As of April 30, 2025, Ne Zha 2 dethroned The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021) to be the highest-grossing movie of all time in China, raking in more than 15 billion yuan. With a budget of just 80 million U.S. dollars, the Chinese fantasy adventure film has achieved unprecedented success in global cinemas and is now the best-selling Asian animation movie of all time. Far behind was The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021), China's most expensive film ever made to date, with about 5.8 billion yuan in box office revenue. Avengers: Endgame (2019) was the only foreign film in the top ten ranking. The Marvel superhero film generated a total box office revenue of over 4.25 billion yuan in China. In recent years, the country has invested a great deal of its resources in film making and distribution. China’s homemade blockbusters China remains a significant share in global's cinema market. Similar to other leading cinema markets in the world, China’s film industry primarily produces feature films. Sci-fi movies were considered the most undersupplied genre among Chinese audience. The Wandering Earth received much critical acclaim as one of China’s most stunning sci-fi productions, grossing about 4.7 billion yuan in box office revenue. Critics lauded it as China’s answer to Hollywood productions such as Interstellar and Gravity. Foreign film market in China Foreign films often face a strict censorship by the Chinese authorities. Hollywood productions, like Avatar, Deadpool, The Da Vinci Code, were banned because of sensitive topics or conveying ideologies contradictory to traditional Chinese values. Although more overseas filmmakers are trying to avoid content considered unfavorable by the Chinese government, the market share of imported movies in terms of movie screenings has remained below 30 percent since 2015. In terms of box office revenues, foreign enterprises made up less than 17 percent of the total revenue between 2020 and 2023. In 2024, none of the Hollywood movies could earn over one billion yuan in box office revenue in the Chinese market.

In the week between April 21 to 27, 2025, Ne Zha 2 was the highest-grossing movie in China, generating around 52 billion yuan in box office revenue that week. The second place went to We Girls, with around 30 million yuan of ticket sales in that week. How big is the Chinese cinema market? China is one of the largest cinema markets in the world, just second after the United States and Canada. The proliferation of China’s cinema market coincided with an extensive increase in per capita disposable income. Going to the movies has become a regular part of Chinese leisure activities and consumption, especially among young people. To cope with the demands of an increasingly wealthy population, the number of cinema screens expanded almost four times in the recent decade. 3D movie screens also enjoyed explosive growth between 2007 and 2018. As of 2018, the number of 3D movie screens operated in China accounts for almost half of the global total. The struggles of overseas movies China’s film industry is under the direct supervision of the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT). To protect the local movie industry, only a limited number of foreign movies are allowed to be screened in China each year. The quota was set at 34 movies in 2013. Owing to the restriction on foreign films, Hollywood movies are facing more intensive competition against domestic films. Only one Hollywood production remained in the ten highest-grossing movies of all time in China. Foreign movies accounted for about 21 percent of overall ticket sales in the country, showing a gradual downward trend over the recent years.

In 2024, imported movies accounted for around 21.3 percent of the total box office revenue in China, after hitting the lowest point in 2022. Compared to a decade ago, slightly less than half of the cinema ticket sales revenue in the country were generated from domestically produced movies.

In 2021, with 15 animated movies combined, U.S. and Japanese production accounted for more than two-thirds of the total number of imported animated movies in China. This considerable share reflects the continuous domination of the U.S. and Japan in the Chinese cinema market.

Snapshot img

Movie Theater Market Size 2025-2029

The movie theater market size is forecast to increase by USD 29.5 billion at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing release of high-profile movies and the integration of innovative technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and interactive elements within theaters. These advancements aim to enhance the cinematic experience and attract a larger audience base. However, the market faces stiff competition from digital streaming platforms, which offer convenience and affordability to consumers. This dynamic market environment necessitates strategic planning for companies seeking to capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges effectively. To stay competitive, movie theater operators must focus on providing unique experiences that cannot be replicated through digital means.
Collaborations with production houses, exclusive premieres, and loyalty programs are potential strategies to differentiate offerings and retain customers. Online streaming, OTT platforms, and film festivals have expanded access to movies, challenging traditional theater business models. Additionally, partnerships with technology companies to incorporate advanced technologies within theaters can create a more mesmerizing and engaging experience for moviegoers. Overall, the market presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring a nuanced knowledge of consumer preferences, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics. Companies that successfully navigate these factors will be well-positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape.

What will be the Size of the Movie Theater Market during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

The market encompasses the production, distribution, and exhibition of films for public viewing. This dynamic industry continues to evolve with advancements in technology, consumer preferences, and business models. VFX technology and the proliferation of 3D movie theaters have enhanced the cinematic experience, while digitization of films has streamlined production and distribution processes. Consumer spending on movie theater attendance remains a significant contributor to the industry's revenue, with nonprofit organizations and membership programs offering alternative viewing options. Film preservation efforts ensure the longevity of cinematic history, while movie trailers, soundtracks, directors cuts, and film festivals generate buzz and anticipation.
Movie marketing, distribution, and merchandise contribute to the overall film industry ecosystem. The general public's continued fascination with movies, driven by movie buffs, film history, and box office performance, ensures the industry's enduring relevance. Despite challenges from piracy and changing viewing habits, the market remains a vibrant and innovative sector.

How is this Movie Theater Industry segmented?

The movie theater industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Multiplexes
  IMAX theater
  Drive-in theater
  Independent theater


Screen Type

  3D
  2D
  Others


Method

  Chain-operated theaters
  Independently operated
  Franchised models
  Public-private partnerships
  Boutique or luxury cinema experiences


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Type Insights

The multiplexes segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. In the market, multiplexes have become a dominant segment due to their ability to cater to diverse audiences by screening multiple films under one roof. Characterized by modern amenities such as advanced projection systems, digital sound, comfortable seating, and varied concession offerings, multiplexes provide an enhanced cinematic experience. AMC Entertainment, a leading cinema chain, operates numerous multiplexes worldwide, featuring state-of-the-art facilities including 3D and 4DX multiplexes, IMAX screens, and premium seating options. The movie theater industry continues to evolve with technological advancements, including VFX technology in 3D movies, digitization of films, and virtual reality experiences. Consumer spending on movie experiences remains a significant contributor to the market's growth, despite challenges from movie piracy and the rise of streaming services.

Drive-in cinemas and independent cinema theatres also continue to attract niche audiences. Key trends include the integration of photography tools, loyalty programs, and event-based screenings. The market is expected to witne

In 2019, Avengers: Endgame overtook 2009's Avatar as the highest grossing film of all time at the international Box Office. The difference between Endgame and Avatar's totals was fewer than 100 million dollars by the end of 2019, yet Avatar re-took the top spot in 2021 due to theatrical re-releases in China; this gap is likely to grow in the coming years as Avatar will be shown again in theaters prior to the release of it's four sequels (the first of which was released in 2022). Before Avatar, the record had been held by 1997's Titanic (also directed by James Cameron). When adjusted for inflation, 1939's Gone With the Wind is generally cited as the most successful film of all time, with a total gross between three and four billion (including theatrical re-releases) - however, Gone With the Wind is estimated to have sold fewer tickets than Avatar, Star Wars, Titanic, and many Chinese releases. Recent developments The highest grossing film of 2020 was The Eight Hundred, which took over 460 million dollars worldwide; the first ever non-Hollywood production to feature on this list. The significant drop off in global revenues in 2020 was due to the Covid-19 pandemic, where lockdowns saw thousands of movie theaters close across the world. Varying restrictions per country saw Asian markets eventually overtake North American and European markets as the largest worldwide, and five of the ten highest grossing films in 2020 were either Chinese or Japanese productions. The pandemic also accelerated the trend of major releases coming to streaming platforms, and 2021 saw many of the previous year's postponements released simultaneously in theaters and online (often at a premium). It remains to be seen what the dominant method of big-budget releases will be in the coming years, as major studios such as Disney may look to draw consumers to their streaming platforms, however a strong domestic performance of Spider-Man: No Way Home in late-2021 shows optimism for the box office. Recurring figures Throughout the list, many of the same directors and actors appear in multiple films. Stephen Spielberg has directed more of these films than any other director, with six titles to his name. Cecil B. DeMille, a "founding father" of American Cinema, and Disney's Hamilton Luske, have each directed (or co-directed) five movies on this list. 2012's Frozen is the only film made by a woman director; Jennifer Lee, and until 2020, Mission: Impossible 2 was the only film made by a non-white director; John Woo. Looking at those in front of the camera, Harrison Ford, through his roles in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, has appeared in the highest number of films listed here; featuring in seven titles. His Star Wars co-star, Carrie Fisher, has appeared in five films listed here, more than any other actress. When looking at the companies behind the films featured on this list, we can see that Disney and Paramount Pictures (in all of their forms) have each produced and/or distributed 24 of the films on this list, at the time of their release. Disney dominates Since 1999, all but one of the highest grossing films were sequels or part of franchises. Although this is not a new trend in Hollywood, the box office pull of such "extended universes" has exploded in recent years, and these films dominate the annual lists; Disney in particular has been the most successful studio in this regard. After acquiring Marvel Entertainment in 2009 and Lucasfilm in 2012, in deals worth 4.24 billion and 4.05 billion dollars respectively, Disney built upon its position as the largest entertainment company in the world and has dominated the international box office over the last decade. With the continued success of the Marvel and Star Wars universes and the expansion of these products in series form, along with a number of planned live action remakes and Pixar titles, it is likely that Disney films will feature at the top of this list for years to come.

This statistics shows the top 15 most expensive film productions in China and Hong Kong. The most expensive production of all time is "Monster Hunt 2", directed by Raman Hui and starring Tony Leung, Bai Baihe, Jing Boran, Li Yuchun and Tony Yang. The movie costed 143 million U.S. dollars.

The most successful Bollywood movie at the global box office was 'Dangal', which generated over ** billion Indian rupees in box office takings worldwide as of 2025. The list was populated by several productions either starring or directed by actor, Aamir Khan. Indian films beyond Bollywood Many believe that Bollywood is synonymous with the Indian film industry, but there is far more to it than that. Bollywood is the Hindi language film industry based in Mumbai and is just one component of the larger Indian film industry, which is made up of various production centers in various languages. Nowadays, South Indian films have a growing fan base not just among native speakers but also Hindi audiences and the Indian diaspora worldwide. Tamil and Telugu cinema, respectively known as Kollywood and Tollywood, are among the major contributors of Indian cinema in terms of both revenue and releases. Asia's leading film markets When it comes to Asian cinema, Bollywood isn’t the only multi-million dollar film industry. Chinese films are also proving to be popular with audiences, considering the box office revenue of the most successful movies of all time in China. As of May 2018, the most successful movie ever in China was Chinese director Wu Jing's action film ‘Wolf Warriors 2’, and in second place was 'Operation Red Sea' which generated ******* million Yuan at the Chinese box office.

As of March 2025, Chinese animated movie "Ne Zha 2" (2025) was the highest-grossing animated feature film of all time. While not released in some regions of the world yet, it grossed a total of 1.98 billion U.S. dollars worldwide - thus becoming the highest-grossing movie in China. It dethroned "Inside Out 2," which is now holding the second position with more than 1.7 billion U.S. dollars since its theatrical release in 2024.

The December 2022 release of the long-awaited "Avatar: The Way of Water" has been accompanied by loud fanfare and high hopes. The much-delayed sequel to 2009's record-annihilating "Avatar," "The Way of Water" was realized on a whopping 350 million U.S. dollar budget, and is eyeing a global opening of 525 million.

Sequel showdown: Will Avatar 2 beat the Avengers?
It remains to be seen whether James Cameron's newest opus will be able to take its older sibling's crown of highest-earning movie ever, and thus also be confirmed as the all-time best-selling sequel. As of the last weeks of 2022, "Avengers: Endgame" (2019) held the top spot among second installments, with a global box office revenue of 2.8 billion dollars. "Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens" (2015) followed with an international profit of 2.06 billion dollars, while "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) came in third with a smooth 2.05 billion. The resounding success of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises has made it so that seven out of the 10 most successful sequels ever belong to The Walt Disney Company. The House of Mouse has also owned the rights to the Avatar franchise since its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019.

Avatar 2 sets its sights on China As of the end of 2022, "Avatar"'s revenue in China has amounted to around 265 million dollars. "The Way of Water" is aiming to surpass its predecessor's revenue in the Middle Kingdom, and has already succeeded in becoming the highest-grossing Hollywood film to be released there in 2022, as well as in making China its top international market. The Avatar sequel was one of the few international films to be released in the Chinese market in recent months - due to quotas on the amount of foreign movies that are allowed to show. In early 2023, the film was reported to have been given the green light to extend its run beyond the habitual 30-day limit for Hollywood pictures in the country.