spending

Beginning with a fiery start over Chinese New Year, the Chinese mainland film market has shown incredible resilience. Using the National Film Administration's 2025 projection models, the entire film industry in China is projected to exceed 200 billion yuan ($29 billion) in output this year. The industry is shifting from relying solely on ticket sales to creating a diversified consumption ecosystem including theater catering, in-person fan events and movie-themed cultural tourism, boosting travel and lifestyle consumption.

Global reach: China's stories go global

Films from China are not just dominating at home; they are capturing hearts worldwide. Titles, such as Blades of the Guardians, Pegasus 3 and Scare Out, have been released across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. By blending traditional Chinese storytelling with international production standards, these films are bridging cultural gaps and attracting global moviegoers to visit the real-life locations seen on screen, experiencing China's culture and landscapes firsthand.