Cinema houses in Turkey experience the steepest dropover in a decade
The cinema industry in Turkey, once a vibrant sector, is currently grappling with its toughest slump in a decade. This decline can be attributed to the rise of digital platforms and streaming services, a trend mirroring broader global shifts in media consumption.
In recent years, Turkish audiences have shown a keen interest in blockbuster movies such as "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie," indicating a willingness to attend cinemas. However, ticket sales data reveals a more complex picture. Despite fewer tickets sold, box office revenue rose about 7 percent, suggesting record-high ticket prices when adjusted for inflation.
This discrepancy can be explained by the fact that ticket sales only represent a portion of the actual audience count. One person may have bought multiple tickets, inflating the reported figures. The real audience count is lower than the reported 15.44 million.
The decline in cinema attendance is further attributed to a shift in post-pandemic viewing habits towards digital platforms. Critic Uğur Vardan believes that streaming platforms with strong series line-ups are giving people the feeling they don't need to go to the theater. Concession stand prices, which are often high, further deter potential cinema-goers.
Moreover, many Turkish studios have shifted to digital projects, leading to a shortage of quality domestic films. Muzaffer Yıldırım, a Turkish producer, has stated that the lack of quality domestic films is a significant problem. Without big Turkish films from major names, people are unlikely to return to cinemas, as demonstrated by the lack of recovery in Turkey compared to other regions like the U.S., France, and East Asia, where 80 percent of lost audiences returned after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Improved sound and image technology at home has also contributed to the shift towards streaming. Globally, trends point to viewers’ preferences shifting towards digital and local content consumption. Streaming platforms contribute to the diversification of available content and have altered traditional cinema attendance patterns, although global box office spending is still expected to grow through 2029.
However, detailed studies or data specific to Turkey’s cinema attendance trends post-streaming emergence are not readily available. Analogues in other markets indicate that affordable digital technologies and opening cinemas in underserved areas can boost attendance, but such examples may not directly reflect the Turkish context.
Estimates suggest that Turkey's total streaming subscriptions are around 13 million, compared to 1.7 billion globally in 2024. As the industry navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen when cinemas in Turkey will once again play to full houses.
Streamingplatforms and movies-and-tv entertainment are driving shifted media consumption habits among Turkish audiences, contributing to the decline in cinema attendance. As more people opt for affordable digital content options, the growth in streaming subscriptions nationwide indicates a preference for home entertainment over traditional cinemas, potentially impacting the long-term recovery of the Turkish cinema industry.
