The Times Australia
News From Asia

.

IMAX Soars to Highest Grossing Chinese New Year Ever with $53 Million

IMAX Box Office in China’s Peak Moviegoing Period up +57% over Previous Best; Animated Blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” Leads the Way with $36 Million and Counting

NEW YORK, US and SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 February 2025 - IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) shattered its box office record for Chinese New Year, delivering $53 million during the 7-day holiday period concluded February 4.

The busiest window annually for moviegoing in China, the 2025 Chinese New Year holiday saw IMAX exceed its previous record of $34 million set in 2023 by a whopping +57%. IMAX also delivered its highest attendance ever for the Chinese New Year, with 5.5 million admissions nationwide.

While the holiday has concluded, IMAX's record-breaking slate of Chinese New Year films will continue to play throughout the IMAX China network for another month. IMAX delivered its highest market share of the holiday – 4.3% on only 1% of screens – and $7.3 million on the final day of the period, demonstrating the continued strength of the slate.

"Chinese New Year unleashed one of the most impressive surges in moviegoing we've seen in recent years, anywhere in the world — leaving a slew of broken IMAX records in its wake," said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. "This is a shot of adrenaline for moviegoing in China that comes at just the right time, with a tentpole heavy slate of local language and Hollywood films ahead for 2025."

Enlight's "Ne Zha 2" — the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 smash hit — led the way with $36 million. The film scored the biggest opening weekend in IMAX history for an animated film with $22 million and is already the fourth highest grossing IMAX local language release of all time. "Ne Zha 2" took just seven days to top its predecessor "Ne Zha," which earned $35 million in China over its two-month IMAX run.

Alibaba's fantasy "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force" delivered $7.6 million and Bona's naval drama "Operation Hadal" added another $2.7 million in IMAX. Both films featured IMAX-exclusive expanded aspect ratio. China Film Group's martial arts actioner "Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants" scored $3.7 million while Maoyan's "Detective Chinatown 1900" contributed an additional $2.7 million in IMAX.

"The message from audiences is clear: IMAX is their first choice," said Daniel Manwaring, CEO of IMAX China. "Riding on a stronger-than-ever audience preference, IMAX has transformed moviegoing into a cultural phenomenon and a social talking point. We deeply value their brand loyalty and are confident that we can carry this momentum throughout what is poised to be one of the strongest years for Chinese local language films."

With the 2025 Chinese New Year slate, IMAX continues to expand its strategy of bringing local language films to audiences around the world. "Creation of The Gods II: Demon Force" and "Detective Chinatown 1900" were also released in select IMAX locations across 11 countries worldwide, bringing in more than $1.2 million outside of China. "Ne Zha 2" will be shown exclusively in IMAX theaters in Australia and New Zealand beginning February 6th.

The Chinese New Year slate will continue to play in China for the next month, alongside Disney's "Captain America: Brave New World" and the re-release of the classic romance "In Mood for Love".
Hashtag: #IMAX

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About IMAX China

IMAX China is a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation and was incorporated as a limited liability company under the laws of Cayman Islands. IMAX China was established by IMAX Corporation specifically to oversee the expansion of IMAX's business throughout Greater China. Shares of IMAX China trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970."

About IMAX Corporation  

IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of September 30, 2024, there were 1,788 IMAX systems (1,714 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 62 institutional) operating in 89 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970".

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX LIVE™, and IMAX Enhanced® are trademarks and trade names of IMAX Corporation or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. For more information, visit . You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram (), Facebook (), LinkedIn (), X (), and YouTube ().

Times Magazine

DIY Is In: How Aussie Parents Are Redefining Birthday Parties

When planning his daughter’s birthday, Rich opted for a DIY approach, inspired by her love for drawing maps and giving clues. Their weekend tradition of hiding treats at home sparked the idea, and with a pirate ship playground already chosen as t...

When Touchscreens Turn Temperamental: What to Do Before You Panic

When your touchscreen starts acting up, ignoring taps, registering phantom touches, or freezing entirely, it can feel like your entire setup is falling apart. Before you rush to replace the device, it’s worth taking a deep breath and exploring what c...

Why Social Media Marketing Matters for Businesses in Australia

Today social media is a big part of daily life. All over Australia people use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok , LinkedIn and Twitter to stay connected, share updates and find new ideas. For businesses this means a great chance to reach new customers and...

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Times Features

Italian Street Kitchen: A Nation’s Favourite with Expansion News on Horizon

Successful chef brothers, Enrico and Giulio Marchese, weigh in on their day-to-day at Australian foodie favourite, Italian Street Kitchen - with plans for ‘ambitious expansion’ to ...

What to Expect During a Professional Termite Inspection

Keeping a home safe from termites isn't just about peace of mind—it’s a vital investment in the structure of your property. A professional termite inspection is your first line o...

Booty and the Beasts - The Podcast

Cult TV Show Back with Bite as a Riotous New Podcast  The show that scandalised, shocked and entertained audiences across the country, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, has returned in ...

A Guide to Determining the Right Time for a Switchboard Replacement

At the centre of every property’s electrical system is the switchboard – a component that doesn’t get much attention until problems arise. This essential unit directs electrici...

Après Skrew: Peanut Butter Whiskey Turns Australia’s Winter Parties Upside Down

This August, winter in Australia is about to get a lot nuttier. Skrewball Whiskey, the cult U.S. peanut butter whiskey that’s taken the world by storm, is bringing its bold brand o...

450 people queue for first taste of Pappa Flock’s crispy chicken as first restaurant opens in Queensland

Queenslanders turned out in flocks for the opening of Pappa Flock's first Queensland restaurant, with 450 people lining up to get their hands on the TikTok famous crispy crunchy ch...