$35.7 Billion: 2026 global box office headed for best year since 2019, forecast says
A stronger annual forecast
Gower Street Analytics expects worldwide box office revenue to reach $35.7 billion this year. Its earlier estimate, released before CinemaCon in April, was $34.7 billion. The updated projection is 2.9% higher than that earlier figure. If achieved, the total would mark an increase of about 6.3% from 2025 and the best annual result since the pandemic affected theaters in 2020.
Even so, the forecast remains below the $42.3 billion earned globally in 2019. The industry has faced years of challenges, including fewer moviegoers and the rising popularity of streaming services such as Paramount+.
Regional revenue projections
North America is expected to contribute $10.5 billion, up 18% from 2025. Markets outside China are projected to bring in $19.7 billion, nearly 14% more than the previous year.
China’s box office is forecast at $5.5 billion, a 26% decline from its previous performance. The projections combine actual results from Rentrak with estimates from Gower Street Analytics.
Blockbusters and horror hits
Five releases tied to popular franchises or properties have already crossed $1 billion worldwide. Spider-Man: Brand New Day leads with $2.5 billion, followed by Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey at approximately $1.8 billion.
Horror has added to the year’s theatrical results. Obsession has brought in about $525 million worldwide, Backrooms has passed $400 million, and the Resident Evil adaptation has also performed very well.
Key points
- Gower Street Analytics projects $35.7 billion in global box office revenue for 2026.
- The forecast is 2.9% above the company’s April estimate and about 6.3% above 2025.
- North America is projected to contribute $10.5 billion, while China is forecast at $5.5 billion.
- Five major releases have passed $1 billion worldwide, led by Spider-Man: Brand New Day at $2.5 billion.