The China box office saw a dynamic start to 2026, with Disney’s “Zootopia 2” taking the lead during the first weekend. This surge pushed James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” to the second spot. As moviegoers flocked to theaters, these films captivated audiences, setting a strong tone for the year. This article explores the weekend’s box office highlights and the ongoing intrigue around these blockbuster hits.
‘Zootopia 2’ Tops the Charts
Disney’s “Zootopia 2” reclaimed its position at the top of the China box office, grossing RMB121.5 million ($17.1 million) from January 2 to 4. The beloved animated sequel continues to charm audiences, bringing its cumulative earnings to RMB4.25 billion ($598 million), according to Artisan Gateway. The film’s gripping storyline and vibrant animation have clearly resonated with viewers, ensuring its dominance in the market.
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Holds Strong in Second
Despite slipping to second place, James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” demonstrated resilience with a weekend addition of $15.8 million. Since its debut on December 19, the threequel has amassed a total of $136.3 million in China. The film’s stunning visuals and epic narrative continue to captivate audiences, keeping it a strong contender in the box office race.
Thrillers and Sci-Fi Enthrall Audiences
Ranking third is Maoyan Movie’s crime thriller “The Fire Raven,” which earned $11.7 million over the weekend. Directed by Sam Quah, this gripping tale of corruption and revenge has reached a total of $30.3 million. Meanwhile, “Back to the Past” took fourth place with an opening of $11.1 million, achieving a cumulative total of $24.1 million. This sci-fi adaptation revisits characters from the original 2001 TV series, drawing fans both old and new.
Paramount’s Animated Appeal
Rounding out the top five, “The SpongeBob Movie” from Paramount made its debut with $2.1 million, bringing its early total to $4 million. The animated feature’s humor and charm offer a delightful alternative for families and younger audiences.
The China box office generated a total of $63.8 million over the weekend. This solid beginning to 2026 has propelled the year-to-date gross to $111.4 million, marking a 32.9% increase over the same period last year. As films like “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash” continue to draw in crowds, the future of cinema in China looks promising.
