Movie Theatres in Canada - Market Research Report (2013-2028)
New York, United States
Last Updated: December 2023
NAICS 51213CARevenue
$2.5bn
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
$XX.Xbn
Employees
23,354
Businesses
541
Wages
$XXX.Xm
Movie Theatres in Canada industry analysis
The performance of the movie theatre industry largely depends on the success or failure of major film releases. Although per capita disposable income directly influences households' ability to spend on discretionary services, such as movies, the marketing efforts and popularity of blockbuster films strongly determine revenue, as movie-going is a relatively low-cost entertainment option. Cineplex, the industry's dominant player, also drives industry performance, as it typically accounts for more than 60.0% of the domestic market. The COVID-19 pandemic created significant disruptions for the industry as theatres temporarily closed and audiences stayed home, which resulted in industry revenue dropping 71.7% in 2020. The industry experienced strong growth in 2021 and 2022 as restrictions eased and audiences returned, supporting profit. Revenue is expected to decline at a CAGR of 1.6% to $2.3 billion over the past five years, with growth of 23.2% forecast during the current year as recovery continues.External forms of competition, including online video, on-demand services, internet-enabled TVs, smartphones and tablets, have constrained industry growth in recent years. Exhibitors have responded by focusing on concessions and other revenue streams that are typically more lucrative than ticket sales, as these are usually split with distributors under film licensing agreements. Movie attendance has stagnated in recent years, mostly due to external competition from substitute entertainment services, a trend accelerated by pandemic-related disruptions.Over the five years to 2028, industry revenue will continue to depend on films' ability to draw attendance and annual studio release schedules. Meanwhile, the trend toward larger multiplexes is expected to continue over the next five years. As major players such as Cineplex upgrade theatres, add amenities and focus on concessions, independent venues that are unable to compete will likely exit the industry entirely. Industry revenue is projected to increase at a CAGR of 2.7% to $2.7 billion over the five years to 2028 as theatres continue to recover from major setbacks experienced during the current period.
Trends and Insights
- The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a plummet in theatre attendance, severely impacting industry revenues. Audiences continue to return to theatres in 2023, supporting overall industry recovery.
- Box office sales, from both online and physical ticket outlets, constitute the majority of revenue from movie viewings at theaters. The adoption of digital and 3D technologies has significantly transformed this segment, with a prominent presence of foreign, particularly US, films.
- Ontario leads Canada's movie theatre industry, mirroring its status as the country's most populated province. Cineplex, a key player in the industry, is based in Toronto, one of Ontario's two major entertainment hubs.
- Cineplex dominates the Canadian movie theatre industry, capitalizing on popular film licensing, which often prompts smaller theatres to show films in second or third run. Competitions also focus on ticket pricing, auditorium quality, and linguistic variety, with theaters offering French and English films having a competitive advantage.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2013-2028)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 0.6 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $2.5bn in 2023.
Trends and Insights
Theatres are heavily dependent on US-produced films
- The success or failure of the Canadian movie theatre industry is largely tied to the performance of US-produced films, due to the global influence of US media.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Continued growth is expected for movie theatres
- Despite earlier coronavirus-induced setbacks and rising competition from digital streaming platforms, the industry is forecast to recover and grow over the next five years.
Biggest companies in the Movie Theatres in Canada
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue ($m)
2024 | Profit ($m)
2024 | Profit Margin (%)
2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cineplex Inc. | 1,602.0 | 360.6 | 22.5 | |
Landmark Cinemas of Canada Inc. | 229.3 | 39.7 | 17.3 | |
Cinémas Guzzo | 35.5 | N/A | N/A |
To view the market share and analysis for all 4 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including In-theatre ticket sales, Online ticket sales and Rental of facilities. In-theatre ticket sales is the largest segment of the Movie Theatres in Canada.
Trends and Insights
Box office sales account for the largest share of revenue
- This major segment involves the revenue generated from movie viewings at theatres including ticket sales from both physical and online platforms.
- More insights available in the full report
Widen you competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- Movie & Video Distribution in Canada
- DVD, Game & Video Rental in Canada
Complementors
- Movie, TV & Video Production in Canada
- Video Postproduction Services in Canada
International industries
- Movie Theaters in the US
- Cinemas in Australia
- Cinemas in the UK
- Cinemas in China
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
The Movie Theatres industry in Canada comprises operators that primarily exhibit movies. It includes cinemas, drive-in and outdoor movie theatres and film festival exhibitors.
What's included in this industry?
Operating movie theatres and cinemasExhibiting films at festivalsOperating drive-in movie theatresCompanies
Cineplex Inc.Landmark Cinemas of Canada Inc.Cinémas GuzzoPurchase this report to view all 4 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
BOX OFFICE SALESCONCESSIONSBLOCKBUSTERVIDEO ON DEMANDIndustry Code
NAICS 512130 - Movie Theatres in Canada
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a plummet in theatre attendance, severely impacting industry revenues. Audiences continue to return to theatres in 2023, supporting overall in...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Employees, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Businesses, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Profit, including historical (2013-2023)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Box office sales, from both online and physical ticket outlets, constitute the majority of revenue from movie viewings at theaters. The adoption of digital and 3D technologie...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2023
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2023
- Major market segmentation in 2023
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Ontario leads Canada's movie theatre industry, mirroring its status as the country's most populated province. Cineplex, a key player in the industry, is based in Toronto, one...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each province
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2023
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each province in 2023
- Number and share of revenue each province accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of wages each province accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of employees in each province in 2023
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Cineplex dominates the Canadian movie theatre industry, capitalizing on popular film licensing, which often prompts smaller theatres to show films in second or third run. Com...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2018-2023
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Cineplex, a Canadian cinema company established in 1912, has expanded its operations by collaborating with IMAX and diversifying its offerings through multifunctional venues l...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2019 through 2023
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2023
- Overview of Cineplex Inc.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Landmark Cinemas of Canada Inc.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Cinémas Guzzo's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for one additional company
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Cineplex Inc., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Landmark Cinemas of Canada Inc., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Cinémas Guzzo, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for one additional company
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
The Canadian government established the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations in May 2020, allocating $500.0 million to aid cultural a...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Purchases, encompassing resale goods and various operational costs, are set to form a growing proportion of movie theatres' revenue in the coming years. Despite efforts to cu...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Liquidity Ratios (2016-2021)
- Coverage Ratios (2016-2021)
- Leverage Ratios (2016-2021)
- Operating Ratios (2016-2021)
- Assets (2016-2021)
- Liabilities (2016-2021)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Employee (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Employees per Establishment (2013-2028)
- Employees per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Average Wage (2013-2028)
- Wages/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- IVA/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Imports/Demand (2013-2028)
- Exports/Revenue (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2013-2028)
- IVA (2013-2028)
- Establishments (2013-2028)
- Enterprises (2013-2028)
- Employment (2013-2028)
- Exports (2013-2028)
- Imports (2013-2028)
- Wages (2013-2028)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in Canada include:
- Statistics Canada
- Industry Canada
- Canadian Business Patterns
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Movie Theatres industry in Canada in 2024?
The market size of the Movie Theatres industry in Canada is $2.5bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Movie Theatres in Canada industry in 2023?
There are 541 businesses in the Movie Theatres industry in Canada, which has declined at a CAGR of 0.2 % between 2018 and 2023.
Has the Movie Theatres industry in Canada grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Movie Theatres industry in Canada has been declining at a CAGR of 0.6 % between 2018 and 2023.
What is the forecast growth of the Movie Theatres industry in Canada over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Movie Theatres industry in Canada is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Movie Theatres market in Canada?
The biggest companies operating in the Movie Theatres market in Canada are Cineplex Inc., Landmark Cinemas of Canada Inc. and Cinémas Guzzo
What does the Movie Theatres in Canada include?
Operating movie theatres and cinemas and Exhibiting films at festivals are part of the Movie Theatres industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Movie Theatres in Canada?
The company holding the most market share in Canada is Cineplex Inc..
How competitive is the Movie Theatres industry in Canada?
The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Movie Theatres industry in Canada.
