Despite the Covid-19 and the health measures, cinemas have recorded precisely 96 million admissions since January. According to the National Center of Cinematography (CNC), this is an increase of 47% compared to 2020. We are still very far from the 213 million admissions totaled in 2019 which had marked a record in more than half a century .
Between 2020 and 2021, the figures are difficult to compare. This year, the cinemas remained closed until May 19, then constrained to gauges, then curfews, then the presentation of the sanitary pass. On the only months of opening, the decline in attendance was nevertheless limited to 25% compared to the same period of 2019, before the crisis, therefore. Despite this, 2021 ends with an attendance rate close to normal. If we compare with what is happening abroad, France is doing well. According to the specialist company Comscore, French cinemas have experienced the smallest drop in attendance among the five major European countries including Germany, and Spain.
The end of the year is marked by the performance of Spiderman, including the latest adventures No way home released on December 15, took the lead in the annual ranking. Americans are still popular, especially with the James Bond, Die can wait, which also remains a locomotive. Overall, the year was marked by a performance of French films which secured four out of ten admissions: Kaamelot-Premier fliest, BAC North and The Tuche 4 .
The exhibitors, who admit having been well supported by state aid, are now crossing their fingers that the return of spectators is transformed into a lasting movement.