Disney’s Box Office Reign in Italy and the Rise of Local Hits in 2024

Key Takeaways:

• Italy’s 2024 box office revenue totaled €494 million ($513 million) with 70 million admissions.
• Disney dominated the top three spots with “Inside Out 2,” “Moana 2,” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
• Local hit “The Boy With Pink Pants” grossed over $9 million, surpassing Hollywood blockbusters like “Wicked.”
• Italian films accounted for 25% of ticket sales, signaling a growing connection with audiences.

Steady Performance Amid Challenges

In 2024, Italy’s box office revenue held steady at approximately €494 million ($513 million) with 70 million admissions. These figures closely mirror the previous year’s intake of $514 million, despite ongoing challenges such as the aftermath of Hollywood’s labor strikes, which impacted blockbuster releases.

Disney’s Continued Dominance

Disney maintained its stronghold on Italy’s box office, claiming the top three positions:

• “Inside Out 2” — Grossed $48.3 million.
• “Moana 2” — Earned $20 million.
• “Deadpool & Wolverine” — Garnered $18.7 million.

Local Productions Shine Bright

Amid a scarcity of Hollywood blockbusters, Italian films played a pivotal role in sustaining market vibrancy. “The Boy With Pink Pants”, directed by Margherita Ferri, emerged as a cultural phenomenon. This teen drama, based on the tragic true story of a bullied 15-year-old boy, resonated deeply with audiences. Released on November 7, it achieved over $9 million at the box office, surpassing high-profile titles like “Wicked” and **”Venom 3.”

The film’s success was bolstered by its debut at the Rome Film Festival and a robust social media campaign. Produced by Tarak Ben Ammar’s Eagle Pictures, it dethroned Paolo Sorrentino’s “Parthenope,” which grossed $8 million and ranked second among local titles.

Regional Trends and Comparisons

Italian productions secured 25% of the country’s ticket sales in 2024. While this trails behind France’s 44.4% local market share, it outpaces Spain’s 19%. Despite these positive trends, the Italian box office has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, where annual admissions routinely exceeded 100 million.

Summer Success and Holiday Boost

Cinetel highlighted the importance of the 2024 summer season, traditionally a weak period for Italian cinemas. This year, the summer months saw significant growth, with box office grosses peaking between June and August. The Christmas holiday season further bolstered numbers, with Italian productions and co-productions accounting for 45% of total revenue. Overall, seven out of 12 months in 2024 outperformed their 2023 counterparts in both admissions and grosses.

The Industry’s Optimistic Outlook

Benedetto Habib, head of the Italian producers’ union, praised the industry’s renewed connection with audiences. “Italian cinema is in good health, not just for the quality of its productions, but for the renewed relationship it has forged with the public,” he noted.

Conclusion

Italy’s 2024 box office demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of industry challenges. Disney’s continued dominance highlighted the global appeal of its franchises, while local successes like “The Boy With Pink Pants” showcased the power of culturally resonant storytelling. As the industry moves forward, a stronger focus on local productions and strategic programming during key seasons could further revitalize Italy’s cinematic landscape.