BEIJING – CMC Pictures’ heartwarming biopic The Dumpling Queen continued its reign at the Chinese box office, holding the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive weekend with a solid RMB32.1 million ($4.5 million) haul over the May 16–18 frame. Meanwhile, the animated juggernaut Ne Zha 2 kept its historic run alive, pulling in $1.5 million in its 16th weekend to push its global gross to a staggering $2.14 billion. The weekend’s total box office hit $23.9 million, a slight dip from the prior frame, but China’s year-to-date gross climbed to $3.69 billion, up 29.8% from 2024, per Artisan Gateway (via Variety).
The Dumpling Queen, directed by Andrew Lau and starring Ma Li, tells the real-life story of Zang Jianhe, a Qingdao native who builds a dumpling empire in Hong Kong after being stranded there in the late 1970s. Its crowd-pleasing mix of grit and triumph has resonated with audiences, lifting its cumulative gross to $46.9 million since its April 30 debut. The film’s staying power is notable, especially after a strong $17.1 million opening over the May Day holiday, one of China’s busiest box office periods. Its relatable underdog tale and Ma Li’s magnetic performance have fueled word-of-mouth, keeping it ahead of newer releases.
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In second place, Universe Entertainment’s financial thriller A Gilded Game, directed by Herman Yau, added $3.7 million, bringing its total to $32.6 million. Starring Andy Lau, Ni Ni, and Jasper Liu, the Hong Kong-produced drama about a principled finance intern navigating a cutthroat investment bank has held steady, capitalizing on Lau’s star power and the film’s sleek, suspenseful vibe. Wanda Pictures’ comedy The Open Door took third with $1.7 million, pushing its cume to $15.7 million, while Studio Ghibli’s 4K re-release of Princess Mononoke (1997) earned $1.8 million for a $12.2 million total, a testament to Hayao Miyazaki’s enduring draw.
But all eyes remain on Ne Zha 2, the Cococartoon-produced animated epic that’s rewritten box office history. Directed by Yang Yu, the film—a mythic sequel following the demon child Ne Zha’s quest to save his dragon prince friend—added $1.5 million in its 16th weekend, cementing its status as 2025’s top-grossing film and the highest-grossing animated movie ever, with $2.14 billion worldwide. Its China haul alone accounts for over $2.1 billion, dwarfing Pixar’s Inside Out 2 ($1.7 billion) and making it the first film to cross $1 billion in a single market. Social media buzz, like posts calling it a “national destiny” moment, reflects its cultural impact, with over 300 million tickets sold in China—roughly 21% of the country’s population.
Ne Zha 2’s longevity is remarkable, especially in a market where films often fade fast outside holiday windows like Lunar New Year, when it debuted with a record-smashing $1.2 billion. Its appeal spans demographics, blending irreverent humor, anti-authority themes, and stunning visuals, resonating with young audiences facing economic pressures. As one Beijing critic noted, Ne Zha’s line, “My fate is controlled by myself, not by God,” hits hard in a tough climate, fueling repeat viewings. The film’s $30 million-plus from markets like North America, Hong Kong, and Australia shows modest but growing international reach, though 99% of its gross comes from China.
Marvel’s Thunderbolts* rounded out the top five with $1.6 million, lifting its total to $13.9 million. The superhero flick, part of Hollywood’s 2025 slate, has struggled against local heavyweights, a trend underscored by Captain America: Brave New World’s $14.4 million China total earlier this year, a far cry from Captain America: Civil War’s $180 million in 2016. Hollywood’s grip on China has weakened, with local hits like Ne Zha 2 and Detective Chinatown 1900 ($494.7 million) dominating 2025’s charts.
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The weekend’s $23.9 million gross reflects a post-holiday slowdown after May Day’s $65.6 million surge, but The Dumpling Queen’s consistency and Ne Zha 2’s marathon run keep the market humming. China’s box office is up 29.8% year-to-date, a rebound from 2024’s decade-low $5.8 billion, though analysts caution that Ne Zha 2’s singular success—outgrossing all other 2025 releases combined—masks a reliance on tentpoles. Upcoming Hollywood titles like Jurassic World: Rebirth and Zootopia 2 (undated in China) face a tough road against local powerhouses.
For now, The Dumpling Queen proves there’s still an appetite for heartfelt, homegrown stories, while Ne Zha 2’s record-breaking streak shows China’s animation scene is a global force. As both films keep drawing crowds, they’re setting a high bar for the summer season. Catch them in theaters—if you’re in China, you’re clearly not alone.
Source: Variety