Core Insights - The box office for the New Year's Day holiday in 2026 has exceeded 7.36 billion yuan, with a total of 18.54 million viewers and 1.41 million screenings, averaging a ticket price of 39.6 yuan [1][3]. Box Office Performance - The top five films during the New Year's Day holiday are: 1. "Zootopia 2" with a box office of 2.19 billion yuan, accounting for 29.8% of the total box office and 23.6% of screenings [3][20]. 2. "Avatar 3" with a box office of 1.83 billion yuan, representing 24.8% of the total [3][20]. 3. "Killing" with 1.25 billion yuan, contributing 16.9% [3][20]. 4. "The Legend of Qin" with 1.16 billion yuan, making up 15.7% [3][20]. 5. "SpongeBob: Deep Sea Adventure" with 268 million yuan, accounting for 3.6% [3][20]. Audience Demographics - The audience for animated films has been expanding, with young users aged 18 to 30 remaining highly active on content platforms, aiding in film promotion and word-of-mouth [18]. - The proportion of viewers aged 30 and above has remained stable, providing significant support for animated film box office performance [18]. Market Trends - The animation film market has shown stable growth in the number of releases over the past three years, with key films like "Nezha" and "Zootopia 2" driving a significant increase in total box office revenue, surpassing 25 billion yuan from 57 films in 2025 [18]. - The box office for "Zootopia 2" is approaching the top of the all-time box office list for imported films in China, with a cumulative box office exceeding 4.24 billion yuan [3][21].

Core Viewpoint - The animated film "Zootopia 2" is breaking box office records in China, showcasing its strong market appeal and potential for significant revenue generation [2][5]. Box Office Performance - "Zootopia 2" has achieved a cumulative box office of 1.367 billion yuan within just four days of its release, with a single-day box office reaching 700 million yuan [3][5]. - The film's total box office, including pre-sales, has reached 1.54 billion yuan [3]. - It has surpassed the previous record for single-day box office for imported films held by "Avengers: Endgame" and is the only film this year outside of the Spring Festival to exceed 700 million yuan in a single day [5]. Audience Engagement - The film has recorded a single-day audience of 17.654 million, breaking the previous record of 17.3228 million set by "Ne Zha" [5]. - The film's screening ratio is close to 80%, with an attendance rate exceeding 36%, contributing to 95% of the daily box office [5]. Pre-release Hype - Prior to its release, "Zootopia 2" generated significant anticipation, with pre-sales reaching 287 million yuan, making it the highest pre-sale for animated films in the past three years [5]. Future Projections - Industry analysts predict that "Zootopia 2" could surpass 3 billion yuan in box office revenue, with some estimates even suggesting a potential of 5 billion yuan [5]. - If it reaches 3 billion yuan, it is expected to rank among the top three films in the domestic box office for 2025 [5]. Industry Impact - The success of "Zootopia 2" has positively influenced the overall box office performance in China, with the daily box office exceeding 730 million yuan on November 29 [5]. - The film's popularity has led to extended screening hours in many cinemas, with some screenings running until nearly 3 AM [6].

Core Insights - The upcoming 2025 film season is characterized by a diverse lineup of over 50 films, including both domestic and international productions, aimed at meeting the varied viewing preferences of audiences [2][11] - The trend of "internal and external cooperation" in the film market reflects the growing segmentation of audience preferences, with different genres appealing to distinct demographic groups [3][11] Film Supply and Diversity - This year's film slate features a strong mix of imported and domestic films, catering to a wide range of audience tastes [2][3] - Notable imported films include "Avatar: The Way of Water," which utilizes advanced visual technology to enhance viewer experience, and sequels to popular franchises like "Now You See Me 3" and "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run" [2][3] - Domestic films such as "The Insider," "The Way of the Weapon," and "The Unnamed: Meaningful" cover various genres, including reality-based narratives, suspense, and comedy [2] Technological Innovation - Technological advancements are a significant highlight of this year's film offerings, with "Avatar: The Way of Water" featuring the most complex visual effects and motion capture techniques to date [5][6] - Domestic productions like "Wild Era" have also made strides in virtual filming technology, achieving over 30% of its shots through LED virtual filming [5] - The integration of AI technology in film production processes has improved efficiency in script analysis and scene planning [5] Emotional Resonance - Films focusing on real-life themes are designed to resonate emotionally with audiences, reflecting societal sentiments and the struggles of ordinary people [8] - The unique ritualistic aspect of viewing films during the New Year period enhances emotional engagement, transforming the experience into a form of emotional expression and celebration [8] IP Development and Brand Power - The success of sequels and franchise films, such as "Zootopia 2" and "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run," underscores the importance of IP longevity in attracting audiences [10] - The personal brand of directors, such as Shen Ao, who has achieved significant box office success, contributes to the market appeal of new releases [10] - The anticipation for new films is bolstered by the established trust and positive reception of previous works, creating a cycle of audience engagement [10] Future Outlook - The 2025 film season aims to attract audiences through a combination of diverse film offerings, cutting-edge technology, emotional storytelling, and strong IP appeal [11] - The exploration of these elements is expected to have lasting implications for the film industry, influencing its trajectory beyond immediate box office results [11]