The latest release in the Star Wars franchise, which hit Chinese mainland theaters on Jan 9, has reaped a total of 794.8 million yuan by Jan 24.[Photo/IC]

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens," continued to rule the box office in the week ending Jan 24, earning 118.3 million yuan ($18 million), according to the official China Film News.

The latest release in the Star Wars franchise, which hit Chinese mainland theaters on Jan 9, has reaped a total of 794.8 million yuan by Jan 24.

Domestic animation "Boonie Bears III" was a respectable number two the same week, pulling in 86.5 million yuan after opening on Jan 16.

Third place went to "The Last Witch Hunter," an American action-fantasy, with 74.8 million yuan. It opened on Jan 15.

"Kung Fu Panda 3," the 3D animation, looks set to have a good run at the box office starting next week. The film made 105.7 million yuan on its debut day on Jan 29.

It is the third installment in the Kung Fu Panda f

ranchise, and features the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Jackie Chan.