France hit 213.3 million cinema admissions in 2019, driven by blockbusters and war films like Midway, which impressed viewers with its historical accuracy and spectacle.
Cinema attendance in France hits record levels in 2019
France saw 213.3 million cinema tickets sold in 2019, the sixth year in a row that the 200 million admissions mark was surpassed. This figure represents one of the highest levels of cinema attendance in the country before the global pandemic disrupted the industry later that year.American blockbusters lead the way
The success of French cinema in 2019 was largely driven by the release of American blockbusters, including The Lion King, Frozen II, Avengers: Endgame, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Joker, and Toy Story 4. These films attracted large audiences and contributed significantly to the overall ticket sales.French films also gain traction
French feature films performed well in 2019, with titles such as What Have We Done to the Good Lord?, We Will Be Together by Guillaume Canet, and Hors Normes by Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache drawing public interest. These films helped maintain a strong domestic presence in the cinema market.War films have mixed reception
Several war films were released in France in 2019, including Sisters in Arms, Mercy of the Jungle, and Rogue Warfare: The Art of War. However, these films did not fully convince the public, while others like Sympathy for the Devil and Midway were better received.Midway captures historical drama
Midway, directed by Roland Emmerich, was released in France on November 6, 2019. The film recounts the first six months of World War II in the Pacific, focusing on key events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and the naval battle of Midway. Despite a modest box office performance, it received positive feedback from audiences for its historical accuracy and visual spectacle.Positive audience reactions to Midway
Spectators praised Midway for its realistic portrayal of airfield attacks and its gripping aerial combat scenes. The film earned an average rating of 3.5/5 on Allociné, with many viewers appreciating its attention to detail and special effects. It is now available on the Prime Video platform in France.
