As of October 11, China's box-office earnings for 2026 had topped 31 billion yuan ($4.6 billion), including advance ticket sales. Eight of the year's top 10 box-office hits were domestic films.

The top 10 spans a range of genres, from the racing comedy Pegasus 3 and the martial arts film Blades of the Guardians to the family drama Dear You, folk-culture stories such as All Wishes Come True!, and the animated Boonie Bears franchise.

Nine films have each grossed more than 1 billion yuan this year. Some have also won praise for their storytelling and characters. Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, All Wishes Come True! and Dear You have drawn audiences with stories touching on everyday life, family relationships and Chinese traditions.

Chinese films are also reaching audiences overseas. Dear You, All Wishes Come True! and Once Upon a Time in the Middle East have been released in overseas cinemas, taking Chinese stories to viewers in other markets.