China's 2024 National Day box office surpasses 800 million yuan, sets new record in film history

China's 2024 National Day holidays box office, including previews and presales, exceeded 800 million yuan ($113.98 million) as of 14:48 on Wednesday, according to ticketing platform Maoyan. War epic The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death, science fiction adventure Bureau 749, and an action crime film Tiger Wolf Rabbit are leading the box office.

On the first day of the holidays, running from October 1 to 7, box office earnings reached 494 million yuan, marking the second time it has surpassed the 400-million mark on single day ever since May 1. It now ranks 4th in National Day holidays box office history, surpassing the 430 million yuan total from 2023, according to a report of China's state broadcaster CCTV. 

A total of 464,000 screenings were held nationwide on Tuesday with 11.46 million viewers, setting a new record for National Day holiday screenings in Chinese film history.

"The rich selection of films and the audience's enthusiasm have driven this year's National Day box office success," Sun Jiashan, an associate researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Throughout the holidays, a selection of movies will be screened, featuring genres such as fantasy, action, animation, and patriotic films. 

"Mainstream films undoubtedly play a significant role in the National Day holidays season," said Sun, who believes the market performance of the historical war film The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death tells everything. 

Three days after its premiere on Monday, The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death, the second installment of Chinese renowned director Chen Kaige's “Volunteers” trilogy, was still holding onto top spot. 

Set during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), the film combines epic war scenes with intricate character portrayals, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, and their steadfast commitment to peace in the face of adversity.

According to the audience feedback, the second installment offers a clearer narrative and more coherent story compared with the first, along with more nuanced and emotionally resonant character depictions.

The strong performance of China's film market also increased film insiders' confidence and the audiences' as well, Sun added.