Movie Theaters Global Market Report 2024

The movie theaters market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $69.27 billion in 2023 to $73.06 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The historical growth can be credited to factors such as the Golden Age of Hollywood, providing a cultural and social experience, the release of blockbuster films, urbanization and the expansion of the population, and the development of distribution channels.

The movie theaters market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $87.6 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be linked to the integration of streaming services, experiences in virtual reality (VR), the adoption of hybrid release strategies, the implementation of dynamic pricing models, and the enhancement of in-theater amenities. Noteworthy trends expected in this period encompass the incorporation of immersive technologies, the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly practices, the establishment of community-centric spaces, the promotion of interactive and participatory experiences, and the emergence of niche and specialty theaters.

The anticipated growth in the movie theater market is expected to be fueled by an increase in consumer spending on entertainment. Consumer entertainment spending refers to the financial outlay individuals and households allocate to personal entertainment activities. This spending encompasses the enjoyment of watching movies in theaters and engaging in various entertainment experiences. For example, The Numbers, a US-based company specializing in detailed movie financial analysis, reported a surge in the total number of tickets sold in the US domestic market, rising from 711.80 million in 2022 to 881.80 million in 2023. Additionally, total domestic box office collections increased from $7,426.00 million in 2022 to $9,214.89 million in 2023. Consequently, the growth of consumer entertainment spending is a driving force behind the expansion of the movie theater market.

The growing demand for ready-to-eat foods is poised to contribute to the growth of the movie theater market. Ready-to-eat food refers to meals that are prepared and packaged in advance, requiring no additional cooking or preparation. Integrating ready-to-eat foods into movie theaters enhances customer satisfaction, increases revenue, improves time efficiency, provides a competitive edge, creates cross-promotion opportunities, and reduces wait times. For instance, in 2022, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in India, the country's exports of ready-to-eat foods experienced a 24% increase, reaching $394 million in the period of 2021–22 (April-October). Therefore, the rising demand for ready-to-eat foods is a significant driver behind the growth of the movie theater market.


The adoption of technological advancements stands out as a prominent trend in the movie theater market. Major companies within the industry are embracing new technologies to maintain their market positions. For example, in December 2022, PVR Cinemas, a multiplex based in India, introduced its premium Ice theatres auditorium in collaboration with CGR Cinemas, a cinema company based in France. Utilizing ICE immersive technology, this sensory experience incorporates LED panels on each side of the auditorium, creating a visually stunning atmosphere with dynamic shapes and colors that immerse the audience in a captivating movie-watching experience.

Major companies in the movie theater market are innovating by introducing new products such as co-branded credit cards. Co-branded credit cards are financial products issued through partnerships between credit card companies and specific businesses or organizations. For instance, in December 2022, AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc., a US-based movie theater chain, launched the AMC Entertainment Visa Card. This credit card offers users the opportunity to accumulate additional AMC Stubs rewards points through everyday purchases and movie-related expenses. As the only co-branded credit card for movie theaters in the US, the AMC Entertainment Visa Card is designed to provide genuine value to AMC moviegoers and support the enhancement of AMC's non-box office operations. Cardholders earn points for various transactions, including 50 points for every $1 spent in AMC theaters, on the AMC app, and on the AMC website, 20 points for every $1 spent on restaurants, groceries, and gas, and 10 points for every $1 spent elsewhere.

In February 2023, PVR Ltd., an India-based cinema company, merged with INOX Leisure to form the largest multiplex chain in India, operating under the name PVR-INOX Ltd. This strategic merger leverages marketing and programming capabilities to deliver highly innovative experiences, adding significant value to both partners and customers. INOX Leisure is an India-based cinema multiplex chain company.


Major companies operating in the movie theaters market report are Showcase Cinemas, AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc., Cinemark Holdings Inc., Regal Entertainment Group, Odeon Cinemas Group, Cineplex Inc., Vue International, CJ CGV Co. Ltd, Landmark Cinema of Canada Inc., Harkins Theatres Inc. , Kinepolis Group, Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas LLC, Marcus Theatres Corporation, PVR Ltd, B&B Theatres, Ster-Kinekor Theatres Pty Ltd, Megaplex Theatres, INOX Leisure Limited, Golden Screen Cinemas Sdn Bhd, Galaxy Theatres LLC, Reading Cinemas, Kerasotes Showplace Theatres LLC, Picturehouse Cinemas Limited, WE Cinemas, Mega GS Group, Wave Cinemas, United Cinemas International Multiplex b.V., Lotte Cinema Co Ltd, Omniplex Cinema Group, Beta Cinemas.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the movie theaters market in 2023. The regions covered in the movie theaters market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the movie theaters market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The primary categories of movie theaters include multiplexes, IMAX (image maximum), drive-ins, and independents. Multiplexes denote cinema complexes featuring multiple screens or auditoriums within the same building. These theaters offer a range of experiences with 2D (two-dimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional) screens, catering to diverse applications such as regular movie shows, live events, concerts, and private screenings tailored for specific audiences, including general viewers, families, corporate events, and couples.

The movie theater research report is one of a series of new reports that provides movie theater market statistics, including the movie theater industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with movie theater market share, detailed movie theater market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the movie theater industry. This movie theater market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The movie theater market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as customer service, ticket sales, concessions, and assistance. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The movie theater market also includes sales of projectors, theater interiors, custom signs, wall sconces, room acoustics, and soundproofing. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).


The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.