This is a print-friendly version of www.whitehutchinson.com/news/lenews/2013/february/article106.shtml

White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

2012 North American cinema attendance increases

The data is in for 2012 cinema box office attendance. The number of tickets sold in North American was up 6% over 2011. However, when you look at long-term trends, per capita attendance that adjusts for population growth is down 20% since its peak in 2002.

There could be a number of factors why 2012 saw an increase. Could it be the quality of movies? 2012 saw three blockbusters grossing over $300 million – The Avengers $623M, The Dark Knight Rises $448M, The Hunger Games $408M and Skyfall $302M. 2011 only had two movies – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 $381M and Transformers: Dark of the Moon 

Could it be that reduced ticket prices – an average price of $7.94 in 2012 compared to $8.12 in 2011 (inflation-adjusted) helped increase attendance? Could it be that an improving economy saw more people spending to attend the cinema? Could it be that cinemas that are increasing the quality of the moviegoing experience are attracting more people to attend. Perhaps it is a combination of a number of or all the above factors.

The big question is does this indicate a positive change to the long-term downward trend of per capita attendance? It will take several more years of attendance data to know. 

© 1999 - 2026, White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Inc.
The contents of this website and eNewsletters are protected by USA and international copyright law. Permission is granted to download and print single copites of any of the contents or articles for personal use. No other copies may be made. Educational institutions may obtain permission to make multiple copies for classroom use by e-mailing us with details. The contents of articles may be quoted provided credit is given to the "(author's name), White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA". All other rights for use or reproduction of the contents and articles are reserved.