Chinese Box Office Sets Record Amid Domestic Film Surge
Over the weekend, the Chinese box office made headlines with a record gross of $972 million, driven largely by a series of domestic war-themed films, as noted by the state-run Global Times.
The Chinese government’s increasing restrictions on Hollywood films reflect its push for homegrown productions. This weekend, three films focused on war propaganda dominated the box office. Furthermore, there are plans to promote another anticipated war drama later this fall. In contrast, films like Fantastic Four: The First Step and Superman have struggled to engage Chinese audiences.
According to Global Times, Sunday alone brought in $52.2 million, indicating that the summer revenue is approaching pre-pandemic levels. The Chinese Film Administration reported a 22.9% increase in ticket sales during the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year.
In the last decade, the Chinese Communist Party has heavily funded films that align with its ideological narratives, particularly focusing on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) while portraying Western nations, like the U.S. and Japan, unfavorably. A notable instance was the film Battle at Lake Changjin, which depicted Chinese and North Korean soldiers overcoming American forces during the Korean War. Despite being criticized internationally for its quality, the film saw significant domestic support, with citizens even encouraged to bring raw potatoes to theaters as a nod to the soldiers’ hardships.
Additionally, the recent film I Died in the Right revisits the tragic events of the Nanjing Massacre, where thousands lost their lives during Japan’s invasion. The narrative follows a Chinese citizen working in a photo studio as they document these atrocities.
This film reportedly earned around $210 million within ten days, as noted by a Chinese state news outlet. It has gained recognition as the top film globally for a recent weekend, surpassing not just domestic but also international box office numbers.
Other films contributing to the top earnings include animated features rooted in Chinese mythology and historical dramas. These films often align with the themes favoring the Communist regime’s narrative. Interestingly, the follow-up to Ne Zha achieved remarkable success earlier this year, becoming one of the first non-American films to exceed a billion dollars at the box office.
After earlier missteps in the war propaganda genre with films like Born to Fly, there’s been a noticeable shift. Initially designed to emulate the success of Hollywood blockbusters, such projects have flopped, prompting a change toward family-friendly and animated themes. However, the recent discussions in Global Times suggest a potential revival of war propaganda films with several slated for release.
Looking ahead, August will see the unveiling of documentaries and war films that aim to highlight the resilience of the Chinese people during conflict. Films like 731 Biochemical Revelation are also set to release, intended to convey the brutality of the Japanese military during the war.
In recent months, the Chinese Communist Party has signaled a reluctance to allow Hollywood access to the film market, citing prior political tensions. While a few Hollywood films have made it to theaters, their presence is minimal, especially as they often don’t align with the narrative that the Chinese government seeks to advance. Currently, there are only two imported films receiving any significant attention.
