Saudi Arabia’s cinema industry continues to thrive, as highlighted in a recent report from the Saudi Film Commission. In 2025, the sector achieved an impressive US$245 million in box office sales and sold approximately 18.8 million tickets, marking one of the most successful years since cinemas reopened in the Kingdom. These achievements place Saudi Arabia among the world’s top 15 box office markets, reflecting the swift growth of its film landscape and expanding audience.
The report emphasises the remarkable performance of local films, which, although they accounted for only 11 of 538 total releases—about 3% of the lineup—generated 13% of total box office revenue. Notably, three Saudi-produced films made it into the top 10 highest-grossing films of the year, signifying a growing appetite for local content and enhanced audience engagement with homegrown narratives.
Also noteworthy is the continued investment in cinema infrastructure; 603 screens are now operational in 20 cities, supported by eight exhibition companies. This enhancement has led to increased attendance, with 18.8 million tickets sold in 2025—the highest annual total since the cinema ban was lifted in 2018.
In terms of diversity, the market offered a wide range, with the year’s top 10 films spanning four countries and covering genres such as comedy, drama, action, and animation. This variety indicates an audience that is becoming more receptive to global content while still appreciating local stories.
In summary, these results reflect a developing cinema market in Saudi Arabia, fueled by rising private-sector confidence, expanding infrastructure, and the growing quality and market appeal of local film productions. The positive figures further bolster the Kingdom’s aspirations to become a formidable contender in the international film industry.
