Latest figures reveal that, despite the challenges posed by US strikes impacting the film slate, UK cinema admissions for 2024 ended higher than in 2023, marking a significant recovery in the year's final months.
UK cinema admissions for 2024 saw a 2.3% increase, reaching 126.5 million despite the impact of US strikes limiting the film slate early in the year.
The first half of 2024 performed well with hits like Dune: Part Two, but admissions truly surged in the summer thanks to blockbusters like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Despicable Me 4.
By November, the arrival of major titles (Paddington in Peru, Gladiator 2, Wicked, Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3) drove a remarkable recovery. November admissions were up 77% year-on-year, and December became the biggest cinema-going month of 2024 with over 15.6 million tickets sold—up 36% from 2023.
The UK’s modest annual growth outperformed the US and all major European markets.
Iain Jacob, Chair of Cinema First, highlighted cinema’s enduring appeal as a social experience and praised the industry’s investments in modern technology and comfort. He expressed optimism for 2025 with a stellar film lineup including Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and more.
2025 promises to be a blockbuster year for UK cinemas.
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