New 'SpongeBob' movie set to delight over New Year's in China

The animated movie "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" is set to bring a dose of silliness, joy and carefree fun to young children and families on New Year's Day.

Patrick Star and SpongeBob at the movie's premiere in Beijing, Dec. 27, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Today Pictures]

Based on the "SpongeBob SquarePants" TV series, "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" is directed by Derek Drymon and features the original voice cast, including Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke, alongside guest stars like George Lopez and Mark Hamill. The plot follows SpongeBob on a quest to prove his bravery by adventuring with Patrick Star and the ghost pirate, the Flying Dutchman, through the underworld. 

The new movie is the fourth theatrical release based on the series. The Chinese dubbing enhances the fun as the translation sprinkles a variety of current Chinese memes, jokes and internet catchphrases into the dialogue.

The film's China premiere was held in Beijing on Dec. 27. At the end of the advance screening, giant illuminated balloons were tossed into the audience, which the parents and children in attendance then passed around the theater.

The balloon stunt previewed what audiences can expect on the final day of 2025, as Paramount Pictures announced it is partnering with movie theaters across China to prepare for New Year's Eve countdown screenings. Moviegoers can head to theaters to welcome the new year with SpongeBob SquarePants, and enjoy a fun, lighthearted time alongside the residents of Bikini Bottom.

A poster for "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants." [Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures]

Ahead of its opening in China, the film has already grossed more than $55 million worldwide as of Sunday, following its debut in North America and other global territories. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 83% of 48 critics' reviews are positive. The Critics Consensus reads: "A self-contained adventure with spiffy animation and a sweet message embedded in its goofy goober-ness, 'The Search for SquarePants' is one of SpongeBob's most delightful big-screen outings yet."

The last installment to receive a full theatrical opening in China, "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water," was released 10 years ago, grossing 56.7 million yuan ($8 million) in the country and $325 million worldwide in 2015.