What is the global box office projected to earn in 2026?

The global box office is projected to reach $35 billion in 2026.

Which movie franchises are expected to boost the 2026 box office?

Major franchises like Avengers, Spider-Man, Toy Story, Dune, and Star Wars are expected to drive box office growth in 2026.

How does the 2026 box office projection compare to pre-pandemic years?

The 2026 estimate would remain 12% behind the average of the last three pre-pandemic years (2017-2019) at current exchange rates.

Home / Business and Economy / Global Box Office Hits $35B in 2026

Global Box Office Hits $35B in 2026

18 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Global box office projected at $35 billion for 2026.
2026 could be highest grossing year since 2019.
Strong franchise releases expected to drive growth in 2026.

Global box office receipts are forecasted to reach $35 billion in 2026, positioning it as the strongest year since 2019. This projection indicates a consecutive year of worldwide growth, with an anticipated 5% increase over 2025 figures. Key growth is expected in markets heavily influenced by Hollywood productions.

The domestic market is predicted to surge by 11% compared to 2025, reaching approximately $9.9 billion. The international box office, excluding China, is forecast to rise 5% to around $18 billion. While China's market is conservatively estimated at $7.1 billion, it remains the most unpredictable due to its release calendar.

Industry experts highlight an exceptionally strong release slate for 2026, featuring sequels from major franchises like Avengers, Spider-Man, and Toy Story, alongside anticipated hits from renowned directors. These releases, combined with promising non-sequel titles, are expected to provide audiences with a wide array of choices throughout the year.