France Leads Europe’s Healthiest Box Office in 2024 with Record Admissions

French films capture 44.4% of the market share in 2024, surpassing American films at 36.7%, according to the National Film Board.

In 2024, France’s box office maintained its momentum after a strong recovery from the pandemic, with an additional 0.5% growth year-on-year. The market grossed €1.36 billion ($1.41 billion) from 181.3 million admissions, continuing the upward trajectory following a notable 16% growth in 2023. This steady increase reflects the growing appeal of both local and international films in France.

A key contributor to the box office success was the dominance of French films, which captured 44.4% of the total market share. This is a significant rise compared to 36.7% for American films, highlighting the strong performance of local productions. The National Film Board (CNC) and Comscore have credited this success to the popularity of local blockbusters and Disney tentpole films, which resonated well with French audiences.

The numbers also reveal that France continues to lead the European box office, reinforcing its position as the healthiest cinema market in Europe. The country’s film industry, backed by government support, has been instrumental in sustaining its robust performance, proving the resilience and growth of French cinema in the post-pandemic era.

As France moves into 2025, industry experts are optimistic about the future, anticipating further growth driven by innovative local productions and continued global collaborations.

Although the 0.5% increase in 2024 may seem modest, it underscores France’s position as Europe’s healthiest theatrical market, showcasing the strongest signs of post-COVID recovery. This achievement is particularly significant considering 2024 also saw France hosting the Olympic Games. Despite global challenges, France’s cinema industry has remained resilient, continuing to thrive even in the face of such major events.

In contrast, several other European countries, including the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Spain, experienced a decline in ticket sales in 2024, according to Comscore. This disparity highlights France’s exceptional recovery and growth within a broader European market that faced difficulties. France’s ability to maintain a strong box office performance amidst such challenges further cements its leadership in the European film industry.

The market share of French films in 2024 reached an impressive 44.4%, surpassing American films, which accounted for 36.7%, according to the National Film Board (CNC). This marks one of the highest levels of local film market share ever recorded in France and sets a 15-year record. This milestone highlights the growing strength of French cinema, both domestically and in international markets, solidifying its dominance in a highly competitive film industry. The CNC’s report underscores the increasing popularity and support for French productions, further driving the country’s box office success.

COURTESY: FRANCE 24 English

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