Cinema Industry Status Report

Movie Theater in 2075?

Each year CMG reported on the status of the movie industry. We derived our information from the internal statistics of the Motion Picture Association of America. However, with the COVID crisis and the implosion of the cinema industry, there was nothing to report during 2019 and 2020. 

2019 saw the return of moviegoers into theaters and although it was not a stellar year by any measure it did indicate the resurgence of attendance. This year will see the renewal of the industry blossom further and 2023 be a 'back-to-normal' year and continue to break attendance records.

The latest MPAA stats indicate that the cinema industry is reaching its pre-pandemic box office level and will, barring any unforeseen dilemma, surpass the 2018 record-breaking box office.

• The studios have learned that releasing films day-and-date on streaming networks only causes a loss of revenue, overall.
• Over 175 million people, about 50% of the population visit a U.S. cinema at least once a year.
• Per capita attendance or the average number of times a person went to the cinema is highest among the 12-17 age group, and among the Hispanic/Latino community. 
• Frequent moviegoers, in the U.S., or those who attend a movie at least monthly, account for 34% of all tickets sold.

The top three box office markets (in dollar terms) outside the U.S. are China, Japan, and the U.K., with China being the largest overall.

• 3D films represent only 7% of the global box office.
• At the end of 2021, there were 208,037 cinema screens worldwide, with the U.S./Canada accounting for 41,882 of that total.
• Only 387 films were released in the U.S. in 2021, substantially down from the over 900 released in 2018. 2022 will show a back to a normal number of releases.

Demographically, 45% of moviegoers in 2021 were white, 28% Hispanic, 15% black, 9% Asian, and 4% Native.

• The average moviegoer purchased 2.8 tickets of which 53% were male and 47%, were female.
• 26% of all admissions were purchased by people 25-39 years of age, 14% - 18-24 years, 13% - 40-49 years, 16% - 2-11 years. 

CMG anticipates 2022 to be a relatively good year for movie theaters. The content is good and steady and the summer and holiday season are shaping up to be very good as people find their way back into cinemas. As with all things, the cost of attending a movie is rising, due mainly to higher food and labor costs, so good management and customer service are paramount. And, it goes without saying, that the presentation must have a perfect or near-perfect on-screen image and great sound.

The future looks bright for the cinema industry. There will be new content distribution modes in the future as cinemas receiving hard drives will come to an end with broadband or satellite distribution taking their place. The cinema industry is alive and well and movie theaters will be part of our culture and way of life for years to come.