The number of films screened reached 504, and these included 17 Saudi films.
Saudi Arabia’s cinema industry generated total revenues of SR845.6m($225.42m) in 2024, according to the annual report released by the Saudi Film Commission. The sector saw the screening of 504 films, including 17 Saudi productions, as the country’s growing entertainment landscape continued to diversify its cinematic offerings.
Although revenues were slightly below the peak levels seen in 2022 and 2023—when the sector recorded SR937m and SR922m respectively—the 2024 figures reflect sustained market stability. Approximately 17.5m cinema tickets were sold during the year, with the average ticket price standing at SR48.2. A price adjustment in April 2024, reducing tickets from $17 to $14, contributed to maintaining audience numbers and broadening access.
Leading the box office was the American action-comedy Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which grossed SR88.1 million from about 1.7 million tickets sold. It was followed by Welad Rizk 3 with SR39.9 million, Toxic Marriage at SR29.8 million, and Inside Out 2 at SR29.2 million. Saudi production Mandoob El Leil (The Night Representative) ranked fifth, earning SR28.6 million from over 620,000 tickets, including a record-setting SR6 million ($1.6 million) on its opening day. Another local hit, Shabab Al-Bomb, sold more than 632,000 tickets and earned SR26.6 million.
Saudi films in total brought in SR76.6m from about 1.8m tickets, reflecting a growing appetite for local content. The report highlights the growing contribution of Saudi cinema within a diverse film landscape that continues to be dominated by American productions, which accounted for 58.5% of total revenues across 180 films. Egyptian films held the second-largest market share at 25.1%, followed by Saudi films at 7.8%, and Indian films at nearly 4%.
Saudi cinemas operated through a network of 64 theatres with 630 screens in 10 regions, run by seven cinema operators. Riyadh led all regions in revenue, generating SR391.1m from over 7.4m tickets sold. Makkah followed with SR224.5m, and the Eastern Province came third with SR128.1m. Other notable regions included Madinah, Asir and Qassim, while Hail recorded the lowest earnings at SR7.6m.
In terms of genre, action films dominated the market, generating SR334m and comprising nearly 40% of total revenue. Comedies followed with SR190.7m, while animated films brought in SR116.3m. Horror, drama, and thriller genres trailed behind.
When categorised by age rating, (R18) films led the market with SR315.7m in revenue and over 6.15m tickets sold. (R15) films generated SR222.8m, while (PG) and (PG15) films earned SR119.3m and SR112.9m, respectively. (PG12) films contributed SR70.3m, and (G)-rated films had the smallest share at SR4.4m.
The 2024 report paints a picture of a mature and resilient cinema market in Saudi Arabia, increasingly enriched by local productions, varied content, and expanding regional access.
