2025 was a blockbuster year for the Chinese mainland film industry, with the China Film Administration reporting a record 51.8 billion yuan ($7.4 billion) box office—a 21.95% jump from 2024. At the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, this surge reflects more than market growth: it is the payoff of innovation in content, tech, ecology and global outreach. 🚀🎥
✨ Storytelling at the core
Good films start with strong stories. Hits like "Nanjing Photo Studio" (aka "Dead To Rights") weave personal tales into national history, using a photo studio as a lens on Japanese invasion memories. Its restrained yet powerful narrative grossed over 3 billion yuan ($428 million) and struck a chord overseas.
🖌️ Cultural creativity
Animation made waves too. "Little Monsters of Langlang Mountain" reimagined Journey to the West in ink-wash style, topping 2D animation charts and charming viewers of all ages with its blend of tradition and whimsy.
💡 Tech-driven momentum
Welcome to the first year of the explosion of Chinese film technology! "Ne Zha 2" employed 3D scanning and advanced rendering to build mythic worlds, ranking among the top five global animated blockbusters with 15.9 billion yuan ($2.27 billion) in box office earnings. Virtual sets, AI generation and cloud workflows now turn unthinkable visions into film-ready reality.
🌱 Building a "film+" ecosystem
Beyond ticket sales, movies are engines for culture and commerce. From "Detective Chinatown 1900" to "Nanjing Photo Studio," film-themed travel and foodie tours are booming. Cities are embracing cinema-driven attractions, creating new cultural landmarks and integrating film into tourism and retail—reshaping the industry into a resilient, multi-faceted ecosystem.
With humanistic storytelling, cutting-edge technology and an open, cross-sector "film+" model, the Chinese mainland film industry is charting a high-quality development path in 2026 and beyond. Get ready for even more cinematic adventures! 🎬
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
