Global Box Office Surges to $33.5B in 2025 Amid Mixed Trends
The global box office is projected to reach approximately $33.5 billion in 2025, according to data from Gower Street Analytics. This figure represents nearly a 12% increase compared to 2024. However, this growth is significantly bolstered by a standout local production in China, which alone grossed over $2 billion. When excluding China, the global increase is estimated at around 8%, a notable recovery from the approximately 11% decline observed between the end of 2023 and 2024.
The international box office, excluding China, is anticipated to total $17.2 billion, also a 12% rise from the previous year. Including China, the overseas box office is forecast to reach $24.6 billion, representing a 16% increase. Despite these positive trends, industry experts express mixed feelings about the year ahead. Issues such as evolving moviegoing habits and the lingering effects of previous strikes continue to impact film release schedules.
Franchise Success and Market Variability
The year began slowly for Hollywood, with the first significant hit emerging from Warner Bros with A Minecraft Movie. This film set the stage for a successful spring, followed by Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, which became the studio’s first billion-dollar film of 2025. Notably, Zootopia 2 surpassed its predecessor, achieving an estimated $6.58 billion worldwide, with $4.08 billion coming from international markets.
In terms of international rankings, Paramount’s Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning also performed strongly, with 67% of its almost $600 million global revenue generated overseas. Meanwhile, Universal’s animated films, including How to Train Your Dragon and Jurassic World: Rebirth, contributed significantly to international figures, with substantial portions of their earnings coming from foreign markets.
Japan’s box office received a boost from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, which performed well both domestically and in international markets. The film’s success indicates the growing popularity of anime worldwide, as it captured attention in various regions.
Regional Highlights and Challenges
China remains the leading overseas market but was heavily influenced by the success of Ne Zha 2, which grossed 15.44 billion RMB (approximately $2.2 billion), making it the highest-grossing film in the market’s history. Overall, China’s box office is projected to reach around 51.8 billion RMB (approximately $7.4 billion), reflecting a more than 20% increase from 2024. However, the local market has faced challenges, as many midrange Chinese films saw a significant decline in attendance, indicating a shift towards blockbuster productions.
In the international arena, Japan experienced a remarkable 35% increase in local currency compared to the previous year, driven by the success of films like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man. Meanwhile, the UK saw a stable performance, with Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy emerging as a top contender, grossing around $63 million.
Conversely, France’s cinema admissions dropped by 13.6% year-on-year, resulting in a gross of approximately $1.36 billion. This decline was attributed to a lack of compelling local content compared to the previous year. Germany, on the other hand, experienced a 6% increase in local currency, buoyed by a strong local film market.
While some markets have shown resilience, concerns over audience engagement remain. Shorter and inconsistent theatrical windows have altered consumer habits, prompting a shift in focus. Audience preferences are evolving, with many viewers opting for home viewing options over visiting cinemas.
Looking ahead, industry professionals emphasize the need for content that resonates across diverse markets. Upcoming releases, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday, are anticipated to reignite interest in theatrical experiences.
As the industry progresses into 2026, the potential for recovery remains strong, driven by a combination of established franchises and innovative new content. The global box office landscape is evolving, and while challenges persist, the appetite for cinematic experiences continues to endure.
