Domestic productions are driving much of the growth in China's film market this year. Statistics from box office tracker Maoyan show that homegrown films account for over 88.8 percent of China's total box office in 2025, which has already exceeded 40 billion yuan (US$5.62 billion).

As of now, all of the year's top 10 box-office performers are domestic films, including "Ne Zha 2," "Detective Chinatown 1900," "Dead to Rights," "Nobody" and "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force."

The box office has surpassed 40 billion yuan much earlier than last year. It also demonstrates the robust internal momentum of the Chinese film market.

However, the growing market share of domestic films also raises the bar for Chinese filmmakers. Creators must be attuned to the changing times and shifting audience emotions, foster interaction with viewers, and inspire more young people to come to theaters.

Beyond raising the quality of their works, filmmakers and creators are also placing greater emphasis on developing cultural IP, merchandise, and derivative experiences for audiences.

In terms of the huge success of the animation feature "Nobody," Shanghai Film Infinity has launched the XR (Extended Reality) program at Xujiahui's Metro City.

Audiences can embark on an adventure that blurs the boundaries between reality and the virtual world.

This immersive XR journey into the magical world of Langlang Mountain is an innovative attempt for movie fans to experience the ink wash-style film scenes and breathtaking plot on their own. Each character they choose not only offers a certain perspective and interactive mechanism but also evolves with the storyline, shaping the direction of the narrative.

After the XR experience, famous composer Tan Dun noted that what's especially interesting is that it carries the distinctive style of Shanghai Animation Film Studio.

"It's incredible fun," Tan said. "Everyone has something different in their hands to fight the monsters. For example, I got a huge pot."

Director Zhao Linshan's historical drama "Evil Unbound," also known as "731," is also a box office sensation this month.

From the perspective of ordinary civilians, the film reveals the inhumane atrocities of the Japanese Unit 731, which conducted bacteriological experiments on and slaughtered Chinese civilians in the 1940s.

Zhao told a press conference that it took them around 11 years to make the film. The entire production process included historical evidence collection, script development and filming. He also called on more filmmakers to engage with this subject as the story of Unit 731 has only been partially told. Many events remain unknown and need to be brought to light.

During the coming National Day holiday, an array of blockbusters movies are set to be released, pushing box office receipts to new heights.

Don't miss these highly anticipated movies hitting theaters this October.

'Row to Win' (浪浪人生)

Release date: September 30

Based on a popular novel by Cai Chongda, the comedy film stars Huang Bo, Yin Tao and Fan Chengcheng as a hilarious family who face up to new challenges in life.

Through lively and humorous storytelling, the film showcases ordinary people facing adversity, highlighting their determination and courage as they confront difficulties with a resilient, almost "wild" spirit.

'A Writer's Odyssey II' (刺杀小说家2)

Release date: October 1

The action fantasy film by Lu Yang is a sequel to the 2021 production. It follows novelist Lu Kongwen, who, at a low point in his life, attempts to destroy his own work. However, the characters within his story embark on a journey of resistance, triggering a dual crisis that threatens both the real world and the novel's fantastical universe. Ultimately, the author joins forces with his literary creations to resolve the conflict.

The film was shot using specialized IMAX technology, bringing to life breathtaking fantasy scenes such as a blazing flying dragon and creating a striking visual contrast between the real world and the fantastical realm.

'Panda Plan 2' (熊猫计划2)

Release date: October 1

This action-comedy is the sequel to Jackie Chan's 2024 film "Panda Plan." Chan stars as a fictionalized version of himself, embarking on an adventurous mission to rescue the beloved zoo panda, Hu Hu.

In the film, cute panda Hu Hu is about to move into a brand-new panda pavilion when an unexpected encounter with international thieves disrupts the plans. During a battle with the robbers, kung fu superstar Chan falls off a cliff, only to wake up in a mysterious and magical tribe.

'Sons of the Neon Night' (风林火山)

Release date: October 1

Hong Kong director Juno Mak's crime film features a stellar cast, including Takeshi Kaneshiro, Leung Ka-fai, Sean Lau, Louis Koo and Ritchie Jen. It is also one of the highest-budgeted films in the history of Hong Kong cinema.

In the movie, a sudden explosion claims the life of a Hong Kong tycoon, setting off a high-stakes struggle between drug traffickers and anti-drug forces. The film reveals that a world without drugs can be even more chaotic than imagined. It had its world premiere in May at the Cannes Film Festival.

"Tron: Ares" (创:战神)

Release date: October 17

The American sci-fi adventure film directed by Joachim Rønning marks the third installment in Disney's iconic sci-fi franchise. In this chapter, Ares, a highly advanced program, is sent from the digital world into the real world on a perilous mission.

The movie continues the franchise's tradition of cutting-edge visual effects while introducing fresh elements designed to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers. This new installment promises to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, delivering an immersive experience that seamlessly bridges the digital and physical realms.

"One Battle After Another" (一战再战)

Release date: October 17

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the American crime thriller directed by Paul Thomas Anderson follows a group of ex-revolutionaries who reunite to rescue one of their own's daughter when a long-dormant enemy resurfaces after 16 years.

Filmed using a VistaVision full-frame camera, the movie brings the cinematic aesthetics of celluloid vividly to the big screen. Packed with heart-pounding car chases, deafening gunfights and darkly comic moments, it ultimately leaves audiences both exhilarated and deeply moved.

'Caught Stealing' (偷天盗日)

Release date: October 18

The crime thriller by Darren Aronofsky, known for "Black Swan," revolves around burned-out ex-baseball player Hank Thompson who unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a dangerous struggle for survival amidst the criminal underbelly of 1990s New York City. He is forced to navigate a treacherous underworld he never imagined.

The film marks director Aronofsky's first foray into the action-crime genre, showcasing his signature dark aesthetic and tightly paced storytelling to full effect.

'A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey' (绮梦之旅)

Release date: October 18

The fantasy drama directed by Kogonada marks the first-ever on-screen collaboration between Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. Two strangers, meeting at a mutual friend's wedding, are given the chance to revisit pivotal moments from their pasts, shedding light on the paths that led them to the present and offering an opportunity to reshape their futures.

This American-Irish co-production seamlessly blends romance, fantasy and adventure. Through a time-travel narrative, the film intricately weaves the characters' emotional journeys, presenting an adventurous tale where reality and memory intertwine.

Where and How to Buy Tickets:

Online movie tickets can be purchased on Taopiaopiao and Maoyan. Movie buffs can also buy tickets at the theaters.

How to Buy Movie Tickets Using Alipay:

Purchasing discounted movie tickets through Alipay is quick and easy. 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!