Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ Claims Chinese Box Office Crown as Market Prepares for Golden Week

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame Encore” made a powerful statement at the mainland China box office during the September 25–27 weekend, capturing the number one spot with a robust RMB83.8 million, equivalent to $12.5 million, according to data from industry tracker Artisan Gateway. The re-release and celebratory screening format injected a fresh wave of nostalgia and enthusiasm into Chinese cinemas, reminding audiences of the monumental scale of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s past triumphs. With this latest weekend haul factored in, the epic superhero blockbuster’s cumulative lifetime gross in the lucrative Chinese market has climbed to an impressive $647.8 million, cementing its legacy as one of the most successful foreign theatrical releases in the region’s history.

The weekend victory for the Marvel juggernaut disrupted the sustained dominance of Dirty Monkeys’ war comedy-drama “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East,” which finally slipped to second place after an extraordinarily lengthy and lucrative run at the top of the box office charts. Directed by Wen Muye, whose previous work includes the acclaimed hit “Dying to Survive,” the late-summer phenomenon collected $7.6 million in its seventh weekend of release.

Featuring a prominent cast led by Shen Teng, Jiang Qiming, Aarif Rahman, and Omar Sherif, the film has captured the hearts of moviegoers with its unique blend of humor, warmth, and high-stakes drama against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil. The narrative centers on a resourceful Chinese chef operating in a fictional Middle Eastern city who makes the courageous decision to transform his restaurant into a safe haven and sanctuary for local orphans and civilians caught in the crossfire of regional armed conflict. Supported by strong word-of-mouth and enduring audience appeal, the film’s total cumulative earnings have now risen to $341.2 million since it first rolled out on August 11, marking it as one of the standout domestic cinematic achievements of the season.

Holding steadfast in the third position was Pearl Studio’s animated fantasy comedy “All Wishes Come True!,” which continued to draw family audiences in its eleventh weekend in theaters, generating a respectable $4.6 million. Directed by Mu Zhengyang, the vibrant animated feature has displayed remarkable box office stamina since its launch on July 18, steadily climbing to a substantial cumulative total of $296 million. The film’s longevity at the box office underscores the enduring appetite for high-quality domestic animation in China, particularly titles that resonate across multiple demographics during the summer and early autumn viewing windows.

Meanwhile, the weekend also saw fresh blood entering the competitive theatrical landscape with the debut of Riverrun Grace Film’s crime comedy “The Old Fox,” which captured the fourth spot by pulling in $3.6 million. Directed by Li Taige, the film benefits from a formidable cast anchored by veteran actor Yu Qian, who stars as a retiring police officer stumbling upon suspicious anomalies during what initially appears to be a routine theft investigation. As his meticulous inquiry deepens, the trail leads him directly to a ruthless corporate chairman portrayed with seasoned gravitas by veteran screen icon Tony Leung Ka-fai. The resulting clash sets up a tense, high-stakes battle of wits between two formidable operators, drawing praise for its sharp scripting and stellar lead performances.

Rounding out the top five, Pearl River Film Group’s gritty crime thriller “V” added $2.8 million in its sixth frame to lift its overall cumulative gross to $96 million. Directed by Han Yan, known for “Love Never Ends,” the film features a high-profile ensemble cast led by Tony Leung Ka-fai, Zhu Yilong, Tan Jianci, and Kara Wai. The narrative follows an ambitious man navigating a treacherous path toward rapid political and financial ascent, only to find himself pursued by the lingering, dangerous consequences of his past actions that continually threaten to dismantle his hard-won success.

Overall, mainland China’s collective weekend grosses reached $39.9 million, reflecting a customary quiet corridor as the industry and audiences alike paused in anticipation of the impending and highly lucrative Golden Week holiday period. Looking at the broader macroeconomic picture for the theatrical sector, the 2026 year-to-date box office stands at $4.34 billion, representing a 29.4% decrease compared to the figures recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. Industry analysts continue to monitor upcoming holiday releases to gauge how the market will recover as the fourth quarter approaches.