French Box Office Rises 19.7% in First Half of 2026, Local and U.S. Films Drive Growth
13 reported
France’s theatrical market grossed an estimated €680 million ($776 million) from nearly 92 million admissions in the first half of 2026, a 19.7% year-on-year increase, according to a Variety report. The recovery was driven by a mix of French productions, Hollywood tentpoles, and breakout genre films. French films accounted for 42.5% of admissions, while U.S. films represented 47.5%, per CNC estimates. Around 20 films crossed the 1 million-admission threshold, including eight French titles, according to Comscore France managing director Eric Marti. The first half of 2026 ended with more than 5 million tickets sold in its final week, only the second time the French market crossed that threshold this year. Marti noted the market’s ability to recover rapidly from periods of weakness, with dips in mid-March and early June followed by quick rebounds.
What’s reported
French box office grossed an estimated €680 million ($776 million) from nearly 92 million admissions in the first half of 2026.
Admissions rose 19.7% year-on-year.
French films accounted for 42.5% of admissions; U.S. films accounted for 47.5%, per CNC estimates.
Around 20 films crossed the 1 million-admission threshold, including eight French titles.
French family adventure “Marsupilami” led the annual box office with more than 6.1 million admissions.
Other French titles in the top 10: “Guru,” “Children of the Resistance,” “Just an Illusion,” and “De Gaulle: Resistance.”
U.S. titles in the top 10: “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “Michael,” “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “Toy Story 5,” and “Hoppers.”
Horror breakout “Obsession” reached approximately 1.4 million admissions since May 13; “Backrooms” reached around 1.1 million since June 17.
The first half of 2026 ended with more than 5 million tickets sold in its final week.
The Fête du Cinéma generated approximately 3.7 million admissions.
Admissions dipped around mid-March and early June but rebounded quickly.
The two-part historical epic “De Gaulle” saw strong performance: first film passed 1.7 million admissions, second opened strongly.
The French market performed slightly ahead of Italy and outperformed the U.K., but remained behind Germany and Spain.
Key figures
Eric Marti, managing director of Comscore France.
Sources: Variety
