Swiss Cinema Attendance Drops in 2025, Especially in French-Speaking Region

Swiss cinemas experienced a downturn in attendance last year, according to data released on January 16th by the Federal Statistical Office. The decline was particularly pronounced in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, while the Swiss film industry itself saw a positive year.

Regional Disparities in Cinema Attendance

The data reveals a significant difference in attendance trends across Switzerland. French-speaking Switzerland saw a 15.6% decrease in moviegoers, totaling 2.9 million admissions. German-speaking Switzerland experienced a more moderate decline of 4.3%, with 6.5 million admissions. Italian-speaking Switzerland fell in between, with a 10.7% decrease and 279,000 attendees.

Did You Know? In 2016, Swiss cinemas welcomed 13.7 million spectators, a figure significantly higher than the 9.77 million recorded in 2025.

The lack of successful French-language films is cited as a contributing factor to the decline in attendance in French-speaking Switzerland. Interestingly, cinemas in major cities within German-speaking Switzerland saw a slight increase of 0.5% in attendance. The total number of cinema screens remained stable throughout the year.

A Bright Spot for Swiss Cinema

Despite the overall downturn, Swiss films enjoyed a successful year. Nearly 985,000 people attended screenings of Swiss productions, representing a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year.

Expert Insight: The contrasting performance of Swiss films versus overall cinema attendance suggests a potential appetite among audiences for locally produced content, even amidst broader challenges facing the industry. This could indicate a strategic opportunity for Swiss filmmakers and distributors.

Overall, Swiss cinemas recorded 9.77 million admissions last year, approximately 8.3% fewer than the previous year. Excluding pandemic years, 2025 represents the lowest attendance figures since 2016. The 9.77 million admissions generated around 160 million francs in box office revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the overall change in cinema attendance in Switzerland last year?

Overall, Swiss cinemas recorded 9.77 million admissions last year, which is approximately 8.3% less than the previous year.

Which region of Switzerland experienced the largest decline in cinema attendance?

French-speaking Switzerland experienced the largest decline, with a decrease of 15.6% and 2.9 million admissions.

Did Swiss films perform well last year?

Yes, Swiss films had a good year, with nearly 985,000 spectators, representing a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year.

As the cinema landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these trends will continue, or if new strategies and film releases could revitalize attendance in the coming years.