Chinese cinema achieved remarkable progress both in quantity and quality in 2025 on the international stage, marking a significant milestone in the country's film industry.
The year saw Chinese films surpassing one billion yuan (142.98 million U.S. dollars) in overseas box office revenue, with screenings in 46 countries and regions.
"Ne Zha 2," released in January in 2025, has become a global success, captivating audiences worldwide with its unique take on Chinese mythology and visually stunning animation. It is a sequel to the 2019 animated hit "Ne Zha."
The film premiered in over 770 theaters across North America, with its pre-sale earnings and screening volume setting records not seen in nearly two decades for Chinese-language films in the region.
To date, the film has grossed approximately 69 million U.S. dollars internationally, making it one of the highest-grossing Chinese films abroad in recent years.
Meanwhile, the film "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force" has been released in 16 countries and regions worldwide, sparking a wave of interest in fantasy genres in markets like South Africa and Egypt, reflecting the global appeal of Chinese stories rooted in traditional culture.
Historical films such as "Dead to Rights" and "Dongji Rescue", which accurately portray the narrative of World War II, highlight China's significant role in the Eastern Theater. These films have captured considerable attention from both international audiences and mainstream media.
"Shenzhou 13," or "Blue Planet Outside the Window," has become a pioneering work in Chinese space exploration filmmaking, resonating strongly with viewers overseas as it vividly depicts humanity's quest to explore the cosmos.
Beyond commercial cinema, the year of 2025 also saw a surge in Chinese films showcased at international festivals, highlighting China’s emerging film talent and innovative storytelling.
"A noteworthy phenomenon this year is that Chinese films have achieved excellent results at major international film festivals, showcasing a new look and development achievements of Chinese cinema, which highlights that the Chinese film market is one of the most important growth engines globally," said Zhang Jinfeng, editor-in-chief of the China Film News.
The success was further exemplified by the blockbuster "Zootopia 2," which not only became China's highest-grossing imported animated film but also outperformed its North American earnings, becoming the largest market for the film globally.
Moreover, "Avatar 3" was simultaneously released in China and North America, underscoring China's growing influence and its attraction to top-tier international intellectual properties.
"The continuous improvement of overall national strength, or rather, national cohesion, is actually the most fundamental driving force for the development of the overall film industry. In the future, Chinese cinema will inevitably be the most dominant form of development. Furthermore, as Chinese films engage in cross-cultural communication and exchange in the international market, the spirit of Chinese culture will continue to extend along with the films, constantly forming its dominant spiritual direction," said Sun Chengjian, deputy director of the Film and Television Research Institute under Chinese National Academy of Arts.
China’s 2025 film successes signal growing global presence, influence: experts
