Chinese films shine as summer box office heats up

(ECNS) -- China's annual box office in 2026 has surpassed 26 billion yuan (approximately $3.6 billion), with total moviegoers exceeding 650 million and screenings surpassing 95.23 million, according to data from online ticketing platforms.

The 2026 summer movie season has contributed significantly to market growth, with box office revenue, including advance ticket sales, surpassing 10.2 billion yuan.

The 2026 summer movie season has made a significant contribution to market growth, with box office revenue, including advance ticket sales, exceeding 10.2 billion yuan. During the summer vacation, daily box office revenue has remained above 100 million yuan for 38 consecutive days.

This year's summer season has featured more than 100 Chinese and foreign films, covering a wide range of genres.

The comedy-drama Once Upon A Time in the Middle East, released on Aug. 11, has grossed more than 1 billion yuan within eight days, ranking fourth among summer releases in 2026.

Set around a Chinese restaurant, the film explores themes of peace, food and cultural exchange through the stories of ordinary people, echoing with audiences through shared human experiences.

Another domestic film, Dear You, tells a touching story of overseas Chinese, which has been released in overseas markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Vietnam and Thailand, with overseas box office continuing to grow.

The animated film All Wishes Come True, inspired by the traditional Chinese legend of the Eight Immortals, combines Chinese aesthetics with modern animation techniques. The film has earned more than 1.6 billion yuan at the box office with releases planned in multiple overseas markets.

Among imported films, Spider-Man: Brand New Day ranked third in the summer box office chart. The film was released in Chinese mainland theaters two days ahead of North America, highlighting the importance of the Chinese market to Hollywood studios.

Another major Hollywood release, The Odyssey, was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, which has earned more than 300 million yuan at the Chinese mainland box office.

To boost movie consumption, the National Film Administration plans to provide at least 1.2 billion yuan in moviegoing subsidies throughout the year. Average ticket prices nationwide fell to 39.5 yuan in 2026, according to data from Maoyan Professional Edition, a Chinese ticketing platform.

By the end of July, 363 new cinemas and 2,215 new screens had been added nationwide, according to the National Film Administration. Meanwhile, cinemas across the country have introduced dining, gaming, VR activities, and themed events, transforming traditional screening venues into broader cultural and social spaces.

Advanced screening technologies have also become an important factor driving audience interest. Films such as Once Upon A Time in the Middle East and The Odyssey have used IMAX technology to provide more immersive viewing experiences.

Industry experts noted that audiences are increasingly seeking high-quality productions and more immersive cinematic experiences, creating new momentum for the development of the film industry.

(By Intern Liu Shuangjing, Zhang DOngfang)