Editor's note: The Chinese film market in 2024 saw a wide range of high-quality films, with many notable releases featuring female leads, and highlighting the rise of female creators and the resilience of Chinese women. Audiences gravitated toward novelty and comedy to bring some relief to their lives, while also seeking realistic films that offered relatability and emotional resonance.

By Dec. 31, China's annual box office gross for 2024 had reached an impressive 42.5 billion yuan ($5.82 billion), led by Jia Ling's inspirational comedy "YOLO," which topped the chart with 3.46 billion yuan, according to Maoyan, China's major ticketing and box office tracking platform. Among the top 10 grossing films, eight were Chinese productions, continuing the dominance of domestic cinema. Unlike the previous year, when no foreign films made it into the top 10, there was a resurgence in 2024, with the Hollywood blockbuster "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" securing ninth place (956 million yuan) and Japanese animated feature "The Boy and the Heron" finishing in the tenth spot (791 million yuan).

Surprise successes also emerged, such as the Hollywood sci-fi horror film "Alien: Romulus" and Taiwanese crime action film "The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon." These films were unexpected hits at the box office, captivating audiences with innovative storytelling and graphic imagery rarely seen on the Chinese mainland.

Here, we present the 10 Chinese films from 2024 that stand out for their artistic merit, entertainment value, audience reception, industry significance, social influence and box office success.

10. "YOLO"

Two posters for "YOLO." [Image courtesy of New Classics Media] 

"YOLO," directed by and starring Jia Ling, is an inspiring sports film that blends humor with serious themes, following a woman who transforms her life through boxing. A remake of the 2014 Japanese film "100 Yen Love," it explores both her physical and emotional journey. Jia Ling, who lost an astounding 50 kilograms for the role, shows how the protagonist overcomes isolation and low self-esteem to regain her confidence, while the boxing scenes serve as a metaphor for emotional growth. 

Praised for its balance of entertainment and depth, "YOLO" sparked national interest in boxing, fitness and female empowerment. As the highest-grossing film of the year in China, it earned widespread acclaim for its portrayal of personal transformation.