Kinepolis Reports Strong Recovery in Cinema Attendance
The cinema industry is witnessing a significant recovery, with Kinepolis reporting a 17.3 percent increase in visitors during the second quarter of 2025 compared to last year, largely driven by the release of major Hollywood films, reports 24brussels. The group’s overall attendance grew to 14.3 million in the first half of the year, marking a 2.2 percent annual increase amidst the lingering effects of the pandemic and industry strikes that previously disrupted film releases.
Kinepolis CEO Eddy Duquenne highlighted the importance of major American blockbusters, stating, “It is the big American blockbusters that really make or break the season.” The pandemic had forced Hollywood to prioritize streaming content, which further delayed theatrical releases. However, popular films such as A Minecraft Movie, Lilo & Stitch, and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning have begun to regenerate interest in cinemas.
The recovery outlook remains positive as Kinepolis anticipates strong attendance for films like F1, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and Smurfs, with high expectations for Avatar: Fire and Ash later this year. Looking ahead to 2026, sequels such as Ice Age and Toy Story are projected to further enhance audience turnout.
Revenue Growth Through Premiumisation
Cinema operations are the backbone of Kinepolis, contributing to 85 percent of its revenue. The company reported that ticket sales, alongside food and beverage purchases, reached 219.6 million euros in the first half of 2025, exceeding last year’s figures by more than 7 percent.
This growth is partly attributed to price increases and a trend described as “premiumisation,” where audiences are increasingly opting for enhanced experiences, including IMAX screenings and luxury seating. Duquenne noted, “We see that the willingness to pay for a better experience is growing.”
“We see that the willingness to pay for a better experience is growing”
Kinepolis is eyeing further acquisitions, planning to revive its pre-pandemic expansion strategy. The company intends to pursue medium-sized, family-owned cinema groups in familiar markets and languages cautiously.
Currently, Kinepolis operates 110 cinemas across seven European countries, Canada, and the United States, positioning itself for a broader footprint as the industry recovers.
