Hong Kong’s box office takings for the first half of 2026 rose by nearly 25 per cent year on year, with comedy film Night King emerging as the highest-grossing movie over the six-month period.According to figures from the Hong Kong Box Office, 142 films premiered between January 1 and June 30, of which 17 were locally made. The movies generated HK$664 million (US$85 million) in takings, up from HK$531 million in the first six months of last year.“The summer film season has just begun with many family-friendly offerings. The latter half of the year will also boast many high-quality domestic and international movies,” the industry body said on Thursday.“It is hoped that the summer season and the second half of the year will sustain the strong momentum seen in the first half.”Night King was the top earner for the first half of 2026, having recorded HK$118 million in receipts so far. The comedy was released on February 17, targeting the Chinese New Year holiday period, and is still screening locally.The film, starring comedian Dayo Wong Tze-wah and singer-actress Sammi Cheng Sau-man, centres around a once-glamorous nightclub’s fight against a hostile takeover in 2012.The film is rated category III, meaning it is only suitable for viewers aged 18 and over.