As the Year of the Snake commenced last Wednesday, China not only embraced the traditional festivities but also witnessed an extraordinary surge in box office performance. The Lunar New Year holiday is historically a significant period for the film industry in China, and this year has set the stage for unprecedented financial milestones.
The numbers are impressive: from Wednesday to Sunday, the cumulative earnings from films in release soared to a staggering RMB 7 billion (approximately $965.4 million) according to data from Maoyan. This remarkable figure highlights the keen interest of local audiences in cinematic offerings, suggesting a revival of enthusiasm for in-theater experiences post-pandemic.
Notably, the Chinese New Year holiday has been extended this year, running until February 4. This extension not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also opens the door for potential box office triumphs that could eclipse previous records. The optimistic projections hint at the possibility that 2025 may witness the highest earnings ever recorded during the Lunar New Year period—a tantalizing prospect that excites industry stakeholders and film enthusiasts alike.
In tandem with the general box office success, IMAX theaters have also celebrated a notable achievement. The release of five new films in the format contributed to an eye-popping $38.1 million gross through Sunday, marking the most lucrative Lunar New Year period for IMAX yet, surpassing last year’s record of $34 million. This trend signals a renewed interest in premium cinematic experiences, further establishing IMAX as a prominent player in the Chinese film market.
Spearheading this cinematic momentum is Enlight’s animated sequel, *Ne Zha 2*, under the direction of Yu Yang. This film emerged as the frontrunner during the holiday period, raking in RMB 3.12 billion (approximately $430.3 million) as of Sunday. With projections hinting at a final box office total nearing $938 million, there is a tangible possibility that *Ne Zha 2* could become the first film in history to cross the $1 billion threshold in a single market.
The film has also made waves in the IMAX format, where it grossed $22.1 million, establishing it as the fastest IMAX release to surpass RMB 100 million (around $13.8 million) in China. This unparalleled achievement underscores the film’s widespread appeal and the effectiveness of its production and marketing strategies.
In the competitive landscape of the lunar new year box office, *Detective Chinatown 1900* secured the second position, amassing RMB 1.82 billion (about $251 million) throughout the weekend. This installment of the popular franchise not only showcases the strength of local storytelling but also highlights the connection that audiences have developed with recurring characters and narratives across multiple films.
Following closely was Alibaba’s *Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force*, which earned RMB 895.3 million ($123.5 million) and was augmented by an IMAX contribution of $7.3 million, showcasing a diverse array of genres catering to varied audience preferences. In contrast, *Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants*, directed by Tsui Hark, and the beloved *Boonie Bears: Future Reborn* contributed significantly to the box office landscape with earnings of RMB 543.8 million ($75 million) and RMB 418 million ($57.6 million) respectively.
This successful showing at the box office is particularly uplifting for the Chinese film industry, which faced a challenging 2024, witnessing a 25% drop in full-year revenue compared to 2023. To combat these declines, the China Film Administration implemented a December promotional scheme offering RMB 600 million ($83 million) in subsidies aimed at boosting moviegoing.
The Spring Festival is traditionally the pinnacle of cinematic revenue in China, and while this week’s results are encouraging, they do not necessarily signify a complete rebound. Nonetheless, they serve as a light at the end of the tunnel, offering hope for a robust recovery in the months to come. As the Lunar New Year celebrations continue, this year’s box office performance leaves much to be hopeful for, promising a revitalized cinematic landscape moving forward.