ANNUAL CINEMA INDEX

An insight into the nation’s views on cinema

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What got UK cinema goers excited in 2018? And what’s coming in 2019?

Meerkat Movies has conducted research amongst 3,000 people to discover the habits, preferences and desires of UK cinema goers. The ‘Annual Cinema Index’ reveals what mattered to audiences in 2018, and what they want from the big screen in 2019.

Our research shows that the cinema is more popular, and more loved, than ever. In fact, UK cinemas saw the highest attendance levels in almost 50 years in 2018, with a 3.7% year-on-year increase.1

While new technologies mean the nation now has countless ways to watch the latest films, the magic of the cinema experience remains close to our hearts. 70% of people say they prefer the cinema because it gives films the platform they deserve. The nation’s passion for the big screen is down to the cinema’s enduring appeal and the impact of innovative and immersive new technologies.

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1https://www.cinemauk.org.uk/2019/01/2018-admissions-figures-confirm-an-extraordinary-year-for-uk-cinemas/

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Audiences were impressed with last year’s big screen offerings – 31% of people we surveyed said 2018 was a great year for film. Many of us are devoting more time to watching the latest films than in previous years, with 32% of the people polled seeing more in 2018 than 2017.

Pier Paolo Pettineo, Head of Meerkat Movies at comparethemarket.com, said: “2018 was a record-breaking year for cinema which saw a 13% increase in movie lovers using Meerkat Movies (4.3 million compared to the 3.8 million in 2017). As the awards season gets underway, celebrating the best of film, it’s great to see the nation championing diversity both on and off-screen.”

Musicals were firm favourites. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was the number one most-watched film based on Meerkat Movies redemptions. It was swiftly followed by Bohemian Rhapsody at number two and A Star is Born made it into the top ten too, taking ninth place.

Shining the spotlight on film in 2018A blockbuster year for cinema

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In 2018, UK cinema goers saw 4.3 million

Meerkat Movies, compared to 3.8 million in 2017

32% of people said

2018 was a great year

for filmOur research shows the increasing popularity of musical films, with 49% of people wanting to see more of the genre in 2019. Celebrating the life of Queen’s legendary frontman Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody is a prime example of the growing demand for stories that bring together music and biography. Looking ahead, 33% of people said they’d love to see ground-breaking pop icon David Bowie’s story brought to life on screen.

Superhero films also drew in large audiences in 2018. Incredibles 2 came in at number three in the top ten films seen with Meerkat Movies, Avengers: Infinity War was the fifth most-watched film, Black Panther ranked sixth, and Deadpool 2 came in at number seven. Fantasy and action adventure got a look in too, with Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom at number eight, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald at number ten.

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50% of the film fans polled believe they have a good understanding of film, with 52% putting their own opinion first when choosing a film to watch at the cinema. 14% look out for award winning films, 16% take their steer from social media conversations, and 30% factor in critics’ reviews.

When it comes to iconic characters, 75% of consumers polled say they feel James Bond should remain as a male lead, ruling out a similar move as seen by Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who.

With cinema often viewed as a form of escapism, the majority (57%) would have little interest in watching a film on Brexit. But as the theory quickly looms into reality, Brits are still upbeat that Helen Mirren would top the list as the best actress to play determined Theresa May.

Beliefs, opinions and strong mindsBritish cinema goers are tastemakers

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20% of people want Idris Elba

to play the next James Bond

50% of people say they have a good understanding of film

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Showing that film continues to be one of the most influential and dynamic media of our time, nearly a third of respondents (32%) say that a film has impacted their views on ethical issues such as use of plastics and veganism. Indeed, 32% say that they are using less single use plastic as a result of watching a film and 25% revealing they now eat less meat.

Plastics, veganism and diversityCinema reflects wider cultural change

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32% of people want to

see more female

characters on screen

32% of the nation say watching a

movie has shaped their views on ethical issues

Diversity is top of audiences’ minds, and it’s high on the agenda for the film industry too. People are witnessing and welcoming improvements in representation. 37% agree there’s been an increase in women on screen, 31% say they’ve noticed more LGBTQ characters, and 35% say there’s been an overall increase in roles for ethnic minorities.

British people are aware of the creative opportunities diversity and inclusion bring. For example, 39% would like to see more women-centric reboots like Ocean’s 8, which put a unique, all-female twist on the Ocean’s trilogy.

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Sound, snacks, and sofasThe nation’s love for the big screen experience

The people of the UK don’t just enjoy seeing the latest movies, they’re captivated by the magic of the cinema experience. Streaming services may be on the rise, but our research found that the cinema still trumps home cinema options as the UK’s preferred way to watch blockbusters.

70% say they prefer the cinema because it gives big movies the platform they deserve, while 63% say the enduring magic of the cinema

is what makes it their number one. 49% of people go to the cinema for the atmosphere, and 58% go for the impressive visual and sound effects that set the big screen apart from at-home viewing.

Plush velvet seats, sofas and side tables are popping up in cinemas around the UK, and demand for them is increasing. 36% of UK cinema goers plump for VIP seating. Tasty treats are an important part of the package,

too. 41% of respondents said popcorn is a must whenever they visit the cinema, with 45% fully embracing their sweet tooth and saying no to salty or salt ‘n’ sweet options.

A trip to the cinema remains a favourite social event for many people in the UK. Nearly half (49%) of the nation always choose to head to the movies with others.

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43% prefer to watch blockbusters in the cinema, rather than at home.

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The future of cinema4D, VR and other cinema trends

When considering improvements in technology, cinema-goers show a great appetite for exploring new developments with 68% keen to experience 4D and VR in the future.

As a nation, we’re enthusiastic about a cinema experience that’s always improving and already, we’ve witnessed upgrades and new additions across chains and local boutique cinemas. When asked about their ideal cinema visit, 52% of people say more legroom would be top of their wish list. As well as offering plush seats and even sofas, some cinemas have introduced table service to offer guests even higher levels of luxury and comfort. Customers are able to order their food before a screening, and have it brought directly to their seats.

29% of cinema goers want to see a ban on noisy snacks. Tapping into wider trends in food, drink and hospitality, some cinemas are already diversifying their food and drink offerings, providing artisan popcorn, craft beers, cocktails and on-trend dishes like American-style pizza and mac ‘n’ cheese.

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68% want to try new cinema

technologies like 4D and VR