The Chinese film industry has experienced a sharp decline in revenue, with box office earnings falling by more than 50% year-on-year, according to recent reports. The May Day holiday, typically a key period for box office performance, saw underwhelming ticket sales, though certain films and initiatives provided some bright spots.
Among the top performers, Princess Mononoke, the acclaimed 1997 Japanese animated film by Hayao Miyazaki, grossed 69 million yuan, securing the third spot in the holiday rankings. This marked the first screening of the classic in mainland China, with the Mandarin version featuring actress Zhao Liying voicing the titular role. Following closely was The Open Door, a comedy directed by Yi Xiaoxing, which earned 65 million yuan.
Marvel’s latest superhero offering, Thunderbolts, placed fifth in the rankings, grossing a notable sum as it brought together a team of antiheroes. Meanwhile, I Grass, I Love, a road comedy released on May 1, and Ne Zha 2 claimed the sixth and seventh spots, respectively. However, Trapped, a crime thriller that won two Tiantan Awards at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, underperformed, ranking eighth.
Despite the overall decline in revenue, some films contributed to local tourism efforts. For example, I Grass, I Love inspired the creation of “movie-themed” travel routes, particularly in Hunan’s Qingxi village, which featured in the film’s picturesque spring farming scene. Tourists with tickets for the film receive discounts and can participate in activities that recreate memorable moments from the film.
Industry experts, including Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association, attribute the downturn to the ongoing transformation of the Chinese film market. Rao highlighted that audiences are evolving, with competing forms of entertainment—such as micro-short dramas, concerts, and tourism—capturing attention in unprecedented ways. Moreover, artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role in reshaping film production and the overall industry landscape.
As the market continues to shift, the future of the Chinese film industry remains uncertain, with experts urging the sector to adapt to these changing dynamics.
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