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Cinema - China

China
  • In China, revenue in the Cinema market is projected to reach US$15.98bn in 2024.
  • Revenue is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 7.89%, 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 12.5% in 2024 and is expected to increase to 14.1% by 2029.
  • The average revenue per viewer in this market is expected to be US$89.51.
  • In a global context, the highest revenue generation will occur the United States, with US$20.98bn projected for 2024.
  • 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: Nov 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Most recent update: Nov 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Cinema market in China has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, driven by changing customer preferences and the country's unique local special circumstances.

    Customer preferences:
    Chinese consumers have shown a growing interest in cinema as a form of entertainment. With a rising middle class and increasing disposable income, more people are willing to spend money on leisure activities such as going to the movies. Additionally, the younger generation, in particular, is highly interested in the latest movie releases, both domestic and international. This has created a strong demand for a wide range of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to local productions.

    Trends in the market:
    One of the key trends in the Chinese cinema market is the rapid expansion of cinema chains. In recent years, both domestic and international cinema chains have been aggressively opening new theaters across the country. This expansion is fueled by the increasing demand for cinema experiences and the growing number of moviegoers. As a result, the number of screens in China has been steadily increasing, providing more options for consumers and driving the overall growth of the market. Another trend in the market is the rise of premium cinema experiences. Chinese consumers are increasingly looking for more than just a standard movie screening. They are seeking immersive and high-quality experiences, such as IMAX screens, 4D theaters, and luxury cinemas with comfortable seating and gourmet food options. This trend has led to the development of premium cinema chains and the upgrading of existing theaters to cater to the demand for enhanced movie experiences.

    Local special circumstances:
    The Chinese cinema market is shaped by several unique factors. One of these is the government's control over film distribution and the quota system for imported films. The Chinese government limits the number of foreign films that can be shown in theaters each year, which has created a strong demand for domestic films. This has led to the growth of the Chinese film industry and the production of more high-quality local films to meet the demand. Additionally, the Chinese cinema market is heavily influenced by cultural factors. Chinese audiences have a preference for films that reflect their own culture and history, and they are more likely to support domestic productions that resonate with their values and experiences. This has created opportunities for local filmmakers to produce content that appeals to the Chinese audience and has contributed to the growth of the domestic film industry.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    The growth of the cinema market in China is also supported by favorable macroeconomic factors. The country's strong economic growth and rising disposable income have increased the spending power of Chinese consumers, making cinema more affordable and accessible. Additionally, urbanization and the expansion of the middle class have led to increased urban entertainment options, including cinemas. As more people move to cities and have access to cinemas, the market potential for the industry continues to grow. In conclusion, the Cinema market in China is experiencing significant growth due to changing customer preferences, the expansion of cinema chains, the rise of premium cinema experiences, unique local special circumstances, and favorable macroeconomic factors. With a growing middle class and increasing disposable income, Chinese consumers are increasingly interested in cinema as a form of entertainment, driving the overall growth of the market.

    Users

    Most recent update: Nov 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Global Comparison

    Most recent update: Nov 2024

    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: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

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