China Movie Releases This Week: Zootopia 2 Leads, Avatar: Fire and Ash Pre-Sales Surge (Dec 8–14, 2025)
China Movie Releases This Week: Zootopia 2 Leads, Avatar: Fire and Ash Pre-Sales Surge (Dec 8–14, 2025)
China’s theatrical scene is heating up in December 2025 as the New Year film season kicks into high gear. With the year-end box office already surpassing 50 billion yuan and the New Year window (November 28–December 31) driving massive attendance, cinemas nationwide are packed with diverse releases. This week (December 8–14), audiences can enjoy ongoing hits, fresh imports, and strong holdovers from early December, including family animations, thrillers, and Hollywood spectacles.
From record-breaking animated sequels like Zootopia 2 to Chinese originals and international arrivals, here’s your complete guide to the top movie releases and what’s playing in Chinese theaters right now.
Top Movies Playing in China This Week (December 8–14, 2025)
| Title | Genre | Release Date (China) | Key Cast / Director | Why It’s Trending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zootopia 2 | Animation / Family / Adventure | November 26 (ongoing) | Voices: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman | Leading the year-end box office with over 2.8 billion yuan; highest-grossing imported animation ever in China – family favorite! |
| Avatar: Fire and Ash | Sci-Fi / Action / Fantasy | December 19 (previews possible) | Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, James Cameron | James Cameron’s epic sequel – massive anticipation for IMAX 3D screenings; expected to dominate late December. |
| Witness for the Prosecution | Mystery / Thriller | December 5 (ongoing) | Adapted from Agatha Christie | Gripping courtroom drama adaptation – strong word-of-mouth for suspense fans. |
| Under Current | Drama / Thriller | December 6 (ongoing) | Chinese production | Realistic and emotional storytelling – continuing to draw crowds. |
| The Running Man | Action / Thriller | Early December (ongoing) | American import | High-stakes action with reflections on reality – popular among action lovers. |
| Best Friend | Drama / Realistic | December 3 (ongoing) | Chinese realistic film | Heartfelt premiere buzz – resonating with audiences seeking emotional depth. |
| Resurrection | Art Film / Drama | Late November (ongoing) | Bi Gan (Cannes winner) | Artistic masterpiece with stunning visuals – niche hit for film enthusiasts. |
| Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle | Anime / Action | November (ongoing) | Japanese anime | Strong holdover performance – anime fans keeping it in top charts. |
These films are dominating Maoyan and other ticketing platforms, with Zootopia 2 leading daily earnings and Avatar: Fire and Ash generating huge pre-sale hype.
Why China’s Movie Theaters Are Buzzing This Week
- Year-End Surge: The New Year film season has already crossed 2.5 billion yuan, with over 50 films in play. December is a prime time for family outings and holiday entertainment.
- Diverse Genres: From family animations and Hollywood blockbusters to Chinese dramas and anime, there’s something for every viewer – kids, couples, and action fans alike.
- Box Office Records: Zootopia 2 has become China’s biggest imported animation ever, while holdovers like Resurrection and Witness for the Prosecution keep the momentum going.
- IMAX & Premium Formats: Many releases shine in IMAX 3D, especially upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash – perfect for immersive experiences in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Upcoming Highlights Beyond This Week
While this week focuses on holdovers, the real explosion comes later in December:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash (December 19) – Expected to shatter records.
- Other December Arrivals – More domestic and imported titles, including thrillers and comedies.
Don’t Miss These Movies in China This Week!
December 8–14, 2025, is an ideal time to head to the cinema in China. Grab tickets on Maoyan, Douban, or your local app for the best seats – especially for IMAX showings of Zootopia 2 or Avatar: Fire and Ash previews.
