July 2, 2024
UK drama films boost Q1 box office in UK-Ireland but Q2 off to slow start.
UK - The UK-Ireland box office saw positive signs during
the first quarter (Q1) of 2024. UK drama films performed particularly well,
contributing to a 17% increase in total box office revenue compared to 2023.
From January to mid-April, the box office grossed £217 million.
Top Performers
in Q1:
Warner Bros’ Dune:
Part Two led the way, grossing £38 million.
One Life, an independent UK film released by Warner Bros,
earned £10 million.
Notably, four UK
dramas grossed over £5 million each in Q1: Back To Black, One Life, Wicked
Little Letters, and All Of Us Strangers.
UK independent films
accounted for 13.6% of the Q1 box office, up from 9.2% in 2023. Event cinema
titles also performed well, grossing over £9 million in Q1.
Q2 Challenges:
May 2024 witnessed a
29% decline compared to the same period in 2023. Disney’s Kingdom Of The
Planet Of The Apes was the top performer in May, grossing £13.7 million.
The total UK-Ireland
box office for 2024 is tracking 9% behind 2023, emphasising the need for
patience and optimism.
While Q1 showed
promise, the entertainment industry faces challenges in Q2. Patience and a
diverse slate of titles will be crucial for a successful year at the box office.