Summer cinema admissions jump 9%, hitting 1.83 million

AUCKLAND, Today: New Zealand cinemas had a smashing summer, with audiences racing to the big screen for unforgettable cultural moments.

Between 28th November 2024 and 2nd February 2025, cinemas saw 1.83 million people walk through their doors, a +9% jump from last year.

Cinemas were the top pick for elusive demographics this summer, showing impressive gains. Youth audiences aged 14-24 surged by +11%, while the 18-39 and 25-54 age groups both increased by +4%. Blockbuster family franchises and a hit live-action musical fuelled this growth.

The big winner of the season was Moana 2, attracting 502,000 moviegoers and becoming NZ’s second highest-grossing animated film ever, surpassing Inside Out 2.

Wicked nabbed the second spot for the summer, bringing in 286,000 viewers.

“The growth in admissions and key demographics proves cinema’s strong place in the hearts of Kiwis, and the momentum is set to continue with the depth of content releasing over 2025.” – Matt Tremain

Mufasa: The Lion King also had a solid showing, with 222,000 admissions since its late December release, continuing the franchise’s strong appeal.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 impressed with 210,000 admissions, setting a new franchise record.

Released on New Year’s Day, Paddington in Peru has so far drawn 132,000 viewers, making it the top film in the Paddington series.

Matt Tremain, Sales Director of Val Morgan Cinema New Zealand said, “The growth in admissions and key demographics proves cinema’s strong place in the hearts of Kiwis, and the momentum is set to continue with the depth of content releasing over 2025.”

The 2025 lineup looks exciting, especially for youth and family audiences, with big names like A Minecraft Movie, Mission: Impossible 8, How To Train Your Dragon, 28 Years Later, and F1 all expected before the end of June.

The second half of 2025 promises blockbuster franchise films like Jurassic World: Rebirth, Superman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, and Avatar: Fire and Ash, anticipated to be the biggest hit of the year.

Tremain added, “With the upcoming slate of guaranteed blockbuster hits, brands can connect with hard-to-reach audiences all year long.”

*Source: CineTAM 2024/2025