Summer box office revenue shows strong demand for quality movies

This summer, many people in China have been to a cinema, a clear testament to the vitality of the Chinese film industry. According to data released by the China Film Administration on Monday, the 2025 summer box office reached 11.96 billion yuan ($1.67 billion) with 321 million footfalls in cinema halls, both surpassing last summer's total. While it was relatively quiet at the start of summer, the momentum picked up as a wave of domestic films hit the screens later.

Domestic films not only account for a majority of screenings this summer but also a diverse range of genres, fresh perspectives and impressive creativity from young directors. Such works have resonated well with the audiences, demonstrating that Chinese films are not found wanting when it comes to artistic excellence and wide market appeal.

Several mid-range titles also registered steady box office success, proving that a film does not have to be a blockbuster to register success; positive word-of-mouth feedback also helps. Many movies were well received on review platforms, too, showing that quality content continues to win recognition.