“Kung Fu Soccer,” directed by Stephen Chow, topped China’s 2026 summer box office with RMB2.315 billion ($344.4 million), as the overall summer season reached RMB12.498 billion ($1.86 billion), up 4.45% year-on-year and marking a second straight year of growth, according to a new report from Maoyan Research Institute, the research arm of Maoyan Entertainment.
The Insight Report on 2026 Summer Box Office Film Data, citing data from Maoyan Pro and the China Film Administration, covers the period from June 1 to Aug. 31. Total cinema admissions climbed 5.86% year-on-year, reaching 340 million and reflecting renewed audience enthusiasm. Each screening drew an average of 8.8 admissions, while occupancy averaged 7.2%, both modest gains over the previous year. Average ticket prices fell for a second straight year, a trend Maoyan credited with broadening access and drawing more moviegoers into theaters.
The proportion of solo moviegoers rose for a fourth consecutive year, the report found. Regionally, tier-one cities accounted for their largest box office share in six years, while South China’s box office share broke a six-year record, driven by hits including “Kung Fu Soccer,” “Dear You” and “V.”
