China Box Office: ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Launches to Top Spot
Why it matters: Mainland China's 2026 year-to-date box office revenue of $1.76 billion is down 50.7% from 2025.
- "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" debuted at number one in China, earning $8.3 million, and globally amassed over $372 million, setting multiple box office records and becoming the best Hollywood pic YTD (Artisan Gateway, Deadline).
- China Film’s drama "It’s OK" climbed to second place in its second weekend, taking in $6.1 million for a cumulative total of $9.9 million (Artisan Gateway).
- Columbia’s science-fiction epic "Project Hail Mary" secured third place in China, adding $5.7 million, and is on track to reach half a billion globally (Artisan Gateway, Deadline).
- Mainland China’s overall weekend grosses reached $39.5 million, but the 2026 year-to-date revenue stands at $1.76 billion, a 50.7% decrease from the same period in 2025 (Artisan Gateway).
- Other films like Dirty Monkeys’ "Now I Met Her" ($4.1 million) and Maoyan Pictures’ "Game of Identity" ($3.6 million) also debuted in the top five in China (Artisan Gateway).
- Kanye West’s ‘Bully’ debuted at No. 2 on the albums chart, while BTS held the top spot with ‘Arirang’, indicating a different entertainment landscape outside of film (Variety).
Universal's "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" dominated the China box office, launching to the top spot with $8.3 million, contributing to its massive global debut of over $372 million, making it the best Hollywood picture year-to-date. While Mario soared, China's overall box office for the weekend reached $39.5 million, but the year-to-date revenue for 2026 is significantly down by 50.7% compared to 2025, according to Artisan Gateway.
