Abstract The goal of transforming China into a country with leading cinematic strength has long been proposed, yet the criteria for defining a country with leading cinematic strength have remained unclear. Drawing from the current global film industry structure and evaluation systems for strength in other fields, the evaluation system of global cinematic strength should encompass the two primary indicators of domestic and international influence, six secondary indicators, such as industry base and scale, and twenty tertiary indicators, such as the number of cinemas and screens and film production. Under this evaluation system, only the United States currently qualifies as a country with leading cinematic strength, while China and India show potential for development. China should enhance support for young filmmakers, increase overseas promotion, and position itself as a key target market for films from developing countries to facilitate its transformation from a major film country to a country with leading cinematic strength.