China’s 2025 Box Office Explosion: Animation and War Films Dominate, Changing Moviegoer Preferences and Shaping Travel and Tourism Dynamics- Check It Out Now

Published on December 7, 2025

In 2025, China’s film industry saw a remarkable shift in audience preferences, with animation and historical war films surging in popularity, while comedies and romance films virtually disappeared from favor. This change in moviegoer tastes has had broader implications, not just for the entertainment industry but also for China’s tourism and cultural travel trends. The transformation in film preferences reflects a growing desire for content that aligns with historical narratives, epic storytelling, and intense emotional engagement, which is influencing both domestic tourism and the international travel landscape.

The Surge in War Epics and Animation Films

One of the standout features of China’s 2025 box office performance has been the triumph of animated films and historical war epics, such as the much-anticipated “Ne Zha 2” and “Dead to Rights”, a WWII epic set against the backdrop of the Nanjing Massacre. These films have captivated Chinese audiences, securing top spots in both satisfaction ratings and box office returns. In fact, “Dead to Rights” has not only sparked a renewed interest in war-related historical films but has also sparked discussions on China’s role in WWII, enhancing the cultural significance of the period. This trend highlights how the country’s movie industry is increasingly gravitating towards films that depict monumental historical events, leading to the reinvigoration of interest in heritage tourism sites related to China’s past, especially those linked to wartime events.

Decline of Comedies and Romances in 2025

Interestingly, the research revealed that comedies and romance films, once staples of the Chinese box office, have been almost entirely eclipsed in 2025. Not a single romance film appeared in the top ranks of the satisfaction scores, signaling a significant cultural shift. This decline reflects a broader societal trend in which audiences seek more intense and meaningful narratives, as opposed to light-hearted entertainment. The fading interest in comedies has profound implications for the entertainment and tourism sectors alike. Destination marketing for romantic getaways or comedy-themed tourist experiences now faces the challenge of reorienting toward more robust, historically rich content that connects to China’s evolving cultural tourism landscape.

Impact on Chinese Tourism and Travel Trends

The influence of cinema on tourism is far from incidental. Film tourism, or “set-jetting,” has been on the rise globally, and China is no exception. The popularity of war epics like “Dead to Rights” has prompted an uptick in visitors to historical landmarks associated with the events depicted in such films. Sites such as the Nanjing Massacre Memorial have become increasingly popular among travelers eager to engage with the historical context of the films. Moreover, animated film tourism is rising in prominence as viewers look to visit the locales and themes inspired by films like “Ne Zha 2”, which has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right.

As animation continues to perform well at the box office, an increased focus on art-themed tourism is emerging. Animation studios in China, particularly in Shanghai and Beijing, are now offering tours of their production studios, allowing fans of these films to engage with the creative process and explore the behind-the-scenes magic that brings these stories to life. Such experiences provide a unique, immersive tourism opportunity that can further fuel interest in the animation genre and draw attention to Chinese creative industries.

The Economic and Cultural Ripple Effect

The rise of war epics and animation has not only impacted China’s tourism infrastructure, but it has also spurred economic growth within the country. With the local box office reaching a staggering $6.7 billion in 2025, this represents a clear shift in audience preferences that is driving the demand for new types of tourism experiences. The local tourism industry is now focusing on aligning its offerings with the growing interest in historical and animated content, while ensuring that visitors can experience the emotional and educational aspects of these genres.

The cultural tourism scene is adjusting to meet this growing demand by introducing historical war tours and animation-themed parks. For instance, Nanjing, the setting of “Dead to Rights”, has become an increasingly popular destination for both domestic and international travelers seeking to understand the tragic events of WWII through the lens of this film. Themed events, including museum exhibitions, re-enactments, and film screenings at heritage sites, have become key drivers of this cultural trend, encouraging travelers to immerse themselves in historical narratives.

Global Influence and International Travel Trends

Beyond China’s borders, the country’s evolving film industry is having a noticeable effect on global tourism. The rise of Chinese war films and animated films has piqued the interest of international audiences, prompting an influx of foreign visitors keen to experience the locations featured in these movies. In particular, historical tours related to WWII have gained a global following. Cities like Nanjing, with its rich historical significance, are seeing an increase in international tourists keen to explore the landmarks and museums connected to the events of the war.

Additionally, Chinese film festivals have gained prominence on the international scene, drawing visitors from around the world who are eager to experience the latest in Chinese cinema. These festivals provide an opportunity for tourists to engage with the country’s rich cinematic history while also exploring local cultural offerings that are often showcased alongside film screenings, including traditional Chinese food, art exhibitions, and live performances. The symbiotic relationship between film and tourism is becoming more apparent as the global interest in Chinese cinema grows.

Cultural Shifts and Tourism’s Future in China

The shift away from comedies and romance films towards animation and war epics is a reflection of deeper cultural currents in China. It signals a moment where Chinese moviegoers are increasingly turning to films that resonate on a more emotional, historical, or intellectual level, rather than light-hearted entertainment. This trend has prompted a reevaluation of the country’s tourism sector, which is evolving to cater to a more serious and introspective audience.

As China’s cultural influence continues to rise on the global stage, the tourism industry is poised to benefit from the growing interest in the country’s historical landmarks, animated worlds, and cinematic achievements. For those in the travel industry, this provides an opportunity to capitalize on these emerging trends by offering tourists an experience that combines film and history. As Chinese film preferences continue to shape global culture, the tourism sector must adapt to meet the demand for experiences that tie back to the emotional and cultural weight of these films.

Conclusion: Adapting to New Trends in Film and Tourism

The dramatic shift in China’s film industry in 2025, with the rise of animation and historical war epics, signals a profound transformation in the country’s tourism dynamics. These new trends have already begun influencing travel behavior, both within China and globally. As more tourists seek to explore destinations that are featured in these films, the tourism industry is adapting by offering immersive and historically enriched experiences.

Ultimately, this change in the film industry has created new opportunities for cultural tourism, while posing challenges to traditional travel sectors such as romantic and comedy-themed tourism. By embracing these trends, travel operators and destination marketers can leverage the power of cinema-driven tourism to attract more visitors and ensure that China’s cultural and historical heritage continues to capture the world’s attention.