US box office hits $11bn in 2015

The result overtook 2013’s $10.92bn even though the number of tickets sold in North America was relatively light. As of Sunday that figure stood at 1.306bn – 18th in the all-time roster.

This illustrates the draw of alternative forms of entertainment as well as the superhero powers of inflation that have sent the average ticket price for the past 12 months in North America to $8.34 and saw 2015 over the finish line as the highest of all time.

However when adjusted for inflation, Hollywood has already crossed the $11bn mark nine times since 1980. 2002 ranks as the biggest year of modern times on $12.08bn in real terms – see box below.

The Force Awakens has reached $571.4m and could overtake Jurassic World on $652.3m to become the biggest release of the year by January 1. Insiders estimate Hollywood’s collective annual haul could rise to $11.1bn.

Universal and Disney dominated North American box office this year with seven of the top 10 and approximately 21% and 20% market share, respectively. Universal enjoyed a record $6.8bn worldwide take this year, which illustrates what it takes to go toe-to-toe with Disney.

Few studios or films came close to the top 10, representing Hollywood’s version of the decline of the middle class.