The global entertainment market reached US$96.8 billion in 2018 – a 9% increase over 2017 – according to new, combined theatrical and home entertainment data released by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
The 2018 global box office grew to $41.1 billion, while global home entertainment increased by 16% over 2017 levels to reach $55.7 billion.
The 2018 THEME Report, a comprehensive analysis and survey of the theatrical and home entertainment market environment (THEME), provides in-depth analysis of the state of the industry and an audience demographic survey.
This year’s expanded study includes new reporting on global 3D box office estimates, data on the volume of original series production for television and online video services, and detailed demographic data for home entertainment viewing in the United States.
The US/Canada box office increased by 7% to $11.9 billion, a record high. Three-quarters (75%) of the US/Canada population, or 263 million people, went to the cinema at least once in 2018. The gender composition of the cinema audience was 51% female and 49% male.
On the global level, seven markets outside the US/Canada saw box office totals of $1 billion or more. The Asia Pacific box office totalled $16.7 billion, an increase of 5% compared to 2017. China was the primary growth driver, with a 12% increase in box office.
Global home entertainment consumer spending increased by 16% over 2017 levels to reach $55.7 billion. The growth was driven by digital home entertainment, with US digital spending increasing by 24% and international digital spending increasing by 34%. Since 2014, digital spending has increased 170% globally.
Other home entertainment findings include:
Globally, the number of subscriptions to online video services reached 613 million, an increase of 27% in just one year. Subscriptions to online video services surpassed cable subscriptions for the first time in 2018.
In 2018, overall spending on home entertainment in the US increased to $23.3 billion, up 12% over 2017.
Americans now spend 52% of their media time on a digital platform.