The year 2025 is set to be bigger than 2024 for Hollywood, according to Gower Street Analytics’ latest report. The current year is projected to end with a global box office total of nearly $30.5 billion, while the 2025 global box office return could reach up to $33.5 billion, marking an 8% increase over the previous year.
The outlook is also positive for the North American market, which is expected to generate approximately $9.7 billion in 2025, indicating a 9% increase compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the foreign market (excluding China) is anticipated to contribute over $16.8 billion, reflecting a 7% year-over-year growth.
Although the figures fall short of pre-pandemic levels—remaining 14% below the 2017–2019 average at historical exchange rates—the 2025 forecast is expected to surpass 2023’s performance by 1% when calculated using current exchange rates.
Audiences worldwide can look forward to a slate of major releases from prominent production houses in 2025. Marvel Studios, for instance, will drop three highly anticipated films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The DCU is poised to make its mark in theatrical releases with James Gunn’s Superman, slated for a July 2025 debut. Tom Cruise’s highly anticipated final outing as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, with a reported budget of $400 million, is set to hit theatres in May 2025. Additionally, new installments in major franchises such as Jurassic World, Avatar, The Conjuring, John Wick, Zootopia, and others are expected to make 2025 a landmark year for cinema.
Gower Street’s chief analyst, Thomas Beranek, predicts 2026 to be another strong year for the film industry. The lineup includes new entries in the Avengers, Spider-Man, Super Mario Bros., Star Wars, Toy Story, and Shrek franchises, along with a highly anticipated project from Christopher Nolan. Stay tuned for further updates.