Over the weekend of September 26–28, 2025, the Chinese box office delivered another dynamic mix of historical dramas, action thrillers, and animated fantasies. The total weekend gross reached $24.6 million, contributing to a year-to-date total of $5.81 billion, marking a 21.2% increase over the same period last year. Leading the pack was Zhao Linshan’s Evil Unbound, which captivated audiences in its second week with RMB 109.0 million ($15.1 million), bringing its cumulative total to $205.1 million.
The film’s strong performance highlights a growing appetite among Chinese audiences for films exploring historical narratives, particularly those that dramatize key moments from World War II. It also underscores the industry’s healthy growth trajectory, with local productions once again dominating the charts.
Top Performers
1. ‘Evil Unbound’ – $15.1 million
Directed by Zhao Linshan, ‘Evil Unbound’ maintained its position at the top of the box office for the second consecutive weekend, grossing $15.1 million. The film’s cumulative earnings have now surpassed $205 million. Set against the backdrop of World War II atrocities, it dramatizes the horrors of Japan’s Unit 731, offering a poignant exploration of historical trauma. The film’s success highlights the audience’s growing interest in narratives that delve into China’s complex history.
2. ‘The Shadow’s Edge’ – $2.9 million
Jackie Chan’s action thriller ‘The Shadow’s Edge’ secured the second spot with $2.9 million. Directed by Larry Yang and produced by iQIYI Pictures, the film has grossed a total of $170 million, showcasing its sustained appeal among audiences. The film’s blend of action and suspense continues to captivate viewers, contributing to its strong box office performance.
3. ‘Nobody’ – $1.5 million
Shanghai Animation Film’s animated fantasy ‘Nobody,’ inspired by the classic ‘Journey to the West,’ earned $1.5 million over the weekend. The film’s cumulative earnings stand at $229.3 million, reflecting its widespread popularity. As the highest-grossing domestic 2D animated film, ‘Nobody’ has surpassed ¥700 million at the box office, reflecting a burgeoning interest in animated storytelling.
4. ‘Dead to Rights’ – $700,000
The historical drama ‘Dead to Rights’ added $700,000 to its earnings, bringing its total to $417.6 million since its release in July. Directed by Shen Ao, the film has been selected as China’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The film’s critical acclaim and international recognition underscore the global appeal of Chinese cinema.
5. ‘Shenzhou 13’ – $600,000
The documentary ‘Shenzhou 13,’ which chronicles China’s crewed mission to the Tiangong space station, earned $600,000 over the weekend. Directed by Zhu Yiran, the film has grossed a total of $5.7 million, highlighting the nation’s achievements in space exploration. The documentary’s success reflects the audience’s growing interest in China’s scientific and technological advancements.
Industry Trends and Insights
The dominance of domestic films at the top of the box office underscores a significant trend in China’s film industry. With films like ‘Evil Unbound’ and ‘Dead to Rights’ achieving substantial box office success, there is a clear shift towards locally produced content resonating with audiences. This trend is further supported by data from Maoyan, indicating that domestic films accounted for 88.8% of the box office revenue, surpassing 40 billion yuan ($5.61 billion) by September 13, 2025.
The success of ‘Nobody’ also highlights the growing appeal of animated films in China. As the highest-grossing domestic 2D animated film, ‘Nobody’ has surpassed ¥700 million at the box office, reflecting a burgeoning interest in animated storytelling. The film’s success may pave the way for more animated features to find commercial success in the Chinese market.
The performance of ‘Dead to Rights’ further illustrates the international recognition of Chinese cinema. The film’s selection as China’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards highlights the global appeal of Chinese films and their increasing presence in international film festivals and award circuits.
The box office performance over the weekend of September 26–28, 2025, illustrates a vibrant and evolving Chinese film industry. The sustained success of domestic films, coupled with the growing popularity of animated features and the international recognition of Chinese cinema, indicates a promising future for China’s cinematic landscape. As the year progresses, industry stakeholders will be keenly observing these trends to gauge the direction of the market.
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