European cinemas delivered a largely stable financial performance in 2025 despite a noticeable decline in admissions, according to preliminary data released by the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC). Across 39 territories, total box office reached approximately €6.9 billion, representing a marginal 1% decrease year-on-year, even as admissions fell 5.3% to 863.6 million tickets sold.
The numbers suggest a market recalibration rather than contraction. While fewer tickets were sold, revenue resilience indicates stronger pricing dynamics, premium format uptake, and selective audience behavior favoring event titles. In short, European cinema attendance softened, but theatrical monetization held firm.
The divergence between admissions and revenue reflects structural changes in how audiences consume theatrical product. Premium large formats, dynamic pricing, and experience-driven cinema upgrades have helped offset footfall declines. UNIC notes that investment in infrastructure and auditorium modernization continued across major and independent circuits throughout 2025, reinforcing cinema’s value proposition beyond volume alone.
Performance across territories was uneven. Germany posted a 6.4% increase in box office revenue, reaching €924 million, with admissions up 2.1%. Local films accounted for 27.4% of total admissions — their highest share since 2022 — underscoring the continued importance of strong domestic content. Austria recorded an 11% revenue increase, while Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the UK also saw gains.
By contrast, France experienced a 13.6% drop in admissions to 156.8 million tickets, though local films still commanded a substantial 37.7% market share. Spain recorded an 11% admissions decline, particularly affected by a weaker second half of the year. Sweden’s admissions slipped from 10.3 million to 9.8 million, with a sharp fall in domestic film share attributed largely to a thinner local release slate.
The data reveal a clear pattern: markets with strong local hits outperformed those reliant on inconsistent slates. Denmark achieved a record 37% national market share for local films, while Norway reported 28.8%. Italy’s local films captured 32.7% of the box office — the country’s highest share since 2016 — helping it reach €496.6 million in revenue.
Hollywood tentpoles, meanwhile, continued to anchor performance across the continent. Titles such as Zootopia 2, Avatar: Fire and Ash, A Minecraft Movie, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Wicked: For Good ranked among the most-watched films across EMEA territories. Major studio releases remain central to revenue stability, particularly during peak corridors.
Interestingly, UNIC’s data suggest that the issue in 2025 was less about demand erosion and more about release rhythm. Several markets cited uneven scheduling and gaps in strong local content as contributors to volatility. Where compelling domestic or franchise films were present, admissions responded positively.
National Cinema Days and promotional initiatives also played a measurable role. Germany’s Kinofest sold 1.65 million tickets in just two days — the most-attended cinema weekend of the decade. Similar campaigns in the Netherlands and Sweden boosted short-term occupancy and market share for domestic titles.
Looking forward, the outlook appears more optimistic. January 2026 delivered $1.15 billion in EMEA box office — a 25% year-on-year increase and the second-strongest January since 2019. France posted admissions growth of 16.6%, Italy 18.6%, and Germany 27.3% in the first month of the year, signaling renewed momentum.
Gower Street Analytics projects the 2026 global box office to reach $35 billion, with EMEA expected to rise 7% to approximately $10.05 billion. The upcoming slate includes major franchise entries such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Dune Part Three, Avengers: Doomsday, Minions 3, and Scream 7, alongside high-profile European productions.
UNIC CEO Laura Houlgatte framed 2025 as an encouraging year overall, emphasizing that strong films and continued investment remain the key drivers of theatrical success. The 5.3% admissions decline, when contextualized against revenue stability and infrastructure upgrades, reflects an industry adjusting to a new equilibrium rather than sliding backward.
European cinema in 2025 did not surge — but it held its ground. And in a marketplace defined by volatility, that steadiness may be the most meaningful metric of all.
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