Eight Films to Be Released Simultaneously to Mark the Year of the Horse

Kathmandu, February 17: A grand gift is prepared for movie lovers this year on the occasion of the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). Eight big-budget films are set to be released simultaneously, coinciding with the nine-day public holiday starting tomorrow. Watching movies during festivals has become a modern tradition for Chinese families, and this year’s lineup is expected to provide audiences with an immense treasure trove of entertainment.

Although replicating the record set by last year’s ‘Ne Zha 2’ (the world’s fifth highest-grossing film) seems challenging, the diversity and quality of this year’s films are already generating significant discussion. Seven films will also be released in the IMAX format, catering to the growing demand for a high-quality cinematic experience. The IMAX box office broke records in 2025, and this trend is expected to continue this year. Five films have already announced international releases, which will help establish Chinese cinema as a global festive tradition.

This year’s films encompass genres including comedy, action, animation, sci-fi, historical wuxia, and spy thriller. At an event organized by the National Film Administration, the cast and directors of all the films promoted their respective movies. Presented below is a brief introduction to these 8 films:

1. ‘Pegasus 3’ (Feichi Rensheng 3)

‘Pegasus 3’ is the highly anticipated third installment of Han Han’s racing comedy franchise. This time, the story takes a new turn: following the ‘Bayinbrook Rally’, the race now moves to the ‘Muchang 100 Rally’, known as the ‘world’s toughest intercontinental competition’. Former champion Zhang Chi (Shen Teng) returns to the track to take on new challenges. The film features top Asian rally teams clashing on treacherous mountain roads. Joining Shen Teng, Yin Zheng, and Huang Jingyu are new cast members Sha Yi and Tuan Yihong. The previous installment grossed 3.4 billion yuan (approximately NPR 65 billion). Conceptualized around the ‘world’s highest-altitude rally’, the film will be even more thrilling in IMAX. It will also be released in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and the UK in late February.

2. ‘Silent Awakening’ (Jingjue Wusheng)

This film from China’s most acclaimed director, Zhang Yimou, is the first contemporary national security-themed film made under the guidance of the Ministry of State Security. The story follows a security team grappling with a situation of internal distrust after classified information is leaked. This is Zhang Yimou’s fourth consecutive Spring Festival release. Presented in IMAX, the film will offer a tense portrayal of psychological warfare. Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, Song Jia, Lei Jiayin, and Yang Mi star in lead roles. It will be released on February 17 in North America, the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia, alongside its China release.

3. ‘Blades of the Guardians’ (Biaoren: Fengqi Dangmo)

This film, bringing together four generations of martial arts stars (Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, Jet Li, Yu Shi, Max Zhang, Si Sha), is the only major wuxia (martial arts epic) film this Spring Festival. Directed by world-renowned martial arts choreographer Yuen Heping (Yuen Woo-ping), the film is set against the backdrop of the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). Based on a comic by Juanzi, the story follows a fugitive named ‘Daoma’ tasked with escorting the empire’s most wanted man through the desert to Chang’an. Shot in the Gobi Desert of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the actors performed their own stunts. The IMAX version will showcase the vastness of the desert and the realism of the action. It will be released on February 17 in China, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

4. ‘Panda Plan: The Magical Tribe’ (Xiongmao Jihua: Buluo Chuanqi Ji)

This is the sequel to Jackie Chan’s comedy-action film ‘Panda Plan’. CGI panda cub ‘Hu Hu’ and Jackie Chan arrive in an isolated tribe where pandas are revered as divine beings. When an ancient crisis emerges, Chan must contend with various factions of the tribe to protect Hu Hu. Directed by the renowned Derek Hui (Hui Kwok-wai), the film features comedian Ma Li in the role of a tribal chieftain. This film starring Jackie Chan (71), a long-time advocate for panda conservation, will be released in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

5. ‘Per Aspera Ad Astra’ (Wei Ni Ru Meng)

Set in 2058, this sci-fi adventure film revolves around the ‘Good Dreams’ virtual dream system on an interstellar spaceship. When the system malfunctions, the crew becomes trapped in their own dreams. Administrator ‘Biao Ge’ (Wang Hedi) and Captain ‘Xi Meng’ (Victoria Song) must awaken the technician and software engineer to uncover the truth. Directed by Han Yan, the film will explore a mysterious journey through dreams and reality. Targeting a younger audience, the film features stunning visuals and a game-like narrative style. While international release plans exist, dates have not yet been finalized.

6. ‘Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector’ (Xiong Chu Mo: Nian Nian You Xiong)

The ‘Boonie Bears’ franchise has become synonymous with family entertainment during the Spring Festival. This 12th installment completes a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac. This time, venturing into the fantasy genre, the film reimagines the legendary Chinese folk monster ‘Nian’: Nian is portrayed as twin sisters, secret guardians of humanity. The bear brothers and Vick acquire magical powers and enter a Chinese fantasy world. With the previous 11 installments grossing 8.5 billion yuan (approximately NPR 164 billion), the franchise remains equally popular with children and families.

7. ‘Night King’ (Ye Wang)

This Hong Kong-produced Cantonese comedy will be released in Hong Kong and Macau on February 17, and in Guangdong Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on February 20. It is the first Cantonese-language Spring Festival film in recent years. Set in 2012, the film depicts a ownership battle between ‘Foon’ (Daya Wong), the manager of a once-thriving nightclub, and his ex-wife ‘Vee’ (Sammi Cheng). This is the second film from director Jack Ng Wai-lun of ‘A Guilty Conscience’ fame. It will also be released in Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

These films, with their diverse genres and stories, are sure to add to the vibrancy of the Chinese New Year. The tradition of watching movies with family will help spread cultural messages and strengthen family bonds.