China’s box office maintained its robust pace, with “Ne Zha 2” continuing to dominate. The Cococartoon release grossed RMB274.9 million ($38.2 million) over the March 3–9 period, bringing its cumulative total to $2.04 billion, according to Artisan Gateway. The animated epic has become the first Chinese film to surpass $2 billion at the box office, marking a historic milestone.
“Ne Zha 2” also continued its record-breaking run in Imax. The film added $4.2 million in Imax earnings over the week, pushing its cumulative total in the format to $148 million in China and $150.6 million worldwide. This achievement has elevated “Ne Zha 2” to 6th place in the all-time Imax rankings, surpassing “Interstellar” ($145 million), “Avengers: Infinity War” ($145.8 million), and “Dune 2” ($146.5 million). The film is set for further expansion with Imax releases planned in the U.K., Ireland, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand in the coming weeks.
“Ne Zha 2” has also passed “Avengers: Infinity War” to become the sixth highest grossing film of all time.
In second place, As One Production’s “Detective Chinatown 1900” added $4.6 million, bringing its cumulative total to $484 million. The latest entry in the popular mystery-comedy series continues to perform steadily, though it remains well behind “Ne Zha 2.”
Lian Ray Pictures’ “Always Have Always Will,” where a down and out man undertakes a road trip with a sick girl, debuted in third place, grossing $2.9 million in its first weekend.
Vision Distribution’s “There’s Still Tomorrow” opened in fourth place with $2 million. Directed by Paola Cortellesi, the Italian smash follows a a working-class wife and mother in postwar Rome who dreams of a better future.
Kai Pictures’ romantic drama “Love Island” rounded out the top five, earning $1.9 million in its debut weekend.
Other notable debuts included Vivian Qu’s Berlinale title “Girls on Wire,” which opened in eighth place with $1.8 million and Bong Joon Ho’s “Mickey 17,” which bowed in 10th place with $1.4 million, according to Ent Group.
The weekend’s total box office reached $60.3 million, bringing China’s 2025 cumulative total to $3.27 billion, a 60.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
