BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A diverse lineup of films is hitting screens on the Chinese mainland as the Dragon Boat Festival holiday gets underway. Audiences can dive into sci-fi adventures, heartfelt romances, animated delights, and high-energy action, making this festival a true celebration for movie lovers.

The holiday film market opens as China's annual box office revenue for 2026 exceeded 16.5 billion yuan (about 2.42 billion U.S. dollars) as of Thursday, according to industry data.

Nearly 20 films are set to hit screens over the three-day holiday period, the highest number for the same period in the past decade. The variety of genres is expected to cater to different age groups and boost holiday box office sales.

"Dear You," one of this year's top-performing films with nearly 1.8 billion yuan in gross revenue including presales, remains in theaters on the Chinese mainland. The film was released on Thursday in China's Hong Kong and Macao, as well as Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei.

Among the holiday releases is the domestic sci-fi film "The Boy Who Counted Cars," which explores a world where the virtual and real intertwine. The film follows a young man who believes he is the only real person in a simulated world and embarks on a journey to uncover reality after meeting a quirky young woman.

Action-thriller "Operation Black-Ops," centering on a female counter-terrorism special operations unit, follows the team's race against time to carry out a rescue mission within 12 hours, showcasing the courage, professionalism and resilience of its officers.

Romantic crime film "Invictus" follows a young man who finds hope in love but is soon plunged into crisis, as he and his partner confront hardship and stand up for their sense of justice.

The holiday lineup also includes the Hollywood animated film "Toy Story 5," the latest installment in the beloved franchise. Set against a digital-age backdrop, the film continues the series' trademark warmth and humor while highlighting the survival challenges faced by traditional toys amid technological change.

This year, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on Friday, and the holiday runs from Friday to Sunday. ■