After a tumultuous period marred by the Covid-19 pandemic, the French cinema industry can finally breathe a sigh of relief as new data from the National Cinema Center (CNC) reveals a significant surge in theater admissions in 2023. With 181 million admissions recorded, there has been an impressive 18.9 percent increase compared to the previous year, providing renewed optimism within the sector.
While the recent figures are undoubtedly promising, it is important to keep them in perspective. The CNC highlights that admissions in 2023 remain 13.1% below the average recorded between 2017 and 2019, the pre-pandemic years. However, this should not overshadow the fact that 2023 marked the first year without any health restrictions on cinemas in France, allowing audiences to fully enjoy the big-screen experience once again.
In terms of box office success, American films dominated the French market in 2023. Topping the charts was Universal’s “The Super Mario Brothers,” which attracted 7.15 million admissions. It was closely followed by WBD’s cultural phenomenon “Barbie” with 5.80 million admissions, and Disney’s long-awaited “Avatar: The Way of Water” with 5.18 million admissions. Among the top five films, only Guillaume Canet’s French production, “Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom,” managed to secure a spot, amassing an impressive 4.48 million admissions. Christopher Nolan’s atomic biopic “Oppenheimer” also made its mark, closing out the top five with 4.39 million admissions.
Despite the dominance of American films, French cinema still maintained a significant market share in 2023. The CNC reported that French films accounted for 39.8% of admissions, equivalent to approximately 71.9 million viewers. While this represents a slight decrease from the 41.1% market share in 2022, it is noteworthy that French films managed to hold their ground amidst the competition. Furthermore, the 37.2% average market share between 2017 and 2019 indicates that the industry is on a positive trajectory.
Dominique Boutonnat, President of the CNC, expressed optimism regarding the revival of French cinema. He credits the industry’s impressive recovery to the diverse range of films offered, particularly French productions, and the dedication of cinemas in providing exceptional experiences to moviegoers. This encouraging sentiment sets the stage for a promising future for the industry, with prospects of continued growth and a return to pre-pandemic levels.
The French cinema industry has proven its resilience and ability to bounce back in the face of adversity. The significant increase in theater admissions in 2023 provides a much-needed boost to the sector, signaling a rejuvenation within the industry. While challenges still lie ahead, the positive momentum and unwavering commitment of industry stakeholders pave the way for a vibrant and prosperous future for French cinema.