With more than 181 million admissions, France stands out as the only country to see attendance at its cinemas increase in 2024. Driven by national successes and a diversity of films, French cinema confirms its leading role in a difficult international context.
In 2024, France recorded 181.3 million tickets soldan increase of almost 1 million entries compared to 2023. A seemingly modest progression (+0.5%), but exceptional on a global scale. Olivier Henrard, deputy general manager and interim president of the CNC, underlines: “This is a double exception: firstly because France will be the only country in the world this year in which more people than last year have entered a cinema. A million more than last year”he explains on the microphone of France Inter. “Knowing that in 2023 France had already rebounded much higher than other countries”. This performance contrasts with the situation of other major cinematographic nations. According to data from Statesmanthe United States is lagging behind by 25 % compared to their revenues generated before the Covid crisis. In Europe, Germany and Italy recorded respective decreases in 17 % et 19 % in attendance. Even culturally cinema-loving countries, such as Spain, are showing significant declines (22 %). This performance contrasts sharply with that of other major cinema nations. To UNITED STATESthe recipes remain 25% lower at their pre-Covid level. In EuropeGermany and Italy recorded respective decreases in 7 % et 19 %while Spain shows a decline of 22 % compared to the period 2017-2019. In South Koreathe fall even reaches 45 %. These figures reflect a slow global recovery of the sector, weighed down by the lasting effects of the pandemic and increased competition from streaming platforms.
“No country in the world comes close to these figures”
The key to this French exception lies in the vitality of its national cinema. In 2024, French films represented 44.4% of entriesa level not seen in more than a decade. Olivier Henrard explains: “Apart from the United States, no country in the world comes close to these figures. In Europe, we navigate between 15 and 25% market share for local films”.
Three French productions climb into the top five at the box office:
- A little something extra of Artus, who attracted 10.3 million spectators,
- Le Comte de Monte Cristo by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, with 9.1 million entries,
- Love phew by Gilles Lellouche, who combines 4.7 million tickets sold.
These three films total nearly 25 million entriesa score which recalls the great years of French cinema, notably 2011 with Untouchables et Nothing to declare.
French cinema “can do it all”
The success of French cinema is based on several solid pillars. First, a exceptional diversity. “French cinema knows how to do everything: in all genres and on all budgets. We are almost the only ones to do this”says Olivier Henrard. In 2024, dix films with a budget less than 4 million euros attracted more than 200,000 spectators each, proving that modest productions can compete with blockbusters. Then, the network of rooms plays a crucial role. With more than 2000 cinemas distributed throughout the country, France guarantees access to the big screen even in rural areas. This density makes it possible to reach a wide audience, including young adults, who were particularly attracted by films like Love phew. Finally, the French cultural policy promotes the creation and distribution of national films. The CNC, for example, finances numerous productions thanks to a tax taken from cinema tickets and streaming platforms. This model, unique in the world, has made it possible to preserve the diversity and singularity of French cinema in the face of Hollywood hegemony.
A contrasting but promising year
However, the year 2024 has not been easy. The screenwriters' and actors' strike in Hollywood disrupted the start of the year, delaying the release of many American blockbusters. During this period, French cinema was able to do well by occupying the screens with varied and quality productions. Over the last eight months of 2024, attendance has almost returned to pre-Covid levels, with the gap reduced to just 2,7 %according to the CNC. “If we have a year 2025 with French films which continue on their trajectory and American cinema which has returned in recent months, we can return to a pre-Covid level”hopes Olivier Henrard. French cinema is not limited to its artistic dimension. In 2024, it supported almost 150,000 jobseither 13% more than before the health crisis.
The revenue generated by French films contribute to the local economysupporting not only theater operators, but also producers, directors and technicians. This driving role is all the more crucial in a context where many countries are struggling to revitalize their film industry. The French success could thus serve as a model for other nations, by showing that an ambitious cultural policy can combine economic success and artistic influence. With a diversified offering and the expected return of American productions, 2025 looks promising. New French films, like Twenty Gods or The Kingdomare already generating great anticipation, while Hollywood blockbusters like Avatar 3 could boost attendance. The question remains open: will France continue to embody the global exception, or will this success inspire other countries to rethink their cinematographic model?
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