2024 was an exciting year for Chinese cinema, with many great films capturing audiences both in China and around the world. Let’s take a look at the 10 most-watched Chinese movies globally in 2024.
1. YOLO
YOLO was the breakout hit of 2024, becoming one of the highest-grossing Chinese films of all time. This heartwarming comedy-drama stars popular actress Jia Ling as a young woman who gets a second chance to change her past and improve her relationship with her mother.
The movie resonated with viewers of all ages with its touching story about family bonds and making the most of life’s opportunities. YOLO’s blend of humor and emotion, along with Jia Ling’s charming performance, made it a must-see film that people couldn’t stop talking about.
2. Successor
Another massive box office success in 2024 was Successor, a comedy-drama about a wealthy couple who pretend to be poor to teach their young son important life lessons. Starring famous actors Shen Teng and Ma Li, the film follows the family’s hilarious misadventures as they try to live a humble life.
Successor was praised for its clever writing and the great chemistry between the lead actors. Audiences loved the movie’s mix of laugh-out-loud comedy and heartfelt family moments. It became one of the year’s most talked-about films on social media.
3. A Place Called Silence
This gripping crime thriller directed by Sam Quah was a surprise hit, becoming one of the top-grossing Chinese films of the summer. A Place Called Silence tells the story of a detective investigating a case of school bullying that turns into something much darker.
The movie kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its tense atmosphere and shocking twists. It also earned praise for tackling the serious issue of bullying. A Place Called Silence showed that Chinese thrillers could compete with Hollywood and became a favorite among fans of suspense films.
4. Alien: Romulus
While not a Chinese production, this latest entry in the Alien franchise was a huge hit with Chinese audiences. The sci-fi horror film about space explorers encountering a terrifying alien life form resonated strongly in China, becoming the movie’s biggest market worldwide.
Chinese viewers were thrilled by the film’s intense scares and cutting-edge special effects. Its success highlighted the growing popularity of the horror and thriller genres among Chinese moviegoers in recent years.
5. Moments We Shared
This touching drama about the intertwining lives of several families in a small town became a sleeper hit through strong word-of-mouth. Moments We Shared won praise for its realistic portrayal of everyday life and relationships in modern China.
The movie’s emotional story and relatable characters struck a chord with viewers. Many were moved to tears by its bittersweet moments of love, loss, and human connection. Moments We Shared proved that simple stories told well can have a big impact.
6. Deadpool and Wolverine
Another Hollywood production that was embraced by Chinese audiences, this superhero team-up movie brought together two of Marvel’s most popular characters. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, the film delivered plenty of action and irreverent humor.
Chinese viewers loved seeing Deadpool and Wolverine share the screen for the first time. The movie’s mix of comedy and thrilling fight scenes made it a fun escape at the cinema. Its massive box office numbers showed the enduring popularity of Marvel superheroes in China.
7. Welcome to the Game
This action-packed thriller about an ordinary man caught up in a deadly online game became a viral sensation. Welcome to the Game kept audiences guessing with its twisty plot and pulse-pounding suspense sequences.
The movie tapped into fears about technology and online privacy in the digital age. Its edge-of-your-seat story and surprising ending got people talking, making it one of the most buzzed-about Chinese films on social media platforms.
8. Viva La Vida
This quirky romantic comedy about a young woman looking for a husband who can donate a kidney won over viewers with its unique premise and charming lead performances. Viva La Vida balanced humor and heart as it explored themes of love, family, and what really matters in life.
The film’s offbeat story and lovable characters made it stand out from typical romantic comedies. Audiences were touched by its message about the power of human connection and finding unexpected joy in difficult circumstances.
9. Hovering Blade
This intense revenge thriller about a father seeking justice for his murdered daughter was praised for its gripping story and powerful acting. Hovering Blade didn’t shy away from dark subject matter, delivering a provocative look at crime and punishment.
The movie sparked discussions about the legal system and drew both praise and controversy for its unflinching approach. Viewers were captivated by the lead actor’s emotional performance as a grieving father pushed to extremes.
10. Boonie Bears: Time Twist
The latest entry in the popular Boonie Bears animated franchise delighted families with its time-travel adventure story. Boonie Bears: Time Twist saw the lovable bear characters journeying to different historical eras, learning valuable lessons along the way.
With its colorful animation, silly humor, and positive messages, the movie was a hit with kids and parents alike. It showed that homegrown Chinese animation could rival major international studios in terms of quality and entertainment value.
Conclusion
Looking back at the 10 most-watched Chinese movies of 2024, it’s clear that Chinese cinema is thriving. These films showcased a wide range of genres, from heartwarming comedies to gripping thrillers and animated features. They entertained millions worldwide while also tackling important social issues.
The global success of these movies proves that Chinese cinema is gaining more recognition internationally. It’s exciting to see Chinese filmmakers excel in various storytelling styles and reach audiences both at home and abroad.
2024 set a high bar for Chinese films, and the future looks promising. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, we can expect even more diverse and captivating stories in the years to come. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Chinese movies, there’s never been a better time to explore this dynamic world of cinema.