Boosted by a record-breaking revenue of more than 8 billion yuan during the Spring Festival holiday, which ran from February 10 to 17, China鈥檚 box-office earnings have surpassed the impressive milestone of 10 billion yuan (US$1.4 billion) this month.

Jia Ling, the comedian who made waves three years ago with her self-written, self-directed and self-starring comedy 鈥淗i, Mom,鈥� has returned with yet another comedic triumph, 鈥淵OLO.鈥�

This holiday season, 鈥淵OLO鈥� has emerged as the reigning champion at the box office, raking in a staggering 3.16 billion yuan, accounting for 31 percent of the total monthly box office revenue thus far.

Chen Xuguang, director of Peking University鈥檚 Institute of Film, Television and Theater, has emphasized the profound connection between the uplifting life story of the protagonist and Jia鈥檚 own personal journey of weight loss. This connection weaves a powerful modern-day allegory that resonates with audiences.

鈥淭he movie serves as an inspiring guide, balancing humor and tears, and has enjoyed both commercial success and critical acclaim, despite some controversies,鈥� Chen said.

According to film platform Maoyan, 鈥淵OLO鈥� is projected to wrap up its theatrical run with a total revenue of 3.55 billion yuan.

Securing the second spot on the monthly box-office chart is 鈥淧egasus 2,鈥� the highly anticipated sequel to writer-director Han Han鈥檚 2019 blockbuster racing film. 鈥淧egasus 2鈥� has earned an impressive 2.88 billion yuan.

Zhang Yimou鈥檚 comedy film, 鈥淎rticle 20,鈥� has claimed the third spot with box-office receipts of 1.85 billion yuan.

Drawing inspiration from Article 20 of China鈥檚 Criminal Law, and delving into the intricate and sometimes contentious legal concept of justifiable self-defense, the film has sparked fervent online debates and garnered praise from critics.

Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association, hailed the work as a testament to the filmmakers鈥� social responsibility and commitment, which utilizes the power of cinema to advance progress in law and society.

The long-running animated film series 鈥淏oonie Bears,鈥� which has consistently released new movies since its theatrical debut in 2014, secured a respectable fourth position on the chart with its latest installment, 鈥淏oonie Bears: Time Twist,鈥� grossing an impressive 1.71 billion yuan.

Industry analysts credit the success of these four films, all released during the holiday season, to their 鈥渇amily-friendly鈥� nature, perfectly aligning with the cultural atmosphere and consumer psychology surrounding Chinese New Year celebrations. This positioning has made them an indispensable choice for moviegoers during the festive season.

The robust performance of the film market this month has also boosted industry insiders鈥� confidence in Chinese cinema in 2024, when an array of highly anticipated productions in diverse genres will be released.

In March, movie buffs will also be offered a few blockbuster movies. Here are some of the most anticipated films that will hit cinemas across China next month.

鈥楳adame Web鈥�

Release date: March 1

Starring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, the sci-fi action film is based on the Marvel Comics character. It is a story about New York paramedic Cassandra Webb, who demonstrates signs of clairvoyance. In the film, she needs to protect three young women from a deadly adversary with the power of viewing the future.

The superhero film also has an IMAX version. In the Marvel Comics, Madame Web is a mysterious heroine who offers guidance to Spider-Man.

鈥楾he Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon鈥�

Release date: March 1

Based on real cases, the action-packed suspense crime film is about how a wanted criminal Chen Guilin eliminates the top two on the wanted list and makes a name for himself.

Written and directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Ching-po, the film stars Ethan Juan and features many action and chase scenes to depict the criminal鈥檚 road to self-redemption.

鈥楾he Killing Performance鈥�

Release date: March 2

This suspense comedy film tells the story of the mysterious death of a famous Peking Opera actress. An unreliable private detective and eight suspects in the murder are kidnapped in a theater to learn the truth within only four hours.

The plot is shrouded in mystery as each person has a hidden motive for the murder. The film also incorporates comedic and bizarre elements into the plot.

鈥楧une: Part Two鈥�

Release date: March 8

Based on Frank Herbert鈥檚 futuristic sci-fi novel where humans live on many different planets, the adventure epic film centers on Paul Atreides鈥� hunger for revenge against the clan who destroyed his family, and his partnership with Chani and the Fremen to take back their land.

The first part of 鈥淒une鈥� was a critical and financial success in 2021, earning more than US$400 million worldwide. Starring Timoth茅e Chalamet and Zendaya, the sequel also has an IMAX version to present stunning visuals of its gripping scenes.

鈥楻emember Me鈥�

Release date: March 15

Starring Kara Wai and Liu Haocun, this drama revolves around the reunion of a kind-hearted woman and her granddaughter who accidentally got lost 12 years earlier. The two go from being strangers to cuddling each other. During their time together, their secrets are gradually revealed. In the end, the grandmother saves the granddaughter, who had no hope for life.

鈥楰ung Fu Panda 4鈥�

Release date: March 22

The animated feature film is the latest installment of the 鈥淜ung Fu Panda鈥� franchise. The film follows Po鈥檚 adventure in a big city in ancient China to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, after he becomes the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. However, a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has to defeat.

Directed by Mike Mitchell, the film is a story about courage, friendship and growth as Po will face unprecedented difficulties and tests. The film also incorporates many Chinese elements, from clothing, architecture to food, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese culture.

鈥楪odzilla 脳 Kong: The New Empire鈥�

Release date: March 29

The sci-fi adventure film revolves around the epic battle and final cooperation of the two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, after humans uncover their intertwined origins and connection to Skull Island鈥檚 mysteries.

A sequel to the 2021 film 鈥淕odzilla vs. Kong,鈥� the film also presents an IMAX version to depict the gigantic creatures, their origins and the mysteries of Skull Island on the screen.

鈥楢natomy of a Fall鈥�

Release date: March 29

The French courtroom drama is the 2023 winner of the Palme d鈥橭r at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, which explores the hidden pain in marital relationships, has also garnered five nominations for the 2024 Academy Awards.

The film, written and directed by Justine Triet, tells the story of a woman in a small village who is suspected of murder after her husband鈥檚 death. During the investigation, the couple鈥檚 life and relationship are put on trial and their son becomes the main witness.