The arrival of the Lunar New Year has traditionally been a significant period for the Chinese film industry, and this year appears to have kicked off with remarkable enthusiasm. According to estimates from Maoyan, the first day of the holiday period generated an astonishing 1.8 billion yuan (approximately $248.3 million) across all films, setting a new record that eclipses 2021’s initial Day One figure of 1.69 billion yuan. This astonishing revenue reflects not only the immense popularity of Chinese cinema during this festive time but also a resurgence in audience attendance following setbacks from previous years.
IMAX Records New Heights
In the swirling mix of excitement and cinematic delights, IMAX achieved a personal best as well, attaining a day-one gross of $12 million, surpassing its previous record of $11 million from last year’s holiday season. Notably, IMAX cinemas accounted for 5% of the total Chinese New Year box office despite operating on a limited number of screens, indicating a strong draw for high-quality viewing experiences amongst the public. Furthermore, with 1.2 million admissions, IMAX’s attendance ballooned to unprecedented levels, marking a significant moment for the premium cinema format in China.
Capturing the spotlight as the top film for the day was “Ne Zha 2,” a highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s animated smash hit. The film raked in 486.6 million yuan (around $67.1 million), indicating strong audience interest and enthusiasm for beloved franchises. Surprisingly, “Ne Zha 2” also garnered $2.5 million from IMAX screenings, contributing to an overall positive reception.
Following closely was the comedic mystery film “Detective Chinatown 1900,” helmed by director Chen Sicheng and starring big names like Chow Yun-Fat and John Cusack. The film generated an impressive 464.4 million yuan (about $64 million), showcasing the successful blend of star power and engaging storytelling that appeals to the masses. IMAX screenings for this title brought in an additional $1.5 million, further emphasizing its popularity.
In third place was “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force,” another sequel that captured audience attention with a gross of 382.8 million yuan (approximately $52.8 million), of which IMAX contributed a sizeable $4 million. This film, along with the others, illustrates a notable trend of audiences flocking to see sequels, further solidifying the idea that established franchises are often reliable draws in the competitive environment of festive film releases.
A Diverse Array of Cinematic Offerings
The box office also saw other noteworthy contenders, such as “Legend of the Condor Heroes,” which made a splash with 258.2 million yuan ($35.6 million), and “Boonie Bears: Future Reborn,” which attracted 137.9 million yuan ($19 million). Additionally, “Operation Hadal,” directed by Dante Lam, claimed its place with 95 million yuan ($13.1 million), signaling a strong continuation of the “Operation Red Sea” franchise’s appeal, especially within the IMAX domain.
Each of these films reflects a wide spectrum of genres appealing to diverse audiences, from animated family films and action-packed martial arts epics to comedic mysteries. This diversity is critical in ensuring that theaters see full seats rather than empty spaces during this celebratory season.
Strong Pre-Sales and Government Support
Prior to the commencement of the Spring Festival, pre-sales surged to a historic 600 million yuan ($83 million), setting a record for the quickest accumulation of ticket sales within such a short timeframe. In fact, as of Tuesday, total pre-sales soared beyond 1 billion yuan ($137.9 million). This upward momentum can be attributed in part to a strategic promotion scheme initiated by the China Film Administration, which offers subsidies totaling 600 million yuan ($83 million) to encourage viewers to explore the theater experience. Such initiatives are essential not only for boosting the local film economy but also for revitalizing public enthusiasm for cinematic storytelling.
The Chinese box office experienced notable challenges throughout 2024, grappling with economic uncertainties and a dearth of major local releases. However, the start of this year’s Spring Festival – running now through February 5 – illustrates a strong rebound and renewed vigor. As films continue to dominate social media discussions with scores ranging from 9.2 to 9.7, the potential for sustained success over the holiday season looks promising.
As projections remain fluid, current forecasts suggest that “Ne Zha 2” could eventually earn an impressive 4.9 billion yuan ($675.8 million) by the festival’s conclusion, with “Detective Chinatown 1900” and “Creation of the Gods II” also positioned to achieve significant totals.
This year’s Chinese New Year box office has commenced with electrifying fervor, reflecting the enduring appeal of cinematic experiences among audiences eager to celebrate the festivities together through storytelling. The success witnessed thus far sets a hopeful tone for the months to come, as the industry endeavors to address previous year challenges and capitalize on the robust public interest in local film offerings.