[Hai Lights] November Film Lineup Brings Award Winners, Blockbusters & Local Favorites to Theaters

China's total box-office revenue this year has already surpassed 44 billion yuan (US$6.18 billion), with Chinese filmmakers exploring new themes, fresh ideas and incorporating cutting-edge technologies into their work.

Film series like "The Wandering Earth" and "Creation of the Gods" have explored a fully industrialized film production system. Digital production and virtual filming are now incorporated into all stages of filmmaking.

According to China Film Administration statistics, Chinese films have already made US$140 million in the overseas market this year, surpassing 2024.

Chinese movies have consistently set records internationally, with titles released during the Spring Festival, summer holiday and National Day holiday periods performing exceptionally well overseas.

Films were released in 46 countries and regions worldwide, with 13 titles each grossing over US$1 million overseas. Among them, seven films exceeded US$5 million, two films surpassed US$10 million, and one film achieved more than US$50 million in overseas box office revenue.

Both the number and quality of Chinese films going global have reached new heights. The animated feature "Ne Zha 2," which opened on February 14 in North America, was screened in over 770 theaters, setting a 20-year record for Chinese-language films in the region in terms of both presales and screen count. The film has grossed around US$69 million overseas and ranks among the top five films globally at the box office.

The fantasy film "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Forces Demon" was released in more than 160 countries and regions, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for fantasy cinema in emerging markets such as South Africa and Egypt.

Blockbusters like "Dead to Rights," "Dongji Rescue," and "Evil Unbound" were screened in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. So far, "Dead to Rights" has grossed over 3 billion yuan worldwide and has been selected to represent the Chinese mainland in the race for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

Foreign film franchises are also considering China an important market in their global strategy.

Recently, the fantasy adventure film "Tron: Ares" held a special IMAX screening in Shanghai. Jared Leto, the film's lead actor and producer, made a surprise virtual appearance on the big screen.

Leto shared his long-standing connection with the "Tron" franchise and encouraged Chinese audiences to experience the film's spectacular visuals and its surreal, tech-infused soundscape.

In November, a lineup of highly anticipated movies in diverse genres and styles is set to hit the theaters.

"Girl" 《女孩》

Release date: November 1

It's actress Shu Qi's directorial debut, drawing inspiration from her difficult childhood with an alcoholic and abusive father. The film premiered in competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. At the 30th Busan International Film Festival, the film earned her the Best Director award.

Set in 1980s Taiwan, the film centers on a young girl growing up in poverty who longs to escape her bleak life, finding hope through an unexpected friendship with a woman. It took Shu around 10 years to write the script that explores the profound impact of family on the individual.

"Niko - Beyond the Northern Lights" 《极地大冒险3》

Release date: November 1

Directed by Kari Juusonen and Jørgen Lerdam, the animated adventure film is the third installment in the "Niko" franchise.

In this chapter, Niko, a young flying reindeer who dreams of joining Santa's flying forces, accidentally loses Santa's sleigh. As he embarks on a daring quest to retrieve it, Niko discovers the true meaning of friendship and the value of finding his path.

"The Sun Rises on Us All" 《日掛中天》

Release date: November 7

Directed by Cai Shangjun, the drama film won its leading actress, Xin Zhilei, the Best Actress Award at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

The film tells the story of two former lovers who reunite after many years in a small southern town, only to find themselves swept up by fate and led toward a tragic end. In the film, Xin plays a woman who is burdened by an unspeakable past. Their meeting stirs old feelings and pain. Once again, fate brings everyone to a crossroads.

"Predator: Badlands" 《铁血战士:杀戮之地》

Release date: November 7

Dan Trachtenberg's American sci-fi thriller film takes place on a remote planet in the future. It follows a young Predator who faces exile from his clan. He sets out to prove his worth by undertaking a deadly trial on the planet.

Under the scorching light of three suns, amid toxic flora and monstrous alien creatures, he unexpectedly allies with a bioengineered human. Together, they battle lethal threats and search for a glimmer of survival. The film also presents an IMAX version.

"Shanghai Wonton" 《菜肉馄饨》

Release date: November 15

Directed by Wu Tiange, the Shanghai-dialect film centers on a retired worker who hopes his son will soon settle down and build a happy family like he and his wife once did. When he secretly visits a matchmaking corner to find a partner for his son, it sparks misunderstanding and deepens the conflict between father and son.

In the heartwarming film with a strong Shanghai flavor, a simple bowl of wontons weaves together the everyday life of Shanghai's old lanes and the heartfelt connections among its people. Through new friendships, shared meals, dancing, and afternoon teas, the protagonist learns to relax, embrace joy, and discover a new outlook on life.

"A Touch of Warm" 《三滴血》

Release date: November 15

Helmed by young filmmaker Kang Bo, the crime film follows Zhu Shaoyu, a former trafficker recently released from prison who becomes entangled in a new case.

To survive within a sprawling criminal network, he poses as a family with a pregnant woman and a mute boy. As they navigate layers of deception and danger, the dark chain of a family-run trafficking operation gradually comes to light.

"Resurrection" 《狂野时代》

Release date: November 22

Directed and written by Bi Gan, the film that stars Jackson Yee and Shu Qi premiered in May at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

Set in a world where humans no longer dream, the film follows a monster who remains trapped in his illusions of dreams. Lost within them, he drifts between reality and fantasy until a woman who can see through these illusions decides to enter his dream in search of him.

"Zootopia 2: Rise of the Non-Mammalians" 《疯狂动物城2》

Release date: November 26

Co-directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, the animated film is a sequel to the 2016 hit film "Zootopia." The film follows a snake whose unexpected arrival in the city throws everything into chaos. To capture the snake, brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to investigate in the remote outskirts of Zootopia.

Featuring new reptile, bird, amphibian, and marine characters, the sequel broadens Zootopia's world with dramatic new environments, from cliffs to frozen lands. The intricate 3D design of the swamp market also presents one of the film's greatest technical challenges.

Where and how to buy 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 target 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. And that's it! Buying movie tickets has never been so simple. Try it out and enjoy the experience of booking like a local!