Hollywood has stormed back to dominance at the Asian box office, as 20th Century Studios’ Predator: Badlands claimed the top spot in both China and South Korea. The film’s commanding global debut positions it as the world’s No. 1 movie, according to Comscore, showcasing renewed international enthusiasm for blockbuster sci-fi franchises.

In China, Predator: Badlands earned an impressive RMB52.5 million ($7.4 million) during the November 3–9 weekend, as reported by Artisan Gateway. The film’s strong global total of $80 million underscores its broad appeal and commercial momentum. China’s weekend box office totaled $21.7 million, maintaining parity with the previous week, while its 2025 cumulative earnings of $6.32 billion mark a 15.3% year-on-year increase, reflecting steady recovery in cinema attendance.

Following in second place was PMF Pictures’ heartfelt comedy-drama Row to Win, earning $2.2 million and reaching $60.6 million cumulatively. Directed by Ma Lin and starring Huang Bo, Fan Chengcheng, and Yin Tao, the film tells a story of family resilience and redemption in a coastal town. Meanwhile, thriller Her Turn dropped to third, adding $2.1 million for an $8.9 million total. Starring Li Gengxi and Huang Xiaoming, the film’s tense revenge plot continues to intrigue local audiences.

New releases also found success in China. Cai Shangjun’s The Sun Rises On Us All opened fourth with $1.8 million, starring Venice-winning actress Xin Zhilei and Zhang Songwen as estranged lovers confronting their emotional scars. Following closely, Yang Yuyu’s Penguin Girl debuted fifth with $1.6 million, captivating viewers with its surreal story of obsession and self-discovery set against the icy dreams of Antarctica.

Across the East Sea, Predator: Badlands also reigned supreme in South Korea, topping the box office with $1.1 million from 160,000 admissions across 953 screens and capturing a 25.4% market share, according to KOBIS. Despite the Hollywood win, the Korean box office recorded $3.8 million in total weekend revenue, a downturn from the prior week’s $4.5 million, signaling ongoing sluggishness in local attendance.

Second place went to road-trip comedy The First Ride, earning $800,000 for a $3.6 million total. Directed by Nam Dae-joong, the film follows a group of childhood friends on a chaotic overseas adventure. Japanese anime Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc ranked third, adding $825,000 to hit $21.6 million total, a testament to the enduring popularity of manga adaptations.

Rounding out the top five were The Exit 8, a cerebral thriller about perception and survival, and Bugonia, a new Japanese entry earning $154,000. Other noteworthy titles include Tim Burton’s Coraline reissue and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, both showing strong legs at the Korean box office.

The global success of Predator: Badlands underscores Hollywood’s resurgent influence in Asian markets even as local film industries experience contrasting fortunes. With China surging ahead and South Korea still seeking consistent recovery, the balance of box office power across the region remains as dynamic as ever.