National Cinema Day boosts UK and Ireland box office
A surge in cinema attendance
Despite a slight dip from last year, the UK and Ireland box office experienced a significant boost on National Cinema Day, held on August 31. Cinemas reported an impressive 1 million admissions for the promotional event, driven by reduced ticket prices. This surge in attendance provided a much-needed lift to the box office, showcasing the enduring appeal of the big screen.
Top performers of the weekend
Despicable Me 4 reclaims the throne
Universal’s Despicable Me 4 narrowly reclaimed the top spot for the weekend, grossing £1.24 million ($1.6 million) in its eighth week of release. This brings its cumulative total to an impressive £44.5 million ($58.4 million). The film’s enduring popularity highlights the franchise’s strong fan base and the appeal of its beloved characters.
Deadpool & Wolverine close behind
Disney’s Deadpool & Wolverine followed closely in second place, earning £1.22 million. This pushes its six-week total to a remarkable £54.6 million. The film’s success is a testament to the enduring popularity of its titular characters and the excitement surrounding their on-screen collaboration.
It Ends With Us rounds out the top three
Sony’s It Ends With Us secured the third spot with £1.1 million in its fourth week, bringing its overall total to £18.6 million. The film’s emotional narrative and strong performances have resonated with audiences, contributing to its steady box office performance.
New releases and notable performances
Alien: Romulus and Andre Rieu’s concert
Disney’s sci-fi horror Alien: Romulus landed in fourth place with £1.07 million, bringing its three-week tally to £10.8 million. Meanwhile, newcomer Andre Rieu’s 2024 Maastricht Concert: Power Of Love debuted in fifth place with £629,652, showcasing the enduring appeal of live concert experiences on the big screen.
Inside Out 2 and Coraline’s re-release
Disney’s Inside Out 2 continued to perform well in its 12th week, adding £614,501 in sixth place for a total of £58.1 million. Trafalgar Releasing’s 15th anniversary re-release of Coraline also benefited from the National Cinema Day promotion, earning £267,646 in its third week, bringing its total to £3.02 million.
Newcomer Afraid
Sony’s new release Afraid rounded out the top 10 with £216,620, indicating a promising start for the film.
Upcoming releases to watch
The Whip and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
The coming week promises a slew of new releases. The Whip, a British political thriller directed by Christopher Presswell and starring Shian Denovan, is set to launch on Wednesday, September 4. On Friday, September 6, Warner Bros. will roll out Tim Burton’s highly anticipated sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Blur: Live at Wembley Stadium and Spider-Man Homecoming
Music fans can look forward to Blur: Live at Wembley Stadium from Altitude, while superhero enthusiasts will have a chance to revisit Spider-Man Homecoming in a one-week re-issue.
Rob Peace and Starve Acre
Elysian Film Group Distribution’s Rob Peace, a drama that debuted at Sundance, marks the return to the directorial chair of acclaimed British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. BFI Distribution is presenting Starve Acre, a folk-horror film from director Daniel Kokotajlo, starring Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark.
Knock Out Blonde and Firebrand
Kaleidoscope Entertainment offers Knock Out Blonde: The Kellie Maloney Story, the authorized documentary of Kellie Maloney, the famous British transgender boxing manager. Other notable releases include Firebrand, a period drama featuring Jude Law and Alicia Vikander, and Vertigo’s acclaimed thriller Red Rooms.
Classic re-releases
The 75th anniversary reissue of the classic The Third Man from Studiocanal and the Batman 85th anniversary celebrations continue with a re-release of Batman Forever from Park Circus.
Reflections on the cinema experience
The resurgence in cinema attendance on National Cinema Day underscores the enduring allure of the big screen. Despite the rise of streaming services, there’s something uniquely captivating about the communal experience of watching a film in a theater. The diverse lineup of upcoming releases, from political thrillers to concert films, ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As we look forward to these new releases, it’s clear that the magic of cinema remains as potent as ever.