Cinema Attendance by Genre: What Films People Really Go To

When we talk about cinema attendance by genre, how different types of movies draw audiences to theaters, it’s not about what critics praise—it’s about what people actually pay to see. Box office numbers don’t lie. In 2024, anime films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle shattered records, pulling in over $400 million worldwide. That’s not a fluke. Fans aren’t just watching these films at home—they’re lining up for midnight premieres, buying merch, and turning screenings into events. Meanwhile, horror movies, especially those shown at festivals like Fantastic Fest and Sitges, consistently outperform bigger-budget dramas. Why? Because horror thrives on shared fear. A good scare hits harder in a dark theater with strangers screaming beside you.

It’s not just about scares or animation. Genres like romantic comedies and dramas still draw crowds, but they’ve shifted. You won’t see people rushing to theaters for another generic love story. Instead, they’re showing up for films that feel personal, like Groundhog Day, where humor and heart blend in a way that sticks. Audiences now want more than entertainment—they want meaning, immersion, and community. That’s why ScreenX, 4DX, and immersive sound aren’t just gimmicks. They’re responses to streaming’s convenience. If you can watch anything at home, why leave? Only when the experience becomes something you can’t replicate does the ticket get bought.

What’s clear is that cinema attendance isn’t dying—it’s changing. The genres that win aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets, but the ones that build the strongest fan cultures. Anime isn’t just a genre anymore; it’s a movement. Horror isn’t just a category; it’s a ritual. And the filmmakers who understand this—like those behind Rashomon, which showed us that truth is messy and subjective—are the ones who keep people coming back. Below, you’ll find real stories from the front lines: how studios are turning films into events, how fans are driving box office success, and what types of movies still pull crowds in a world full of streaming options.