The U.K. box office has experienced a notable resurgence, marking its most prosperous year since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a remarkable total of £1.07 billion (.45 billion) for 2025, the industry is gradually recovering from the lingering economic impacts of the pandemic, compounded by a global cost-of-living crisis and recent talent strikes. While this figure still falls approximately 21 percent short of pre-COVID levels, the upward trend in cinema attendance is encouraging, alongside the opening of 11 new or refurbished cinemas across the country.
Familiar Favorites Dominate
The top ten films of the year reflect a strong preference for familiarity, as all entries are either sequels, remakes, or adaptations of existing media. Leading the pack is A Minecraft Movie, which captivated audiences and generated £56.8 million (.9 million). The film, featuring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, has already sparked interest for a sequel in development.
Following closely is the romantic comedy sequel Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, which amassed £46.3 million (.7 million), and the musical Wicked: For Good, currently still in theaters, with a gross of £45.8 million ( million). This positioning suggests that it may soon surpass Bridget Jones in total earnings.
Completing the top five are Lilo & Stitch with £37.3 million (.4 million) and Jurassic World Rebirth at £36.1 million (.7 million). Notably, this marks the first time since 2020 that no superhero films have made it into the top half of the chart.
James Gunn’s Superman narrowly missed the sixth spot with £28.1 million (.9 million), while Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps rounded out the top ten with £23.9 million (.3 million). The complete list of the top ten films is as follows:
Top 10 Films in U.K. & Ireland in 2025:
- 1. A Minecraft Movie — £56.8 million (.9 million)
- 2. Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy — £46.3 million (.7 million)
- 3. Wicked: For Good — £45.8 million ( million)
- 4. Lilo & Stitch — £37.3 million (.4 million)
- 5. Jurassic World Rebirth — £36.1 million (.7 million)
- 6. Superman — £28.1 million (.9 million)
- 7. Avatar: Fire And Ash — £27.1 million (.7 million)
- 8. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning — £26.3 million (.6 million)
- 9. Zootopia 2 — £25.4 million (.3 million)
- 10. The Fantastic Four: First Steps — £23.9 million (.3 million)
Despite the perception that cinemas face challenges from the rise of streaming services, Andy Leyshon, chief executive of the Film Distributors’ Association, expressed optimism regarding the box office’s recovery. He noted, “It was good to see a box office increase in 2025, and having now witnessed a healthy level of theatrical stability over the last three years, it is evident that the unique visual pleasure of a visit to the cinema remains the leading out-of-home entertainment choice for audiences.”
Additionally, a recent report highlighted a significant trend among Gen Z audiences, who are flocking to cinemas in greater numbers than ever, with a 25 percent increase in attendance noted for 2025.
