A comedic drama has captured China’s box office crown, soaring past its competitors during the October 17–19 weekend. “Row to Win” continues to draw audiences since its late-September opening, reflecting the ongoing strength of locally produced films.
China Box Office: ‘Row to Win’ Rises to No. 1 as ‘Tron: Ares’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ Open

Key Takeaways:
- “Row to Win” claimed the top spot at the China box office for Oct. 17–19
- It earned RMB30.8 million (about $4.3 million) over that weekend alone
- The film’s total gross reached $44.6 million since opening on Sept. 30
- Ma Lin directed the comedy-drama, featuring Huang Bo, Fan Chengcheng, Yin Tao, and Li
- “Tron: Ares” and “One Battle After Another” also opened, signaling new competition
Top Box Office Spot
China’s moviegoers helped “Row to Win” surge to the top spot between October 17 and 19, according to consultancy Artisan Gateway. Over that weekend alone, the film brought in RMB30.8 million (about $4.3 million), edging out other contenders in a crowded market.
Impressive Earnings
Since its release on September 30, “Row to Win” has accumulated a total of $44.6 million at the Chinese box office. This steady upward trajectory underscores the audience’s ongoing enthusiasm and solidifies the film’s position as a major draw for theaters nationwide.
The Creative Team
The movie’s success can be partly attributed to its star power and fresh comedic tone. Directed by Ma Lin, the comedy-drama assembles a cast that includes Huang Bo, Fan Chengcheng, Yin Tao, and Li. This ensemble has resonated with a wide range of viewers, giving “Row to Win” momentum that has carried through multiple weekends.
Other New Releases
While “Row to Win” maintains its lead, other films such as “Tron: Ares” and “One Battle After Another” also opened during the same window. Their box office results remain forthcoming, but these releases underscore the dynamic nature of China’s evolving film industry and hint at possible shake-ups in the weeks ahead.