Resident Evil Reboot Breaks Records with Historic Opening in China

The latest installment of the Resident Evil franchise has made a remarkable debut in China, achieving the highest opening day in the series' history. Directed by Zach Cregger, this horror reboot not only marks a significant milestone in one of the world's most competitive markets but also sets the stage for a strong global performance. With impressive ticket sales and a growing international presence, the film is on track to become a major success, nearing a total of $250 million worldwide. Discover how this reboot is reshaping the horror genre and its impact on the franchise's future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 6, 2026, 13:33 IST

Record-Breaking Opening Day for Resident Evil

The newest chapter in the Resident Evil series has made waves in the Chinese box office, achieving the franchise's highest opening day ever. Directed by Zach Cregger, this horror reboot has made a significant entrance into cinemas, marking a successful growth for the long-standing series in one of the most challenging markets globally.

Officially debuting on a Monday, the film raked in $12.2 million from 114,000 screenings, aided by $813,000 from preview showings on Sunday. Its release coincided with the fifth day of China's week-long Golden Week holiday, a time known for increased movie attendance. According to industry reports, the film saw a remarkable amount of walk-up ticket sales, with around 74% of tickets sold on the day of the showings, compared to 26.2% from pre-sales.

Global Success and Future Prospects

Strong Global Trajectory and Market Impact

In addition to its impressive debut in China, the film has emerged as a standout in the horror genre, achieving the largest opening day for any Hollywood horror film in the region. The positive trend is expected to persist, with $1.2 million in pre-sales already noted for the upcoming Tuesday and an increase to 116,000 screenings.

The reboot's success in China plays a crucial role in its overall global strategy. Released on September 18, the film has already garnered $125 million in North America after its third weekend. With the latest figures from China, the film is nearing a total of $250 million in worldwide box office earnings. As it continues its theatrical run, it is currently among the top three films in the franchise, with forecasts indicating it may soon take the lead globally.