The global box office for 2025 is projected to total approximately $33.5 billion, marking an almost 12% increase from 2024, according to Gower Street Analytics. This growth includes a noteworthy contribution from China, where a single local production, Ne Zha 2, grossed over $2 billion. Excluding this figure, the worldwide box office rise stands at about 8%, a significant recovery compared to the approximate 11% decline observed between the end of 2023 and 2024.
In terms of international performance, excluding China, the box office is expected to reach $17.2 billion, also reflecting a 12% increase. When factoring in the Chinese market, the international box office is estimated at $24.6 billion, showing a robust 16% growth. Industry sentiments are mixed, with an optimistic outlook despite lingering uncertainties. The conversation continues to revolve around distribution windows, particularly in light of potential acquisitions of legacy studios by streaming services.
As the industry grapples with shifting moviegoing habits, the aftereffects of the 2023 strikes have also impacted the sequencing of film releases for 2025. One international distribution executive described the year as “a little disappointing” but expressed hope for recovery in 2026, emphasizing that audiences still measure the industry’s success against the record-setting year of 2019.
Key Performers and Trends in 2025
Despite the challenges, 2025 showcased a resilient audience for theatrical releases, particularly for established franchises. The year began slowly for Hollywood, with the first major hit emerging from Warner Bros’ A Minecraft Movie, which ignited box office momentum into spring. Following this, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch became the studio’s first billion-dollar release of the year, with approximately 59.2% of its revenue generated internationally.
Just last month, Disney’s Zootopia 2 surpassed Lilo & Stitch, bringing in an estimated $6.58 billion globally, of which $4.08 billion came from international markets. This marked the most successful year for any studio since 2019. Additionally, 20th Century Studios saw significant returns from Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is projected to cross the $1 billion mark this week.
Paramount’s Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning also performed well, with its global earnings nearing $600 million, 67% of which were generated from overseas markets. Universal’s returns from titles like How to Train Your Dragon and Jurassic World: Rebirth further contributed to the international landscape, with both films achieving over 58% of their revenues from international audiences.
Japan experienced a significant boost in the summer with the release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, which carried momentum into the fall. The film achieved remarkable success, landing in the top 10 worldwide.
Regional Highlights and Challenges
China remains the leading international market, heavily influenced by the phenomenal success of Ne Zha 2, which became the highest-grossing film in the market’s history with approximately 15.44 billion RMB (over $2.2 billion). The overall box office in China for 2025 is estimated at around 51.8 billion RMB (about $7.4 billion), reflecting an increase of more than 20% from 2024. Yet, nearly 30% of this total is attributed to the performance of a single film.
While the market experienced a boost from Zootopia 2 in November, local mid-range films witnessed a significant decline, indicating a shift towards blockbuster projects. The evolving tastes of audiences suggest that traditional blockbuster models may no longer guarantee box office success.
Japan, the second-largest market, noted a robust performance with a roughly 35% increase in local currency compared to 2024, driven by titles such as Demon Slayer and the latest Detective Conan installment. The UK, ranked third internationally, saw Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy emerge as a major hit, grossing around $63 million despite its release on Peacock in the U.S. In contrast, France faced a 13.6% drop in cinema admissions year-on-year, with local revenues estimated at $1.36 billion.
The German market reported a 6% increase in local currency, bolstered by a shift in regional preferences, with Das Kanu des Manitu becoming the top local title.
As the industry navigates the complexities of distribution windows, there is a growing recognition that audience habits are evolving. Internationally, executives note that the shift from a collective moviegoing experience to individual film viewings has influenced attendance patterns. The consensus is that unless films create a strong cultural moment, audiences may prefer the convenience of home viewing.
Looking ahead, 2026 holds promise with a lineup of anticipated titles expected to attract audiences globally. From Spider-Man: Brand New Day to Avengers: Doomsday, the upcoming year is poised for a robust recovery as studios adapt to changing consumer preferences while striving to deliver compelling content.
Overall, while 2025 presented its share of challenges and disappointments, the global box office demonstrated resilience with a clear appetite for theatrical experiences, particularly among established franchises. The industry continues to evolve, seeking innovative ways to engage audiences amid shifting landscapes.
