Universal’s biographical drama “Michael” debuted at No. 1 at the Chinese box office during the weekend of April 24-26, earning RMB 32.6 million (approximately JPY 480 million), according to data from Artisan Gateway.
With $217.3 million, “Michael” is also the No. 1 film in the world, according to ComScore.
Local drama “It’s OK” rose to second place in its fourth weekend, adding $1.7 million for a total of $26.8 million. Produced by China Film and directed by Yang Lina, the film stars Wen Qi and Qing Hailu and revolves around a young woman whose life is upended by the sudden arrival of her mother, who is preparing for emergency treatment.
Horror-thriller film The Cagged Butterfly followed in third place with $1.5 million for a total of $13.1 million. Produced by Ultra Comedy, directed by Hao Han, and starring Li Meng, Liu Siwei, and Jiang Zhuojun. The story is set in the infamous Butterfly House villa. The story is about a physical therapist and a greedy schemer who move into a haunted mansion, only to find themselves haunted by strange happenings and a life-and-death game involving a woman in a red dress and a distorted, eyeless boy.
Columbia Pictures’ sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary maintained its presence in the top five in its sixth weekend, earning $1.3 million in fourth place for a total of $39.1 million.
Rounding out the top five is Universal’s “Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which earned $1.2 million for a total of $18.7 million.
The weekend overall remained very quiet as the market awaited the upcoming May Day holiday, with a total box office total of just $16 million.
Year-to-date sales in mainland China in 2026 were $1.89 billion, down 49.6% compared to the same period in 2025.
