As China celebrated the Year of the Snake, the box office witnessed an unprecedented surge in film revenues, setting the stage for what could be the most successful Lunar New Year in the nation’s cinematic history. Spanning from Wednesday to Sunday, film grosses hit a staggering RMB 7 billion (approximately $965.4 million), according to the analytics provided by Maoyan. This impressive figure highlights not just the enthusiasm of local audiences but also indicates a possible cultural shift towards more engaging cinematic experiences during this festive period, which has now extended through February 4, 2025.
This year’s prolonged holiday has created an opportunity for a record-breaking box office, with expectations soaring that the full period could surpass all previous Lunar New Year records. The excitement surrounding the films has also resulted in an exceptional performance for Imax, with local films generating an astonishing $38.1 million, marking it as the highest earnings ever recorded for Imax during Chinese New Year.
Leading the pack of this year’s cinematic offerings is Enlight Media’s animated sequel, Ne Zha 2. Directed by Yu Yang, this film has captivated audiences and achieved remarkable financial milestones, amassing RMB 3.12 billion (around $430.3 million) just within the first few days of its release. Early projections by Maoyan even suggest that Ne Zha 2 could be well on its way to becoming the first film in history to break the $1 billion barrier in a single market, showcasing the potential for monumental shifts in film profitability in the Chinese market.
Equally impressive is the performance of Detective Chinatown 1900, the latest installment in a popular franchise that has grossed over $1.3 billion globally. With RMB 1.82 billion ($251 million) in earnings through Sunday, it has solidified its status as the second-highest grossing film of this festive period. This dynamic combination of animated features and detective thrillers highlights a growing consumer preference for diverse storytelling in both animated and live-action formats.
Other notable films include Alibaba’s Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force, which secured the third spot with RMB 895.3 million ($123.5 million), and China Film Group’s Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants, which grossed RMB 543.8 million ($75 million). Not to be overlooked, the Boonie Bears franchise continued to thrive with its latest entry, Boonie Bears: Future Reborn, pulling in RMB 418 million ($57.6 million). This rich tapestry of films demonstrates not just a variety of genres but also an evolving cinematic landscape that appeals to a broad range of audience demographics.
This remarkable upsurge is particularly uplifting for the Chinese film industry, which experienced a significant dip in revenues last year—a 25% decrease compared to 2023. To stimulate growth and revitalize audience interest, the China Film Administration launched a promotional program in December, allocating RMB 600 million ($83 million) in subsidies to encourage movie-watching during the Spring Festival.
Such initiatives underscore the crucial role that the Lunar New Year holiday plays in the annual cinematic calendar. For many viewers, attending the cinema during this period is a cherished tradition, and the boost in box office figures indicates a potential renaissance in cinema attendance and industry health. The current success does not necessarily imply that these figures can be maintained year-round, but it does signify a much-needed infusion of optimism and potential recovery for the sector.
The record-breaking box office results during the Year of the Snake herald substantial possibilities for the future of Chinese cinema. With various genres thriving and audiences eager to return to theaters, the film industry is poised to reclaim its status as a central facet of holiday celebrations. As analysts and filmmakers alike look toward the future, the optimism surrounding the 2025 Lunar New Year offerings serves as a beacon of hope for sustained growth and a revitalized cinematic landscape.