Jurassic World Rebirth Dominates China Box Office as Superman Opens Fourth

In a notable display of box office performance, 'Jurassic World Rebirth' has maintained its dominance at the China box office for a second consecutive weekend, generating an impressive RMB 80.2 million (approximately $11.1 million) from July 11 to July 13, 2025. This continuation of success brings the film's total earnings to around $62.8 million after just 12 days since its release, according to Artisan Gateway, a leading analytics firm in the film industry.

The film, a part of the highly popular Jurassic franchise, has captivated audiences, reinforcing the series' status in the competitive cinematic landscape of China. Industry experts attribute this success to several factors, including a well-executed marketing campaign and the film's appeal to both local and international audiences.

In a rare occurrence, the second position on the box office chart was shared between two films: the local thriller 'Malice' and the racing drama 'F1: The Movie,' each earning RMB 58 million (around $8.2 million). 'Malice,' produced by As One Production, has resonated with viewers, garnering a cumulative total of RMB 182 million (approximately $25.6 million). The film, directed by Lai Mukuan and Yao Wenyi, follows the story of a journalist embroiled in a public controversy, addressing themes of truth and public perception.

'F1: The Movie,' which is a collaboration between Apple Original Films and Warner Bros., has also performed commendably, amassing RMB 250 million (approximately $35.6 million) over its three-week run in the Chinese market. This film taps into the global fascination with Formula 1 racing, leveraging star power and thrilling sequences to draw audiences.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. launched 'Superman,' which debuted in fourth place with earnings of RMB 44 million (around $6.2 million). This marks a softer than anticipated opening for the superhero reboot, raising questions about audience reception and the film's future performance in the box office. As per the data, the fifth spot was taken by the Chinese animated film 'Curious Tales of a Temple,' which earned RMB 40 million (approximately $5.7 million). This film, produced by Light Chaser Animation, is based on classic Chinese literature, showcasing the rich cultural narratives that resonate with local audiences.

The overall box office for the weekend reached RMB 370 million ($51.3 million), contributing to a remarkable year-to-date gross of RMB 30.2 billion (approx. $4.24 billion) for the Chinese film industry, representing a 20.2% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth indicates a robust recovery trajectory for the industry following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contrasting performances of 'Jurassic World Rebirth' and 'Superman' highlight the complexities of audience preferences in China's dynamic market, where local narratives often find significant traction. Dr. Liu Wei, a film studies expert at Beijing Film Academy, noted, "The success of local films like 'Malice' signifies a shift in audience demand towards stories that reflect their experiences and cultural context."

Looking ahead, industry analysts suggest that the continued success of 'Jurassic World Rebirth' could pave the way for more sequels and spin-offs in the franchise, while 'Superman' may require a strategic reevaluation in its marketing approach to better align with audience expectations. As the Chinese film market continues to flourish, the interplay between local and international productions will be crucial in shaping future trends. The increasing box office revenues may also encourage further investment in both domestic and foreign films, potentially leading to a more diverse cinematic landscape in China.

In conclusion, the current box office results encapsulate the evolving nature of film consumption in China, suggesting that the industry is on an upward trajectory, driven by a mix of blockbuster franchises and locally produced content that resonates deeply with Chinese audiences. As filmmakers and studios navigate this landscape, understanding the nuances of audience preference will be essential for future successes.