China's Dragon Boat Festival Film Lineup Hits Nearly 20 Releases in Decade High

As China celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival from Friday to Sunday, Chinese cinemas are showcasing a diverse film lineup with nearly 20 releases—the highest number for the holiday period in a decade. The festival comes as China's annual 2026 box office revenue has already exceeded 16.5 billion yuan (approximately 2.42 billion U.S. dollars) as of Thursday, reflecting strong consumer demand for entertainment during holiday periods.

The holiday lineup spans multiple genres designed to appeal to different audiences. Leading the charge is "Dear You," one of this year's top-performing films, which has grossed nearly 1.8 billion yuan including presales and continues its theatrical run across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. Among new releases, the domestic sci-fi film "The Boy Who Counted Cars" explores philosophical themes by following a young protagonist who believes he is the only real person in a simulated world, embarking on a journey to uncover reality after meeting a quirky young woman.

Other notable releases include the action-thriller "Operation Black-Ops," which centers on a female counter-terrorism special operations unit racing against time to execute a rescue mission within 12 hours, showcasing the professionalism and resilience of its officers. The romantic crime film "Invictus" tells the story of a young man who finds hope in love but faces crisis as he and his partner confront hardship while standing up for justice.

The holiday also features family-friendly content, including "Toy Story 5," the latest installment in the beloved Hollywood animated franchise. Set against a digital-age backdrop, the film combines the series' trademark warmth and humor while exploring survival challenges faced by traditional toys amid technological change. Industry analysts expect the variety of genres to significantly boost holiday box office sales and cater to diverse audience preferences.