ANNUAL CINEMA INDEX An insight into the nation's views on cinema
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ANNUAL
CINEMA INDEX
An insight into the nation’s
views on cinema
What got UK cinema goers
INTRODUCTION
excited in 2018?
And what’s coming in 2019?
Meerkat Movies has conducted research amongst 3,000 people to discover the
habits, preferences and desires of UK cinema goers. The ‘Annual Cinema Index’
reveals what mattered to audiences in 2018, and what they want from the big
screen in 2019.
Our research shows that the cinema is more popular, and
more loved, than ever. In fact, UK cinemas saw the highest
attendance levels in almost 50 years in 2018, with a 3.7%
year-on-year increase.1
While new technologies mean the nation now has countless
ways to watch the latest films, the magic of the cinema
experience remains close to our hearts. 70% of people say they
prefer the cinema because it gives films the platform they deserve.
The nation’s passion for the big screen is down to the cinema’s
enduring appeal and the impact of innovative and immersive new
technologies.
https://www.cinemauk.org.uk/2019/01/2018-admissions-figures-confirm-an-extraordinary-year-for-uk-cinemas/
1
2
Shining the spotlight
2018 OVERVIEW
32% of
on film in 2018 people said
A blockbuster year for cinema 2018 was
Audiences were impressed with last Our research shows the increasing
a great year
year’s big screen offerings – 31% of
people we surveyed said 2018 was
popularity of musical films, with
49% of people wanting to see more
for film
a great year for film. Many of us are of the genre in 2019. Celebrating
devoting more time to watching the the life of Queen’s legendary
latest films than in previous years, with frontman Freddie Mercury, Bohemian
32% of the people polled seeing more Rhapsody is a prime example of the
in 2018 than 2017. growing demand for stories that
bring together music and biography.
Pier Paolo Pettineo, Head of Meerkat Looking ahead, 33% of people said
Movies at comparethemarket.com, they’d love to see ground-breaking
said: “2018 was a record-breaking year pop icon David Bowie’s story brought
for cinema which saw a 13% increase to life on screen.
in movie lovers using Meerkat Movies
(4.3 million compared to the 3.8 Superhero films also drew in large
million in 2017). As the awards season audiences in 2018. Incredibles 2
gets underway, celebrating the best came in at number three in the top
of film, it’s great to see the nation ten films seen with Meerkat Movies,
championing diversity both on and Avengers: Infinity War was the fifth
off-screen.” most-watched film, Black Panther
ranked sixth, and Deadpool 2 came in
Musicals were firm favourites. Mamma at number seven. Fantasy and action
Mia! Here We Go Again was the adventure got a look in too, with
number one most-watched film based Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom at
on Meerkat Movies redemptions. It was number eight, and Fantastic Beasts:
swiftly followed by Bohemian Rhapsody The Crimes of Grindelwald at number
at number two and A Star is Born made ten.
it into the top ten too, taking ninth
place.
In 2018, UK cinema
goers saw 4.3 million
Meerkat Movies,
compared to 3.8
million in 2017
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Beliefs, opinions and strong minds
BRITISH CINEMA GOERS
British cinema goers are tastemakers
50% of the film fans polled believe they have a good understanding of
film, with 52% putting their own opinion first when choosing a film to 20% of people
watch at the cinema. 14% look out for award winning films, 16% take
their steer from social media conversations, and 30% factor in critics’
reviews.
want Idris Elba
When it comes to iconic characters, 75% of consumers polled say they
to play the next
feel James Bond should remain as a male lead, ruling out a similar
move as seen by Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who. James Bond
With cinema often viewed as a form of escapism, the majority (57%)
would have little interest in watching a film on Brexit. But as the
theory quickly looms into reality, Brits are still upbeat that Helen
Mirren would top the list as the best actress to play determined
Theresa May.
50% of people say
they have a good
understanding
of film
4Plastics, veganism and diversity
THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
Cinema reflects wider cultural change
32% of
Showing that film continues to be one Diversity is top of audiences’
of the most influential and dynamic minds, and it’s high on the
media of our time, nearly a third of agenda for the film industry
respondents (32%) say that a film has too. People are witnessing and
impacted their views on ethical issues
such as use of plastics and veganism.
Indeed, 32% say that they are using
welcoming improvements in
representation. 37% agree there’s
been an increase in women on
people
less single use plastic as a result of
watching a film and 25% revealing they
now eat less meat.
screen, 31% say they’ve noticed
more LGBTQ characters, and
35% say there’s been an overall
want to
32% of the nation
increase in roles for ethnic
minorities. see more
say watching a
British people are aware of the
creative opportunities diversity
and inclusion bring. For example,
female
movie has shaped
characters
39% would like to see more
women-centric reboots like
their views on Ocean’s 8, which put a unique,
on screen
all-female twist on the Ocean’s
ethical issues trilogy.
5Sound, snacks, and sofas
CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The nation’s love for the big screen experience
The people of the UK don’t just enjoy is what makes it their number one. too. 41% of respondents said popcorn
seeing the latest movies, they’re 49% of people go to the cinema for is a must whenever they visit the
captivated by the magic of the cinema the atmosphere, and 58% go for the cinema, with 45% fully embracing
experience. Streaming services may impressive visual and sound effects their sweet tooth and saying no to
be on the rise, but our research found that set the big screen apart from at- salty or salt ‘n’ sweet options.
that the cinema still trumps home home viewing.
cinema options as the UK’s preferred A trip to the cinema remains a
way to watch blockbusters. Plush velvet seats, sofas and side favourite social event for many people
tables are popping up in cinemas in the UK. Nearly half (49%) of the
70% say they prefer the cinema around the UK, and demand for them nation always choose to head to the
because it gives big movies the is increasing. 36% of UK cinema goers movies with others.
platform they deserve, while 63% say plump for VIP seating. Tasty treats
the enduring magic of the cinema are an important part of the package,
43% prefer to watch blockbusters in
the cinema, rather than at home.
6The future of cinema
INNOVATION
4D, VR and other cinema trends
When considering improvements in technology,
cinema-goers show a great appetite for exploring
new developments with 68% keen to experience
4D and VR in the future.
As a nation, we’re enthusiastic about a cinema
experience that’s always improving and already,
we’ve witnessed upgrades and new additions
across chains and local boutique cinemas. When
asked about their ideal cinema visit, 52% of people
say more legroom would be top of their wish list.
As well as offering plush seats and even sofas,
some cinemas have introduced table service
to offer guests even higher levels of luxury and
comfort. Customers are able to order their food
before a screening, and have it brought directly
to their seats.
29% of cinema goers want to see a ban on
noisy snacks. Tapping into wider trends in food,
drink and hospitality, some cinemas are already
diversifying their food and drink offerings,
providing artisan popcorn, craft beers, cocktails
and on-trend dishes like American-style pizza
and mac ‘n’ cheese.
68% want to
try new cinema
technologies like
4D and VR
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