Multiple territories in Europe and the Middle East clocked record admissions figures in August as the global box office passed $4 billion, according to a new report by the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC). 

UNIC’s report states that box office stats across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) increased 88% year-on-year, marking the eighth consecutive month of double-digit growth across those regions. 

In August, France recorded 19.9 million admissions, the best figure recorded in the country during August since monthly records began in 1980 and twice the level of the same month in 2025.

In Italy, cinemas enjoyed their best-ever June-August period, with 20.8 million admissions and €162.3 million in box office receipts. That is the strongest August ever recorded in the country. 

Gower Street also reported significant year-on-year increases across markets including Spain (+71%), the Netherlands (+77%) and the UK & Ireland (+80%).

UNIC’s report credits international blockbusters such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, alongside successful local productions, including French two-part drama De Gaulle, the German comedy Steckerlsfischfiasko, and the Spanish family franchise Tadeo Jones 4, for the strong figures. 

The findings were presented this week at the Lumière Summit in France. 

Laura Houlgatte, CEO of UNIC, said this summer “has provided a powerful demonstration of public enthusiasm for the Big Screen and the theatrical experience.” 

Houlgatte added: “Audiences across Europe turned out in huge numbers for major releases, once again showing the extraordinary ability of cinemas to bring people together around films that become cultural events.”

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