Strong Holdovers and New Contenders
Despite entering its 12th weekend, Ne Zha 2 continues to dominate, proving the enduring appeal of homegrown animated franchises. Meanwhile, Meila Media’s We Girls, last week’s leader, dropped to second place but held strong with $3.8 million in its third weekend.
Directed by Feng Xiaogang, the emotional drama follows Zhao Liying as Gao Yuexiang, a mother who makes a desperate choice to afford her daughter’s cochlear implant, leading to her incarceration. Behind bars, she forms an unlikely bond with fellow inmates, played by Lan Xiya, Chuai Ni, Wang Ju, and Cheng Xiao, as they defy their harsh circumstances.
In third place, Warner Bros. and Legendary’s A Minecraft Movie added $2.9 million, bringing its China total to $24.2 million. The adaptation of the globally popular sandbox game has performed steadily, though it hasn’t reached the heights of China’s domestic hits.
Indie Gems Hold Their Ground
CKF Pictures’ Mumu retained fourth place with $1.7 million, pushing its cumulative earnings to $17.5 million. Directed by Mo Sha, the poignant drama tells the story of a seven-year-old girl raised in a deaf community whose life is upended when her estranged mother reenters her world, forcing her to navigate the complexities of sound and silence.
Rounding out the top five was Shanghai Film Group’s Fox Hunt, a political thriller centered on China’s global anti-corruption campaign, which collected $1.6 million for a $9.1 million total.
2025 Box Office on Record Pace
The weekend’s total revenue reached $20.2 million, a slight dip from the previous frame. However, China’s 2025 box office has surged to $3.51 billion year-to-date—a remarkable 39% increase compared to the same period last year.
This growth underscores the resilience of China’s theatrical market, driven by a mix of local blockbusters, Hollywood adaptations, and critically acclaimed dramas. With Ne Zha 2 still going strong and new releases on the horizon, the industry shows no signs of slowing down.
The Bigger Picture
- Animated sequels (Ne Zha 2) remain box office gold.
- Emotional dramas (We Girls, Mumu) resonate with audiences.
- Hollywood adaptations (A Minecraft Movie) perform decently but lag behind domestic hits.
- China’s 2025 box office revenue up 39% year-over-year.
As the year progresses, all eyes will be on whether China can sustain this momentum, particularly with major summer releases looming. For now, Ne Zha 2’s continued dominance proves that homegrown storytelling still rules the Middle Kingdom’s cinemas.