China’s theatrical market cooled further in the Jan. 9–11 frame, with Disney’s “Zootopia 2” holding on to the No. 1 spot for a second consecutive weekend after it reclaimed pole position last week.
“Zootopia 2” added RMB49.1 million ($6.9 million), according to Artisan Gateway, lifting its cumulative total to RMB4.31 billion ($607.2 million).
Maoyan Movie’s crime thriller “The Fire Raven” stayed close behind in second place, earning $6.8 million. The film continued to show solid traction, pushing its running total to $42.3 million after less than two weeks in release. Directed and written by Sam Quah, the film stars Peng Yuchang, Alan Aruna and Chang Ning and follows the reopening of a long-dormant murder case that exposes a wider network of corruption and revenge.
James Cameron’s sci-fi epic “Avatar: Fire and Ash” moved to third, grossing $6.5 million over the weekend. The 20th Century Studios release has now reached $146.6 million in China.
Huace Film & TV’s “Back to the Past” placed fourth with $4.9 million, taking its cumulative haul to $33.7 million. The feature film adaptation of Hong Kong broadcaster TVB’s 2001 historical sci-fi series “A Step Into the Past” is produced by Louis Koo‘s One Cool Film Production, with Koo serving as producer. The project reunites the principal cast from the original television series 24 years after it first aired. Koo stars alongside Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Sonija Kwok, Joyce Tang and Michelle Saram, all reprising their original roles. New cast members include Bai Baihe, Michael Miu and Louis Cheung. The film marks the final screen appearance of the late Dick Liu Kai-chi.
Rounding out the top five was Chuanqiren Media’s family drama “Unexpected Family,” which collected $900,000 million and stands at $5.5 million to date. The comedy-drama is co-written and directed by Li Taiyan and centers on a young man who leaves his small town for Beijing and ends up entangled with an elderly man with Alzheimer’s who mistakes him for his son. The film stars Jackie Chan, Peng Yuchang, Zhang Jianing and Pan Binlong.
Overall, the China box office generated $31.6 million for the weekend. Year-to-date takings for 2026 have reached $162.4 million, running 9.9% ahead of the same period last year, though the market is clearly settling into a quieter post-festive rhythm with an eye on the Lunar New Year holiday next month when several big ticket releases are expected to bow.
About the Author
