Laura Carollo
Research expert covering cinema and film
Film production worldwide - statistics & facts
Imaginative film-sets, talented actors and actresses, riveting screenplays – this is what primarily draws customers to the big and small screen. These factors also account for the largest shares of movie production budgets. Recent years have proven that a big budget does not necessarily translate to large returns (or sometimes leads to losses, as illustrated by the live action remake of the Disney classic “Snow White”. Nonetheless, the show must go on, and the film production industry is working tirelessly to regain strength lost during the coronavirus pandemic and to attract viewers with better or, at the very least, more films.
In Japan, the decline over that period was smoother. At the same time, Japanese viewers were able to see 685 domestic productions released in cinemas, which is just slightly lower than the record-high numbers recorded in 2019.
For the Indian film industry, also among the top global producers, 2024 meant the production of more than 1.8 thousand movies, also nearing the pre-pandemic volume. Additionally, the number of movies made in India and released abroad more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, showing healthy recovery for Bollywood productions overseas.
Which are the biggest movie markets?
The global film industry could be divided into two broad categories: producers and earners. While both are dominated by Hollywood, the movie-making segment has healthy results in major European and Asian markets as well. Production volumes are undeniably the highest in the United States, so much so, that the country alone accounts for almost 25 percent of all movies made worldwide. Also, when it comes to earnings, the domestic market leads the pack, with the Chinese market following closely behind. International markets combined add up to about half of global box office revenues. The European market remains healthy, with the UK, Germany and France maintaining the leading positions.Spotlight: the three Asian film titans
In 2024, the Chinese film industry stumbled in comparison to the previous year, a trend that could be felt all around the globe. Still, 2025 saw the release of mega hit “Ne Zha 2”, the animated sensation that became both the highest grossing animated movie to date released globally, as well as the highest grossing movie of all time in China.In Japan, the decline over that period was smoother. At the same time, Japanese viewers were able to see 685 domestic productions released in cinemas, which is just slightly lower than the record-high numbers recorded in 2019.
For the Indian film industry, also among the top global producers, 2024 meant the production of more than 1.8 thousand movies, also nearing the pre-pandemic volume. Additionally, the number of movies made in India and released abroad more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, showing healthy recovery for Bollywood productions overseas.
Where is the movie production industry heading?
Recent figures point to a growth in volume numbers across numerous key markets. However, the film sector’s attempt to make up for the losses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic are weakened by the economic struggles of major producers and recent labor strikes and outcry against the use of AI in the industry. While the movie production numbers are growing, they are not yet at recovery levels, and the real success lies in the quality. It all boils down to whether or not consumers will be interested enough to watch new movie releases in cinemas and on TV, and most importantly – pay for it.
