China’s 2025 summer movie season has generated more than CNY10 billion (about USD1.4 billion) in ticket sales as of the afternoon of Aug. 18, according to data from online platform Maoyan corroborated by state media. The tally, which includes presales, marks a new benchmark for the world’s second-largest film market midway through the peak holiday period. Domestic productions continue to dominate. “Dead to Rights,” a historical drama depicting the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, has led the charts since its July 25 release, grossing in excess of CNY2.5 billion and capturing almost 26 percent of total summer receipts. Animated feature “Nobody” and the drama “The Lychee Road” round out the top three, while rescue thriller “Dongji Rescue” follows closely behind. Box-office momentum remains strong in August, which has already delivered CNY4 billion (USD557 million) in sales. Industry analysts are watching to see whether the market can maintain the pace into September as additional domestic titles and a handful of imported films reach theaters.