Barbenheimer: ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ Drive Biggest Cinema Weekend Since 2019 in UK

UK cinemas witnessed their most successful weekend since 2019, driven by the concurrent releases of two highly-anticipated films.

This surge in interest and attendance is a promising sign for the sector, which has struggled significantly due to the ongoing global pandemic.

Record-Breaking Weekend for UK Box Office

The dual premieres of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie-focused film featuring Margot Robbie and Christopher Nolan’s movie on the creator of the atomic bomb, Oppenheimer, stirred the biggest cinema attendance in the UK since 2019.

The UK Cinema Association reported that these two films alone generated nearly £30 million at the UK box office, marking a significant recovery for cinema operators across the country.

The ‘Barbenheimer’ Phenomenon

Interestingly, the Cinema chain Vue found that a fifth of its customers bought tickets to watch both films, creating a social media buzzword: ‘Barbenheimer’.

Vue confirmed that over 2,000 of its Barbie showings were sold out, further demonstrating the public’s eager return to the big screen.

The Vue Perspective: A Return to Cinema

Tim Richards, the CEO and founder of Vue International, commented on the remarkable turnout.

Richards stated that the figures were astonishing, with over 500,000 customers attending Vue cinemas over the weekend and 4,000 sessions, including 2,000 for Barbie alone, being sold out.

However, he emphasized that this isn’t just about the two popular films, but signifies a more significant resurgence in cinema-going.

Broad Spectrum Success and Current Challenges

Despite the current success, cinemas now face a potential pause in the supply chain due to an ongoing strike among Hollywood’s writers and actors.

Richards conveyed his hopes for a quick resolution, indicating that the effects of the strike will likely become more evident down the line.

In the short term, a more immediate issue that cinemas face is the increasing cost of living.

Despite rising operational costs, especially related to energy consumption, Richards emphasized their commitment to maintaining affordable prices for customers amidst the tough economic conditions.

Odeon’s Exceptional Turnout

Odeon cinemas reported over a million customers in the week following the release of Barbie and Oppenheimer, marking their busiest period since the Covid pandemic.

This remarkable turnout echoes the success of Avengers: Endgame in 2019, and even surpasses their busiest Saturday records since 2015.

A Rejuvenating Phase for UK Cinemas

This resounding success of the dual film releases marks a critical turning point for UK cinemas, indicating a promising return to pre-pandemic levels of interest and attendance.

It also highlights the enduring appeal of the cinematic experience, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the rise of streaming platforms.

However, ongoing issues, such as the Hollywood strike and rising living costs, underline the fact that the path to recovery may still face hurdles.

As the industry navigates these challenges, the ‘Barbenheimer’ weekend stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to cinema’s enduring appeal.