July marks the official arrival of summer, and with it, the highly anticipated international blockbuster season hits Chinese cinemas in full force.
This month is what movie buffs call “stacked”—from returning legends like Jurassic World and Superman to nostalgic favorites like The Smurfs and The Little Prince, it’s a true battle of the cinematic titans.
So whether you’re chasing thrills, reminiscing about childhood, or meeting your heroes all over again, July’s big-screen lineup is pure popcorn glory.
Jurassic World: Rebirth
July 2
Dinosaurs are back—again—but this time, they may be the key to saving humanity in Jurassic World: Rebirth, the fourth chapter in the mega-franchise and the first to take us beyond the old world into a new, uncertain future.
Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion, this installment follows a specialized mission team led by Zora Bennett, played by Scarlett Johansson, as they return to a mysterious island teeming with once-extinct predators and hidden medical secrets locked inside ancient DNA.
Photo by Universal Pictures and Amblin En - © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved
The story dives into a post-dinosaur-crisis world where humans are back in control, but the dwindling dino population holds the cure to a global illness, pushing science and survival into an explosive moral showdown.
Photo by Universal Pictures and Amblin En - © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved
With lush environments, edge-of-your-seat sequences, and a bold new heroine navigating deadly terrain, Rebirth aims to evolve the franchise into something both thrilling and terrifyingly relevant.
Superman
July 11
It’s reboot time—again—as Superman launches the brand-new DC Universe with a modern origin story that trades capes and clichés for introspection, dilemmas, and yes, one epic return to the skies.
Directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) and starring David Corenswet as a fresh-faced Clark Kent, the film strips away the alien invincibility to focus on the struggle of a young man raised with human values, trying to balance superpowers with the weight of purpose.
Iconic moments are lovingly reimagined, from the guitar-laced theme to Lois Lane’s airborne kiss, while Lex Luthor returns bald and brilliant, pulling the strings behind Superman’s inner battle.
This is not just another cape story; it’s a hopeful, heartfelt redefinition of the Man of Steel for a new generation, and all eyes are on whether Corenswet can join the ranks of legendary Supermen before him.
Le Petit Prince
July 18
Marking its 10th anniversary, The Little Prince returns to Chinese cinemas for a re-release that reminds us all that “what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Originally pulled from release just days before its US debut in 2015, the stop-motion-meets-CGI adaptation stunned global audiences with its poetic charm, and it was China that embraced it most, giving it an 8.4 Douban score and making it a cult favorite.
This edition comes with a Chinese-dubbed track featuring well-known local stars, and will mainly screen in dubbed format, so those hoping to hear the original French-English audio should check ticket details carefully (see link at the end of this post).
Whether it’s your first journey to asteroid B-612 or your return to a story that made you weep quietly in the dark, this re-release is a gift for dreamers—young and grown-up alike.
The Smurfs Movie
July 18
Smurfette leads the charge in The Smurfs Movie, a magical reboot that yanks the tiny blue tribe out of their mushroom village and drops them into the real world for an all-new rescue mission.
When the evil wizard brothers Gargamel and Lagamel invade Smurf Village and kidnap Papa Smurf, Smurfette rallies her crew and a few human allies to cross dimensions and save their leader before magic runs out.
With Rihanna not only voicing Smurfette but also producing the film and dropping a brand-new song—'Friend of Mine'—for the soundtrack, this is no ordinary reboot; it’s glittery, high-energy, and infused with the star power of a global music icon.
Kaptein Sabeltann og Grevinnen av Gral
July 19
Norway’s favorite pirate sails into China in Kaptein Sabeltann og Grevinnen av Gral, the sequel to the beloved Captain Sabertooth animated adventure.
This time, the fearless pirate and his mischievous crew face mysterious forces and cursed treasures as they encounter the mysterious Countess of Gral—a foe, ally, or something in between.
With sweeping Nordic visuals, quirky characters, and that distinctly Scandinavian sense of humor, this is a seaworthy escape for families looking for something beyond the usual animated fare.
If you’ve never seen a Viking-infused pirate saga before, this might be your perfect summer surprise.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
July 25
Marvel’s most anticipated reboot of the year, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, introduces a fresh version of the original super-team with a retro-futuristic aesthetic and a bold new cinematic direction.
Photo by Marvel Studios/MARVEL STUDIOS - © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL
Set to kick off Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this film brings together Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm with sleek new costumes, vintage stylings, and a sci-fi tone that feels closer to 2001: A Space Odyssey than Avengers: Endgame.
Photo by Marvel Studios/MARVEL STUDIOS - © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL
With its alternate-reality energy and playful visual style, First Steps doesn’t just introduce Marvel’s first family, it rewires the entire MCU vibe ahead of Avengers 5.
The Gold Rush
July 25
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush is returning to theaters in glorious 4K, inviting audiences to rediscover one of cinema’s most iconic silent films.
From the legendary dinner-roll dance to the heartbreaking shoe feast in a snowed-in cabin, Chaplin’s 1925 masterpiece is a timeless blend of slapstick, loneliness, and poetic storytelling.
As part of a global tribute screening series, over 70 countries, including China, will host special commemorative screenings throughout the summer.
Whether you first saw it in film class or on a fuzzy Youtube upload, this is your chance to meet the Tramp face to face, on the big screen, exactly where he belongs.
Important Reminder
Non-English films will be screened in their original languages (some dubbed) with Chinese subtitles only—be sure to check the language version before booking your tickets.
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[Cover image by That's]
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