The Chinese New Year, celebrated as one of the most significant festive occasions in China, kicked off with remarkable enthusiasm at the box office. Estimates from Maoyan indicate that the total earnings for all films reached a staggering 1.8 billion yuan (approximately $248.3 million) on the very first day of the holiday period. This figure surpasses the previous record set in 2021, which stood at 1.69 billion yuan, marking a significant milestone for the industry. Such figures not only reflect the public’s eagerness to return to theaters but also indicate a possible recovery in cinema attendance as audiences engage with fresh content after a challenging year for the industry.
Among the notable highlights of this year’s kickoff was Imax’s impressive performance, which registered a day-one gross of approximately $12 million. This figure exceeds its previous high of $11 million from the 2021 celebrations, showcasing a consistent trend of growth in premium viewing experiences. Notably, Imax accounted for about 5% of the total box office despite being screened on less than 1% of cinemas. Additionally, attendance figures for Imax reached a peak with 1.2 million admissions, indicating a significant rise in audiences opting for the immersive cinematic experience during the festivities.
Leading the charge in box office performance was “Ne Zha 2,” an animated sequel from Enlight, which generated an impressive 486.6 million yuan ($67.1 million) in its opening day. Imax screenings of the film contributed significantly, garnering $2.5 million. Following closely was “Detective Chinatown 1900,” helmed by renowned director Chen Sicheng, which featured a star-studded cast including Chow Yun-Fat and John Cusack. This film amassed around 464.4 million yuan ($64 million) in its debut, with Imax contributing $1.5 million to that figure.
The third position was claimed by “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force,” the much-anticipated sequel to last year’s blockbuster, which earned 382.8 million yuan ($52.8 million) overall, with a significant $4 million from Imax. Furthermore, the classic adaptation of “Legend of the Condor Heroes,” directed by Tsui Hark, captivated audiences with a gross of 258.2 million yuan ($35.6 million). The animated series “Boonie Bears: Future Reborn” and the action-packed “Operation Hadal” rounded out the top five titles, contributing to the robust figures seen across the board.
As the festivities approached, pre-sale tickets surged, generating over 600 million yuan ($83 million) just days before opening day. Local media reported that by Tuesday, pre-sales had exceeded an astounding 1 billion yuan ($137.9 million), setting a record for achieving such figures in a remarkably short time. Additionally, this year saw strategic efforts by the China Film Administration, which introduced a promotional scheme offering subsidies of 600 million yuan ($83 million) for moviegoers. Such government initiatives, coupled with the widespread desire to celebrate the holiday spirit, have undoubtedly reinvigorated the box office landscape.
The resurgence during the Chinese New Year comes on the heels of a challenging previous year for the box office, which experienced considerable declines affected by economic uncertainties and a lack of blockbuster hits. With total gross earnings of around $5.9 billion in 2024—a stark 25% decrease from 2023—this year’s festive momentum signifies a hopeful turnaround for the industry. Consequently, as of 2 AM Beijing time on the first Thursday, CNY films reported an additional 544 million yuan ($75 million), further solidifying the successful trajectory of the holiday season.
Looking forward, predictions for individual movie performances show promising potential. Projections from Maoyan suggest “Ne Zha 2” could achieve an impressive 4.9 billion yuan ($675.8 million) by the end of the holiday period. “Detective Chinatown 1900” is anticipated to gross around 3.6 billion yuan ($496.5 million), while “Creation of the Gods II” is expected to reach 2 billion yuan ($275.8 million). As the celebration continues, the dynamics of the box office may shift as audiences settle on their preferred titles.
The start of the Chinese New Year celebrations has unfolded in remarkable fashion, demonstrating the resilience of the film industry. With strong attendance, record-breaking premieres, and governmental incentives, there is an optimistic outlook for the box office this holiday season, signaling a much-needed uplift for filmmakers, theaters, and moviegoers alike.