Animation, Home-Grown Hits Fuel China's 2025 Box Office Surge

China's film market maintained strong growth in 2025. To date, the country's total box office has surpassed 51 billion yuan (US$7.26 billion), up 8.5 billion yuan from 2024.

Total admissions exceeded 1.2 billion, meaning nearly every Chinese citizen went to the cinema at least once this year.

The robust performance has been driven by the dominance of home-grown productions, a phenomenon-level surge in animation features, and China's continued expansion of the "film+" ecosystem.

Domestic films generated 42.5 billion yuan in box office revenue, accounting for 83 percent of the total. They also secured nine of the top 10 positions on the annual box office chart, underscoring the market's decisive shift away from reliance on imported titles.

Animation films in particular were standout performers in 2025, with annual box office takings exceeding 25.1 billion yuan – nearly half of the overall total – emerging as the core engine of market growth.

Innovative business models are also emerging, with a single movie ticket unlocking a vast consumer market.

Traditional patterns where audiences engaged only in film viewing and revenues relied primarily on ticket sales are transforming into an all-scenario consumption model that integrates viewing, immersive experience and retail.

For instance, animation film "Nobody" rolled out over 800 licensed merchandise items and launched an XR (extreme reality) experience project across more than 60 commercial complexes nationwide.

Fantasy animation film franchise "The Legend of Hei" has also drawn large crowds to its offline pop-up stores. At Shanghai Suhewan MixC World, the pop-up store will run through March 3, spanning multiple festive seasons, including New Year and the Spring Festival.

It is an immersive pop-up that integrates visual installations from the film's famous scenes, interactive experiences and limited-time retail. Fans have ample photo opportunities for social-media exchange.

Chen Jin, a data analyst at Beacon, noted that animation films inherently have strong potential for derivatives. The industry's profit model has expanded from relying solely on box office revenue toward a diversified, long-term IP operation ecosystem.

January's cinematic releases are also eye-catching, with heart-warming comedies taking up nearly half the lineup.

'The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants'

Release date: January 1

Directed by Derek Drymon, the American animation feature is the fourth big movie based on the hit TV cartoon series "SpongeBob SquarePants."

Combining CG (computer graphics) animation with live-action footage, the film centers on SpongeBob's adventurous journey to the ocean's depths to confront the Flying Dutchman's ghost. Along the way, SpongeBob navigates various challenges and uncovers intriguing marine mysteries.

'Unexpected Family'

Release date: January 1

Starring Jackie Chan and Peng Yuchang, the heart-warming drama tells the story of an elderly landlord who mistakenly takes his tenant for his long-lost son. Living under the same roof with a saleswoman, a real estate agent and neighbor, they form a makeshift family.

Kung fu star Jackie Chan portrays the landlord with Alzheimer's disease, who is often plunged into loneliness due to his fading memory. The film also reexamines the definition of "family," putting forward a question that must a family be bound by blood ties.

'Anaconda'

Release date: January 9

The American action comedy follows a group of friends in the midst of a midlife crisis who decide to remake a favorite movie from their youth. However, their plan goes awry when the production takes them deep into the Amazon rain forest.

The sudden appearance of a real giant python turns the set into a perilous hunting ground. As panic erupts, the crew scatters in a desperate struggle to survive – and to finish the shoot.

'Every Dog Has Its Day'

Release date: January 16

The comedy, starring Lin Gengxin and Li Youbin, tells the story of a mobility-impaired retired worker and an "aimless drifter" after they meet through a caregiver job interview.

From initial misunderstanding to mutual support, the two develop a life-and-death bond that transcends age and social identity, and embark on a special journey in search of the courage to face adversity together. The film also explores the dilemmas modern people face when confronting loneliness and confusion.

'Take Off'

Release date: January 17

Starring Jiang Qiming and Li Xueqin, the comedy is adapted from Shuang Xuetao's novel of the same name.

The film tells the story of Li Mingqi, an eccentric small-town dreamer who is always eager to fly in the sky. With the support of his wife, he repeatedly struggles between lofty dreams of the sky and the pull of everyday realities, ultimately transforming wild imagination into a steadfast devotion to what he loves.

'My Friend An Delie'

Release date: January 17

Directed by Dong Zijian, the drama film revolves around Li Mo, who returns to northeast China for his father's funeral and reunites with An Delie, a close friend from his youth. Each burdened with unspoken concerns, the two embark on a journey filled with stories and revelations.

In 2024, the film was selected for the Main Competition section of the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival, and won the Award for Best Artistic Contribution.

'Busted Water Pipes'

Release date: January 23

Set in a small town in Southeast Asia, the comedy crime film centers on a police officer who works tirelessly day and night, helping the town maintain a zero-crime record for seven consecutive years. Ironically, due to the lack of cases, the entire police force faces dismissal.

Determined to keep their jobs, the police officer and his teammates decide to fabricate a major case. At the same time, a real crime is quietly unfolding. Some tomb raiders set their sights on a legendary ancient tomb that is said to hold hidden treasure, and the tomb lies directly beneath the police station.

'Mercy'

Release date: January 23

The sci-fi thriller directed by Timur Bekmahambetov is set in the near future, where soaring crime rates lead the government to implement an artificial intelligence (AI) system called "Mercy." The system simultaneously serves as judge, jury and executioner, resulting in a surge of death sentences.

At that time, a detective involved in designing the system is accused of murdering his wife. He must prove his innocence within 90 minutes, or face execution. As he races against time, he uncovers a far larger conspiracy lurking behind the case. The film also presents an IMAX version.

Where and How to Buy Movie Tickets

Online movie tickets can be purchased on Taopiaopiao and Maoyan. Tickets are also available at theaters.

How to buy movie tickets using Alipay:

Purchasing discounted movie tickets through Alipay is quick and simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Enable the Built-in Translation Tool:

Open Alipay and go to Me > Settings > General > Translation Tool.

Select your language. Currently, Alipay supports 15 languages, including Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.

2. Search for Cinemas:

On the home screen, use the search bar to type "Cinema."

Browse and select the movie ticketing mini-program you prefer, then proceed to purchase tickets online.

If the page is in Chinese, tap the floating Translation button to convert it into your selected language.