Fewer viewers, rising prices and disappointing blockbusters

To be honest, the following topic will hardly surprise anyone: Once again it is said from the cinema world that the industry, especially in this country, is “in crisis”. What, when I was a child, still seemed like a second birthday when it said “Come on!” “We’re going to the cinema” is more likely to be a reason for many people to ask themselves whether the film is already available on well-known streaming platforms. As is well known, Corona was almost the death knell for the industry and shows once again that the classic cinema has had its day for many citizens.

According to HDF KINO eV, the largest German cinema association, only 90 million tickets are expected to be sold in 2024. That would be the lowest value in at least 30 years and a significant disadvantage compared to the 118 million tickets sold in 2019. There are many reasons for this development. Media scientist Klaus Goldhammer notes that usage behavior has changed, particularly among the younger generation. Ticket prices have also risen: while the average cost of going to the cinema in 2021 was less than 9 euros, the price in 2023 was already 9.71 euros. The Hollywood actors’ strike last year also hit the industry, as many productions were delayed and therefore never made it to the cinemas.

The chairwoman of the HDF, Christine Berg, sees another reason in the quality of the films. Blockbusters, like the sequel to “Joker”, failed to meet expectations and disappointed some viewers and critics. Although cinema is currently facing major challenges, Goldhammer does not expect cinemas to die.

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