Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant decline in cinema attendance among young people in China, attributing it to poor viewing experiences and high costs associated with going to the movies [3][5]. Group 1: Cinema Expansion vs. Audience Decline - Despite the expansion of cinemas, with 13,000 theaters and 81,000 screens by 2024, total box office revenue has dropped to 42.5 billion yuan, a one-third decrease from the 64.15 billion yuan peak in 2019 [7][8]. - The annual attendance rate for cinemas reached a historical low of 5.7% in 2024, indicating that in a 100-seat theater, only about 5 to 6 people are watching a film [10]. - Major holiday periods, such as the Spring Festival, have seen attendance rates decline, with the 2024 Spring Festival showing only 4.2% attendance despite the release of well-received films [10][14]. Group 2: Dependence on Blockbusters and Holiday Releases - The cinema industry increasingly relies on a few blockbuster films and key holiday periods for revenue, with holiday box office accounting for over 70% of total revenue since 2022 [15]. - The Spring Festival has become the dominant box office period, with the 2018 Spring Festival generating 5.771 billion yuan in just seven days, making it the first month in Chinese film history to surpass 10 billion yuan [19]. - However, the competition for audience attention during these periods is fierce, with many films failing to attract viewers, leading to a high rate of film withdrawals from the schedule [19][24]. Group 3: Changing Audience Preferences - The average age of cinema-goers has increased from 27.7 years in 2021 to 32.5 years in 2025, indicating a shift in the demographic of movie audiences [35]. - Young people no longer view cinema attendance as a necessary social activity, opting instead for other forms of entertainment that are perceived as more convenient and cost-effective [35][36]. - The rising average ticket prices, which have increased by 16% in first-tier cities since 2014, further discourage attendance, with prices in lower-tier cities also rising significantly [33]. Group 4: Quality of Movie Experience - Many viewers report negative experiences in cinemas, including uncomfortable seating, poor cleanliness, and disruptive audience behavior, leading to a reluctance to return [28][32]. - The quality of films has also been criticized, with many viewers feeling that the actual content does not match the promotional material, resulting in disappointment [32][36]. - The perception that watching movies in theaters is no longer a worthwhile investment of time and money has contributed to the decline in attendance [28][36].
中国年轻人，不去电影院了？
虎嗅APP·2025-09-07 13:17