It's Been a Minute If American films are meh...are China’s better?
Oct 6, 2025
Shirley Li, a culture staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the shifting landscape of global cinema. She discusses how Hollywood struggles post-2020 while China's vibrant film industry thrives, notably with the blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2'. Shirley reveals changing audience appetites, the impact of streaming, and how franchises from other cultures are rising to challenge Hollywood. With insights on why American films may resonate less internationally, she explores what tools Hollywood might use to adapt to this new competition.
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Pandemic Shift Rewrote Moviegoing Habits
- The pandemic and streaming shifted viewing habits and shrank theatrical windows significantly.
- Shirley Li says these habit changes explain much of the post-2020 box office decline.
China's Box Office Is Less Predictable
- China used to reliably boost Hollywood grosses but that payoff has declined over time.
- Shirley Li notes recent franchise installments earned far less in China than earlier entries.
Nezha 2's Lunar New Year Triumph
- Nezha 2 released over Lunar New Year and became the highest grossing animated film ever.
- Shirley Li attributes its appeal to folklore-based storytelling and broad emotional themes.