According to a YouGov poll, the rising costs of a cinema trip are discouraging many Britons from attending. The average additional spend on top of a ticket—including parking, food, and drink—is £7.85, with families facing even higher expenses.
Families with two children spend an average of £9.76 extra, while those with three children pay £11.96. Nearly half (46%) of the 5,000 respondents cited cost as the main reason for not going to the cinema, and 30% said on-demand movies make staying home easier.
YouGov's Vidisha Gaglani noted that cinemas face competition from piracy, high-quality television, and a trend toward sequels due to squeezed film financing. However, the British Film Institute (BFI) reported that UK audience numbers have plateaued over the past decade, with only a slight drop last year.
Ticket prices vary significantly, with central London being among the most expensive. A basic adult ticket at Leicester Square's Vue Cinema costs £14.65, while a family ticket (two adults and two children) ranges from £38.40 off-peak to £47.50 peak. Additional costs for 3D films and snacks further increase the total.
Despite the financial barriers, Gaglani emphasised that the cinema experience—including hot dogs and popcorn—remains a key draw. BFI research shows the average ticket price has risen 26% over the past five years.
