Editor's note: The Chinese film market regained momentum in 2023 after being impacted by COVID-19 for three years. A variety of high-quality films were released. Some sparked heated and enduring social discussions.

Additionally, several highly anticipated films, which had been delayed for years due to various reasons, finally made their way to theaters. In 2023, audiences gravitated toward realistic films that were relatable or resonated with their lives while also seeking novelty, twists, and puzzles. They supported epic productions that were in desperate need of their box office support, bolstering hope for China's film industry to inch closer to the center of the world stage. 

It is worth noting that during the extended summer period, word-of-mouth played a significant role, helping some underdog films, initially overlooked by market analysts, to achieve unexpected box office triumphs. By Dec. 31, 2023, China's annual box office gross had reached 54.91 billion yuan ($7.75 billion), a new high since the pandemic.

However, concerns remain. A content shortage crisis looms due to fewer films in stock and in production. Moreover, film seasons remain unevenly distributed. Popular periods like the summer vacation and Spring Festival saw high profitability, but the market often remained tepid on normal days, lacking compelling content. Furthermore, 2023 saw foreign films, including once-popular franchises, lose traction in the Chinese market. No Hollywood blockbusters made China's top 10 box office chart, indicating a shift in audience interest.

China.org.cn looks back at the 10 Chinese films that will be remembered from 2023, selected for their box office performance, critical acclaim, audience reception, industry significance, and social influence.

10. 'No More Bets'

A poster for "No More Bets." [Image courtesy of Super Lion]

Directed by Shen Ao and starring superstar Lay Zhang, "No More Bets" explores the highly debated and socially relevant topic of telecom fraud. It generated huge interest and sparked considerable discussion, grossing a phenomenal 3.85 billion yuan. The film follows a Chinese programmer (played by Zhang) and a model (Jin Chen) who become ensnared by a ruthless gang in Southeast Asia. They are forced into participating in online gambling fraud that devastates families in China. For authenticity, the director conducted extensive research, studying over 10,000 cases and interviewing victims and police officers, offering a stark warning to society.

The film marks a pivotal moment for the Chinese film industry and the country. Soon after its release, there was an increase in the number of solved cross-border telecom fraud cases. Since September, a joint China-Myanmar operation targeting criminal organizations involved in telecom scams has led to the extradition of over 31,000 suspects to China, including 63 alleged leaders, organizers, and key members.