The big winner
If you were checking out the box office numbers in China over the Oct. 2–4 weekend, it was all about Traces of Justice. This crime procedural, which people are already calling the "Sherlock of China," absolutely ate, pulling in $31.2 million over the three-day frame. Directed by Chen Sicheng, the movie spans decades and follows a legendary detective and his squad as they navigate the evolving world of public security forces. With a star-studded cast including Zhang Yi, Karry Wang, and Fan Chengcheng, it’s officially racked up $41.8 million since its Oct. 1 release.
The rest of the top five
It wasn't just crime dramas making moves. Mr. & Mrs. Pardon grabbed the second spot, pulling in $17.3 million. It’s a total vibe shift—a body-swap comedy about a middle-aged married couple facing a serious marital crisis.
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East is still thriving in its eighth weekend, sitting at number three with a massive $349.9 million total haul since August. If you haven't seen it yet, it’s about a Chinese chef turning his restaurant into a sanctuary during a conflict. Rounding out the leaderboard, the animated fantasy All Wishes Come True! hit a major milestone, crossing the $302 million mark, and the gritty revenge thriller Go for Broke 2 snagged fifth place with a $4.2 million opening.
Why it matters
The National Day holiday is seriously boosting theater turnout, with the total weekend box office hitting $74.1 million. While that’s a win for the holiday corridor, the year-to-date numbers are still lagging, currently down about 29.7% compared to this time last year. Still, the plot thickens for the rest of the quarter as these hits keep drawing crowds.
