The National Cinema Center (CNC) has recently released data that indicates a positive shift for the French film industry. In 2023, there were 181 million theater admissions, representing an impressive 18.9 percent increase compared to the previous year. This surge in audience attendance brings a renewed sense of confidence to French exhibitors as they begin the new year. However, it is important to note that despite this growth, admissions in 2023 still fall approximately 13.1% below the average recorded between 2017 and 2019, the pre-Covid years.
The CNC’s report reveals that American films took the lead in terms of admissions in 2023. Universal’s The Super Mario Brothers claimed the top spot with 7.15 million admissions, closely followed by WBD’s cultural phenomenon Barbie with 5.80 million, and Disney’s highly anticipated Avatar: The Way of Water with 5.18 million. While international films dominated the rankings, it is worth mentioning that Guillaume Canet’s Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom managed to secure a spot in the top five, garnering 4.48 million admissions. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, an atomic biopic, rounded out the top five with 4.39 million admissions.
French films maintained a significant market share, representing 39.8% of all admissions in 2023, according to the CNC. This percentage translates to approximately 71.9 million admissions. While there was a slight decline in market share compared to 2022, where it stood at 41.1%, French films were still able to exert their influence in the industry. When comparing these figures to the average market share of 37.2% between 2017 and 2019, it is evident that French cinema is on a positive trajectory. Dominique Boutonnat, the president of the CNC, commended the recovery, stating, “Attendance in French cinemas in 2023 confirms the powerful dynamic initiated last year. France has achieved the best recovery among comparable countries thanks to the diversity of works offered, particularly French, and the commitment of our cinemas.”
With a strong start in 2023 and an upward trajectory, the French film industry has reason to be optimistic as it enters 2024. The recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been significant, although there is still progress to be made in order to reach pre-pandemic levels. French exhibitors can take pride in the fact that their efforts, alongside the diverse range of films available, have contributed to the successful resurgence of cinema. As audiences continue to return to the big screen, the future looks bright for French cinema.