China's box office surged past $7.4 billion in 2025. Animated films and sequels drove the market's strong recovery. Data released January 1, 2026, by Maoyan Entertainment revealed the rebound.
"Ne Zha 2" and "Zootopia 2" led the box office charge. The films grossed $304 million and $80 million respectively. Total admissions climbed to 1.24 billion. This represents a year-over-year increase exceeding 20%.
The box office plummeted 23% in 2024. The 2025 success signals a major turnaround. Animated films accounted for nearly half of the total revenue.
IP-driven franchises fueled the market's growth. The trend highlights the power of established brands. Further growth is expected in the Chinese film market.
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