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Cinema - China

China
  • In China, revenue in the Cinema market is projected to reach US$17.71bn in 2025.
  • Revenue is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 7.18%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$23.37bn by 2029.
  • By 2029, the number of viewers in the Cinema market in China is anticipated to amount to 200.7m users.
  • User penetration will be 12.8% in 2025 and is expected to increase to 14.1% by 2029.
  • The average revenue per viewer in this market is expected to be US$96.56.
  • In a global context, the highest revenue generation will occur the United States, with US$23.52bn projected for 2025.
  • China's cinema market is increasingly embracing digital platforms, reflecting a significant shift in consumer preferences toward on-demand content and innovative storytelling.

Definition:

The Cinema market encompasses the entertainment industry segment dedicated to the screening of motion pictures within dedicated venues, commonly known as cinemas or movie theaters. This market provides audiences with a communal experience of watching a wide range of films, including feature films, documentaries, and animations, on large screens, accompanied by high-quality sound systems, creating an immersive and theatrical experience.

Additional Information:

The market includes vital metrics such as revenues and average revenue per user (ARPU), users and user penetration with revenues being generated through ticket sales, concessions, cinema subscriptions, consumer spending on cinema-related products and services, and advertising spendings related to promoting films and products within cinemas. Key players in the market are companies, such as AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Cineworld Group plc, and Regal Entertainment Group (now part of Cineworld).
In-Scope
  • Revenues generated from box office sales, such as tickets bought online and offline
  • Revenues generated from advertising, such as ads before and after a movie
  • Revenues generated from concessions, such as sale of snacks and drinks
Out-Of-Scope
  • Streaming of movies, such as streaming on Amazon Prime
  • Merchandise from movies sold through third-party services, such as Marvel merchandise
  • Ad spending on movies, such as TV ads for movies
Cinema: market data & analysis - Cover

Market Insights report

Cinema: market data & analysis
Study Details

    Revenue

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Cinema Market in China is witnessing substantial growth, fueled by a surge in moviegoer enthusiasm, enhanced cinema experiences, and increased investment in advertising and concessions, all contributing to a thriving entertainment landscape.

    Customer preferences:
    Chinese cinema consumers are increasingly gravitating towards immersive viewing experiences, such as IMAX and 4D formats, reflecting a cultural preference for high-quality entertainment. Additionally, younger audiences are driving the demand for diverse genres, including animation and fantasy, influenced by global cinematic trends and local storytelling. The rise of mobile streaming platforms has also shifted viewing habits, prompting traditional cinemas to enhance their offerings with exclusive content and themed events to attract a more engaged and dynamic audience.

    Trends in the market:
    In China, the cinema market is experiencing a notable shift towards immersive viewing experiences, with consumers increasingly favoring formats like IMAX and 4D. This trend reflects a cultural inclination towards high-quality entertainment that enhances the cinematic experience. Simultaneously, younger audiences are driving demand for diverse genres, particularly animation and fantasy, influenced by global trends and local narratives. The rise of mobile streaming platforms is reshaping viewing habits, pushing traditional cinemas to innovate with exclusive content and themed events, which could significantly impact audience engagement and revenue strategies for industry stakeholders.

    Local special circumstances:
    In China, the cinema market is uniquely influenced by a blend of cultural heritage and rapid modernization, driving the popularity of immersive formats like IMAX and 4D. The vast geographical landscape fosters regional film festivals, highlighting local narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Additionally, stringent regulatory frameworks, including censorship, shape content production, pushing filmmakers to innovate within set boundaries. This dynamic environment encourages the emergence of unique storytelling styles that appeal to younger viewers, ultimately transforming audience engagement and consumption patterns in the market.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    The cinema market in China is significantly shaped by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending habits, economic growth rates, and urbanization trends. As disposable incomes rise, particularly in urban areas, there is a marked increase in demand for diverse cinematic experiences, including high-end formats like IMAX and 4D. Additionally, government policies that promote cultural industries and incentivize local productions foster a thriving film ecosystem. Global economic trends, such as digital streaming and international collaborations, further influence market dynamics, compelling traditional cinemas to innovate and adapt, thereby enhancing audience engagement and sustaining growth in a competitive landscape.

    Users

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Global Comparison

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Methodology

    Data coverage:

    The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the Cinema market, which comprises revenues from box office, advertsing and concessions. The market includes both consumer and advertising spending. All monetary figures refer to consumer spending on tickets and concessions. This spending factors in discounts, margins, and taxes.

    Modeling approach / market size:

    The market size is determined through a bottom-up approach. We use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Consumer Insights), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per product, usage) to analyze the markets. To estimate the market size for each country individually, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific industry associations, such as various macroeconomic indicators, historical developments, current trends, and reported performance indicators of key market players. In particular, we consider average prices and annual purchase frequencies.

    Forecasts:

    We apply a variety of forecasting techniques, depending on the behavior of the relevant market. For instance, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are GDP per capita, consumer spending per capita, and 4G coverage.

    Additional notes:

    The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). Consumer Insights data is reweighted for representativeness.

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    Key Market Indicators

    Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    Most recent update:

    Source: Statista Market Insights

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