The Chinese box office continued to be dominated by “Octopus With Broken Arms,” which held its top spot.
The crime thriller earned RMB 60.8 million ($8.4 million) over the Jan. 17–19 weekend, bringing its cumulative total to $111.4 million, according to Artisan Gateway. Directed by Jacky Gan, the film remains a steady performer and has solidified its position as the year’s first breakout success.
“Honey Money Phony,” released by Maoyan Pictures, climbed to second place with $5.2 million, pushing its cumulative gross to $50.4 million. Directed by Su Biao, the comedy about financial deception continues to attract audiences as it enters its fourth week of release.
“Big World,” last week’s second-place finisher, slipped to third, earning $3.9 million. The family drama, directed by Yang Lina and distributed by Gengxi Pictures, has now reached a cumulative total of $99.7 million. In fourth place, “Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital” (2003), the Japanese anime classic directed by Kodama Kenji, added $1 million in its fourth week, bringing its total to $17.8 million.
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“Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” released by Paramount, rounded out the top five with $1.2 million over the weekend, bringing its total to $3.9 million. The only other Hollywood entry in the top 10 is Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which occupied the ninth spot and has a cumulative total of $16.5 million, according to Ent Group.
The weekend’s total box office grossed $26.4 million, down from last weekend’s $34.5 million, reflecting a quieter period for cinemas. Cumulatively, China’s 2025 box office has reached $208.5 million, 17.2% lower than the same period in 2024. The ongoing decline highlights the challenges facing the theatrical market despite consistent performances from holdovers like “Octopus With Broken Arms.”
All eyes will now be on the Lunar New Year holidays which begin at the end of January, a period that traditionally sees big ticket local releases and provides a boost to the box office.