Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire had the best start among Western films in 2024

Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire earned $44.6 million at launch in China, topping all Hollywood releases in the country in 2024 according to Variety.

In its first weekend of release, the film took nearly 70 percent of total box office receipts in China, ahead of "Kung Fu Panda 4," which earned $7.5 million. Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire not only exceeded analysts' expectations, but also became the third-biggest start of the year.

Among Hollywood films released in China since the pandemic began, A New Empire ranked fourth in terms of start-up earnings, behind Avatar 2, which grossed $52 million at the start. China is currently the biggest overseas market for Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire, with the movie starting at $80 million in the U.S.