Cinema industry sees surge in attendance and profits

The cinema industry is experiencing a significant surge in attendance and profitability, driven by a strong lineup of blockbuster releases and strategic expansions. Kinepolis reported a 33 percent increase in visitors during the first half of 2026, reaching 19.1 million guests, which contributed to a 32 percent rise in profit to 341.8 million euros.

CEO Eddy Duquenne attributed this success to a recovery in content availability, noting that high-demand titles such as ‘Zootopia 2’, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, and ‘Spider-Man’ have boosted revenues. Kinepolis has also expanded its global footprint through the acquisition of Emagine Entertainment, adding 14 locations in the United States, and has improved margins via premium seating and projection upgrades.

In the Netherlands, cinema operators including Pathé and Kinepolis have also seen a successful summer. Pathé reported a 25 percent increase in summer visitors compared to the previous year, with a notable 41 percent rise in the 13-to-19 age demographic. In Groningen, Kinepolis reported significantly higher traffic than usual, aided by both major film releases and warm weather, which has shifted consumer behavior toward seeking air-conditioned theaters during the day.