UK cinema admissions for 2024 demonstrated a strong recovery despite the challenges posed by US strikes affecting the film slate. According to the Cinema Advertising Association, the final admissions figure passed 126,5M, reflecting a 2.3% increase compared to 2023. This annual growth, while modest, outperformed not only the US but also other major European film markets.
The first half of the year benefitted from strong performances by films like “Dune: Part Two.” However, the lingering impact of strikes in the previous Autumn led to fewer major releases. Admissions gained momentum in the Summer, with hits such as “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and “Despicable Me 4” contributing significantly to the resurgence.
By the start of November, the sector was still 7% behind 2023’s admissions figures at the same point, leaving considerable ground to cover. The release of titles like “Paddington in Peru,” “Gladiator 2,” “Wicked,” “Moana 2,” “Mufasa: The Lion King,” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” during the final months reaffirmed the belief that strong content draws audiences back to theaters.
November admissions surged 77% compared to the same month in 2023, while December saw 15,679,232 admissions—a nearly 36% increase year-over-year—making it the most successful cinema month of 2024.
Iain Jacob, Chair of the cross-industry body Cinema First, commented: “Cinema retains a unique position in the hearts of the public, combining a unique social experience with sheer joy and escapism. When great films are combined with all of the investments we have seen in the modern cinema environment, audiences follow their passion for a fantastic trip out. In November and December alone audiences were up by over 52%.”
Looking at 2025, Jacob concluded: “We have a fantastic slate including ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,’ ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ ‘Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning,’ ’28 Years Later,’ ‘F1,’ ‘Superman,’ ‘Wicked: For Good’ and ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ to look forward to, with the best ever sound, seating and food and drink options on offer to audiences. 2025 will be a big year for UK cinema.”
