Task 12 - BFI Statistics

Genre and Audience Research: BFI Statistical Yearbook

GENRE

In 2015, action, animation and drama were the most successful film genres at the UK box office compared to family, western and crime which were the least successful. However, in 2013-14 comedy was the genre releasing the most films with 153. Whereas, animation and action released only 33 and 47, respectively.

This suggests that film production is not directly proportional to audiences and popularity. The fact that action and animation, combined, only produced 80 films and were still able to be the most successful genres proves that, largely, people only see the films they know they will find interesting and enjoyable.

AUDIENCE

Within the 7 - 14 age group films such as Home, Big Hero 6 and Minions were most popular clearly showing that animation is the genre that most appeals to young children.

The 15 - 24 age group made up the largest proportion of cinema admissions across the UK, with comedy film Pitch Perfect 2 being the most successful within this range. Comedy was also the genre of the most popular film within the over 50s age group - the film being The Lady in the Van.

Within the 25 - 34 age group films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Fifty Shades of Grey and Terminator Genisys (UK) were most popular.

Frozen, The Croods and Jack and the Giant Slayer were three of the most popular films within the 35 - 44 age group. At first, this may seem surprising but as this is the average age range for adults with young children, it isn't really and provides another reason for animation being one of the most successful genres at the box office.

Action films were the singular most popular genre with men whereas drama, comedy and fantasy were among those most popular with women.

Films most popular with middle-class audiences included The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay - Part 2 and Hotel Transylvania.

In London, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Martian and Home were some of the most popular films compared to The Theory of Everything in Scotland. This difference could be a result of the age differences within these regions. As London is the sixth richest city in the world it is a lot more likely to attract families - the sort of people who are more likely to watch the films listed above.