Motion picture theatre revenues increase in 2024
Operating revenue in the motion picture theatres industry reached $1.6 billion in 2024, a 12.0% increase from 2022.
As restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the industry for part of 2022, the growth in 2024 was
attributable in large part to a full return to normal operations. Despite these gains, the industry's national operating
revenue was 13.1% below that of $1.9 billion recorded in 2018—the highest amount on record since the beginning
of the data series in 2014—underscoring the prolonged impact of the pandemic on the industry.
Operating expenditures grew at a slower pace than operating revenue, increasing 10.3% from 2022 to $1.5 billion
in 2024. As a result, the operating profit margin rose to 7.9% in 2024; however, this was well below the profit margin
recorded in 2018, pre-pandemic (16.2%).
In response to rising cost pressures and stagnating theatre attendance, which climbed to two-thirds (66.6%) of the
level seen in 2018, the average ticket price (calculated as total admission receipts divided by the number of paid
admissions) rose to $12.57 in 2024. This represented a 5.5% increase from 2022 ($11.91) and a 31.9% rise
from 2020 ($9.53).
E-commerce sales in 2024 declined to $234.4 million, or 15.7% of total sales. This marks a significant drop from
their 2022 peak of $307.2 million, or one-quarter (24.7%) of total sales. During the pandemic, e-commerce sales
were buoyed by food sales made through delivery services and the widespread practice of booking seats online in
advance. However, with the return to in-person experiences and a resumption of business as usual in 2024, more
people began purchasing their tickets in person again.
In 2024, the largest component of sales for the motion picture theatres industry was once again admission receipts,
accounting for more than half (53.8%) of total sales. This was followed by sales of food and beverages, which
increased their share to 38.0%.
Looking ahead: Innovation and adaptation at the heart of Canada's film industry
Canada's motion picture industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, but it moves forward with measured caution. While pent-up demand and delayed theatrical releases led to revenue growth in 2024, the industry still faces significant long-term challenges.
The pandemic accelerated shifts in consumer habits and preferences, leading many audiences to favour the convenience of digital platforms over traditional cinema experiences. As streaming services capture an increasing share of viewer attention, box office revenues will continue to face growing competition, fundamentally reshaping how Canadians engage with film.
The next release of the biennial survey on motion picture theatres, scheduled for fall 2027, will offer deeper insight into the financial impact of these ongoing trends.
Note to readers
Data for 2022 have been revised.
These and other data related to the arts, culture, heritage and sports sectors can be found at the Culture statistics portal.
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).