Global Box Office Expected to Hit $33 Billion in 2025, a Solid Increase from 2024

As you probably know, the global box office has been in trouble in recent years. Sure, one of the main causes is the COVID pandemic that closed the cinemas at the time, and with the rise of streaming services, the cinemas have been having a hard time getting back on track.

Sure, over the years, some movies did a lot to help the global box office – e.g., Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible and Top Gun: Maverick, or this year’s Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine – but the analysts are still not satisfied.

When considering everything, the situation has been improving, but there is still room for more improvement, and as Variety reports, 2025 could be the first year with a significant global increase. In this report, we are going to present you the data and the numbers from the original article so that you have all the data.

As stated, the global box office is expected to hit $33 billion in 2025, marking an 8% rise from 2024’s projected $30.5 billion. North America will lead with about $9.7 billion, showing a 9% increase compared to 2024. International markets (excluding China) are predicted to reach $16.8 billion, up by 7%. China itself is forecasted to contribute $6.6 billion.

A strong year is predicted for the global box office, driven by big movie releases from both major studios and independent filmmakers, according to Gower Street Analytics. CEO Dimitrios Mitsinikos sees 2025 as a year of growth, even if the numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels.

These projections are 14% lower than the 2017-2019 average, but when adjusted for current exchange rates, 2025’s numbers will be 1% higher than 2023’s performance.

Looking at the breakdown of international earnings, the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) is expected to bring in $9.1 billion, while Asia Pacific (excluding China) will generate $5.3 billion, and Latin America should contribute $2.4 billion to the total international revenue.

Movies that will likely drive box office results in 2025 include new Avatar films, Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, the next Mission: Impossible, a new Jurassic World, and new films in the John Wick and Conjuring franchises. Also, James Gunn’s Superman will kick off the DC Universe’s new direction. Disney’s Zootopia sequel is expected to repeat the billion-dollar success of its predecessor.

Rob Mitchell, director of theatrical insights at Gower Street, mentions the varied mix of films coming out. These include movies from well-known directors like Bong Joon-ho, Ryan Coogler, Osgood Perkins, and Joseph Kosinski.

Looking beyond 2025, Gower Street sees 2026 as a potential breakout year for the box office. The year will have even more anticipated films, including new entries from Avengers, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Toy Story, Shrek, and even a new film by Christopher Nolan.

It’s important to note that all these predictions could change depending on release schedule shifts or unexpected global events.

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