Cinema industry trends
Cinema screens by exhibitor

Number and proportion of cinema screens by exhibitor, 1998–2019

2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

There are three cinema chains in Australia that together account for more than 1,100 screens or almost half the national total. These chains are Event Cinemas (encompassing Greater Union and Birch Carroll & Coyle), Hoyts and Village. Other chains include Reading, Palace and Wallis Theatres. Independents account for 31 per cent of screens.

2019

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. In 2010, Pacific Equity Partners, owners of Hoyts, acquired Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC).
3. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.
4. From 2020, Greater Union and Birch Carroll & Coyle were reported under Event Cinemas.

2018

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. In 2010, Pacific Equity Partners, owners of Hoyts, acquired Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC).
3. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2017

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. In 2010, Pacific Equity Partners, owners of Hoyts, acquired Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC).
3. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2016

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. In 2010, Pacific Equity Partners, owners of Hoyts, acquired Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC).
3. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2015

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. In 2010, Pacific Equity Partners, owners of Hoyts, acquired Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC).
3. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2014

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. In 2010, Pacific Equity Partners, owners of Hoyts, acquired Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC).
3. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2013

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. In 2010, Pacific Equity Partners, owners of Hoyts, acquired Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC).
3. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2012

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.
2. In 2010, Pacific Equity Partners, owners of Hoyts, acquired Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC).

2011

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.
2. In 2010, Pacific Equity Partners, owners of Hoyts, acquired Australian Multiplex Cinemas (AMC).

2010

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2009

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2008

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2007

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2006

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2005

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2004

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents. Includes screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2003

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. Refers to screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2002

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. Refers to screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2001

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. Refers to screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

2000

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. Refers to screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

1999

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. Refers to screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities.

1998

Source: Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia (MPDAA).

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding. Each year is based on annual data accessed the following January/February in the MPDAA theatre count by circuit report, and does not reflect any subsequent updates by the MPDAA.
Includes drive-ins.
n.a. Not available.
1. Before 2008, the screens of AMC, Dendy and Grand were allocated to independents.
2. Refers to screens not generally open to the public, such as those at army, naval and airforce bases, mining camps, film societies, colleges and universities. Not available from 2004, but included in totals.
3. Figures for 70 mm screens are included in ‘all screens’. Changes in screen numbers may reflect changing ownership rather than cinema closures.