The Saudi Box Office in November 2024 featured a mix of international and regional hits, appealing to the diverse tastes of moviegoers.
The global box office enjoyed a stellar November, with total figures hitting record highs. Domestic (North America) revenue surged to US$1.19 billion, while international revenue soared to US$1.36 billion. This impressive growth culminated in a total global revenue of US$2.55 billion, reflecting a significant 21.4% boost.
This increase is 38% above the same month last year and the highest-grossing November since 2019! Compared to the average of the last three pre-pandemic years (2017-2019), the gap was just -13%. The sub-regions of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Latin America even returned to pre-pandemic levels. After 11 months, the total global box office is estimated to have reached US$27.3 billion in 2024.
The driving force behind these numbers was Venom: The Last Dance, which, despite debuting in October, continued its strong performance into November. The film’s total take stands at a whopping US$468 million. Among the top global releases were Gladiator II (US$338.3 million), Wicked Part 1 (US$392.34 million), and Moana 2 (US$465.01 million).
Regionally, in Saudi Arabia, November 2024 witnessed a remarkable increase in total admissions, with figures reaching SAR 64.3 million, up 14% from October. Reflecting the global trend, the surge in the November Saudi box office was led by Venom: The Last Dance, which garnered SAR 3.6 million in its third week and first week of November. The Sony superhero film accumulated a total of SAR 8.5 million in November alone, bringing its cumulative earnings to SAR 17.7 million.
Other standout blockbusters included Gladiator II, raking in SAR 14.5 million over three weeks, Wicked, which conjured up SAR 3.1 million in two weeks, and Moana 2, opening with a record-breaking SAR 5.6 million, surpassing Gladiator’s SAR 5.4 million opening.
Notably, the Arabic film El Hawa Sultan collected SAR 8.9 million over three weeks, highlighting the diverse appeal at the Saudi box office.
As the largest cinema advertising representative in the Kingdom, Motivate Val Morgan reports staggering growth in their circuit’s admissions. The total number of admissions for November 2024 is reported at 1.32 million, a 28.7% increase from October.
Looking ahead, the regional box office, especially in Saudi Arabia and UAE, is poised for an exciting lineup of releases in December, including highly anticipated titles such as Kraven the Hunter, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Mufasa: The Lion King. With this promising slate, the momentum from November’s robust performance is set to continue, creating a thrilling cinematic journey for audiences and a prime opportunity for advertisers to engage with moviegoers.
Source: MVM CineMeasure, The Saudi Film Commission, The Box Office Mojo, Gower Street
Leveraging Gen Z’s passion for immersive cinema, IMAX’s 2025 slate featuring 14 ‘Filmed for IMAX’ releases offers brands a prime opportunity to capture this key audience’s attention in cinemas
According to a recent AdAge report, IMAX has been named one of six ‘Marketers To Watch’ for 2025. This premium screen format has firmly established itself as a go-to destination for Gen Z audiences, who value immersive, high-quality entertainment experiences. With its massive screens, unparalleled image resolution, and enveloping sound systems, IMAX delivers cinematic escapism like no other, transforming movies into unforgettable, event-like experiences.
Top-performing titles from the past two years include Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Dune: Part Two, Deadpool & Wolverine, Alien: Romulus, Despicable Me 4, Gladiator II, and more. Each of these films, optimized for IMAX, showcased the format’s unique capacity to enhance storytelling, offering audiences an exceptionally immersive visual and sound experience.
IMAX’s focus on creating larger-than-life cinematic experiences aligns perfectly with Gen Z’s desire for authenticity and shared moments. By coupling technological innovation with a curated slate of blockbuster releases, IMAX cements its position as the premium choice for modern moviegoers and a key player in the future of cinema.
Over the past five years, IMAX has achieved a 28% increase in its share of the global box office, underpinned by strong financial growth. For Q3 2024, IMAX reported a net income of US$14 million (+16% YoY). Its profitability shines through a 42% adjusted EBITDA margin, totaling US$39 million—a third-quarter record. This financial momentum reflects IMAX’s robust business model and its ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
IMAX installed 49 new or upgraded systems worldwide in Q3 2024 (+63% YoY), solidifying its presence in key growth markets like Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Australia. With system signings climbing to 119 installations year-to-date, IMAX is set to surpass its 2023 full-year total of 129 signings.
“As we look forward, we expect 2025 to be our best year ever at the global box office, with more than US$1.2 billion in IMAX grosses worldwide. Our slate next year is highlighted by at least 14 Filmed for IMAX® releases worldwide shot with our cameras, for our screens—a historical indicator of higher indexing for our platform and further proof that filmmakers and audiences prefer the awe-inspiring IMAX Experience,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX.
Note: dates are subject to change. Additional titles to be confirmed at a later date.
IMAX forms a key part of popular Premium Large Format platforms in the region, including Dolby, Screen X, 4DX, MAX, and more. These PLFs not only enhance the movie-watching experience but also offer an elevated platform for engaging a captivated audience. With these advanced technologies and immersive environments, brands can create messages that resonate deeply, making a lasting impact.
Media buyers and advertisers can now easily book ad campaigns across our extensive portfolio of PLFs, which we call experience screens, including IMAX, Dolby, 4DX, and Screen X, through our cinema buying platform, CinePlan. This platform enables precise digital-like planning and measurement of cinema campaigns, ensuring optimal reach, ad spend, and attention. Contact us to learn more.
Source: IMAX Press Release, AdAge
Ne’ma, in partnership with Place Communications and Motivate Val Morgan, has unveiled an integrated cinema campaign to promote their latest initiative, ‘Valuing Our Roots,’ which aims to reduce food loss and waste across the UAE.
The Ne’ma Initiative reflects the vision of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, addressing over-consumption and fostering sustainable practices. It also revives traditional values of social responsibility and resource stewardship, encouraging a more mindful approach to consumption.
The on-screen campaign features a 60-sec ad running for four weeks, starting November 21, 2024, at select VOX, Reel, Cinemacity, and Royal locations across the UAE. The ad portrays a touching conversation in which a grandmother shares wisdom with her grandchildren about valuing blessings and avoiding food waste. It emphasizes the importance of communal responsibility in fostering a more mindful and sustainable approach to food consumption.
Building on the success of its on-screen efforts, the Ne’ma Initiative Cinema Campaign also rolled out an off-screen campaign aimed at further engaging the community. This initiative included the distribution of 50,000 co-branded Ne’ma popcorn tubs at select VOX and Cinemacity locations across the UAE, which commenced on November 28, 2024. Each tub featured a special message highlighting the importance of reducing food wastage.
This initiative underscores Ne’ma’s commitment to raising awareness and engaging stakeholders across the food value chain in the reduction of food loss and waste. It emphasizes driving systemic change and promoting the adoption of a circular economy through collaborative efforts. These actions are in alignment with the UAE’s objective to reduce food loss and waste by 50% by 2030.
Enhance your brand’s exposure through tailored cinema campaigns, leveraging on-screen advertising and creative off-screen activations.
Contact us for advertising opportunities across our cinema circuit in the UAE and other markets.
The Saudi Box Office in October featured a mix of international and regional hits, appealing to the diverse tastes of moviegoers.
October marked a pivotal moment for the global box office, raking in $2.1 billion in worldwide earnings and securing its place as the 8th highest-grossing month of the year.
For Saudi cinemas, October proved to be particularly vibrant, fueled by a strong enthusiasm for the big screen and a varied lineup of new releases. In the first week alone, 53 films collectively garnered 222,100 admissions, laying a solid foundation for sustained growth throughout the month. The Saudi box office saw an impressive $2.06 million in earnings during the first weekend of October, reflecting a remarkable 201.9% increase from the previous week, according to Box Office Mojo. Building on September’s exceptional growth, driven by World Cinema Day and Saudi National Day celebrations, October continued to maintain this positive momentum. By the end of the month, total admissions had reached 1.2 million, based on data from MVM’s CineMeasure dashboard (covering September 26 to October 31), underscoring the continued excitement and engagement of Saudi audiences with cinema.
October’s top performers showcased a mix of international blockbusters and beloved local films, catering to the diverse preferences of moviegoers. Joker: Folie à Deux stood out as one of the month’s most successful titles, earning SAR 6.0 million in its debut week with 96,700 tickets sold. Its second-week performance added SAR 3.0 million and 52,100 tickets.
Local production Pension Dalal rounded out the list of successes, earning SAR 993,000 and 18,500 tickets in its opening week, before climbing further in week two with SAR 1.1 million and 21,400 tickets sold.
Another significant highlight was The Wild Robot, a testament to the enduring popularity of animated films in Saudi Arabia. It remained a consistent presence in the top two movies throughout the month, delivering strong weekly performances. The fourth week of its release marked its peak, with SAR 4.7 million in revenue and 104,700 tickets sold—the highest weekly admissions of the month, cementing its status as a major draw for families and animation enthusiasts alike.
Venom: The Last Dance also made an impactful debut in the final week of October, grossing SAR 4.4 million and selling 77,600 tickets. Meanwhile, thrillers like Smile 2 performed admirably, generating SAR 1.9 million in its first week with 35,100 tickets sold.
This diverse range of genres captivated the Saudi audience, making it a prime market for varied cinematic experiences.
Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and the much-anticipated Indian regional film Pushpa 2: The Rule are set to hit the screens, promising to draw even larger crowds and offering unique opportunities for brands to align themselves with these highly anticipated movies.
October’s performance, driven by diverse stories and audience engagement, highlights the Kingdom’s ever-evolving cinema landscape. As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace its cinematic journey, there’s no better time to be part of this cultural transformation. Stay tuned for the excitement to come as the year closes with more unforgettable moments on the big screen!
Click here to check out the full list of movies and submit your inquiries.
Source: MVM CineMeasure, The Saudi Film Commission, The Box Office Mojo, Gower Street
The 7th edition of the META Cinema Forum, held from November 11-12, 2024, at the Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and creators to discuss the evolving landscape of the cinema industry in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa (MEA). The event, which has grown exponentially over the years, showcased the region’s commitment to shaping a world-class cinema culture. This year’s META Cinema Forum has been all about innovation and collaboration.
The forum began with inspiring remarks from Lara Tan, Conference Director at Great Minds Group, followed by Paul Schwarz, Technical Director at Dubai Acoustic Research Laboratory. Their words highlighted the vital role of collaboration and technological innovation in shaping the future of cinema. The event continued with engaging panel discussions and presentations, delving into the industry’s biggest challenges, solutions, and the evolving landscape of regional cinema.
The first day saw dynamic sessions covering a range of forward-thinking topics. Panelists discussed deep into the growth of cinema infrastructure, with over 50 new cinemas opening each year and a 20% annual increase in box office revenues in the MEA region. This explosive growth was a recurring theme, emphasizing the region’s expanding cinema market.
One highlight was a discussion on government involvement in the creative economy and film culture, led by notable figures like Sameer Al Jaberi (Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Abu Dhabi Film Commission), Nader Al Rawahy (Investment and Marketing Expert, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth – Operation Excellence Lead, Oman) Georges Khouri (Director – Marketing, Tecom Group) and Nancy Paton (CEO and Founder of Desert Rose Films). Their conversation emphasized the need for strategic policy-making to support the flourishing cinema industry.
The forum also spotlighted the power of innovation for enhanced cinema experience, with presentations from VOX Cinemas and Star Cinemas, followed by panel discussions on immersive technologies, AI in filmmaking, and future cinema design. These discussions showcased how the industry is embracing digital transformation to enhance audience engagement and redefine cinematic experiences.
The following day began with the presentation, ‘Cinema Industries: FACTS and STATS’, by Maria Rua Aguete, followed by a fireside chat with Toby Tennant from Warner Bros., moderated by Nancy Paton, CEO and Founder of Desert Rose Films. The discussion explored how Hollywood can continue to support and benefit from the growth of the theatrical industry in the MENA region. It highlighted the demand for varied content and celebrated the growth of Arab cinema and its international collaborations.
Another standout discussion on enhancing cinema offerings focused on the food and beverage experience. Experts discussed the potential of gourmet options and retail spaces within theatres, highlighting how these innovations can boost ancillary revenues and enrich the overall cinema experience. The conversation also touched on creative partnerships with local food vendors, a strategy that’s gaining traction in the region.
The forum didn’t stop there—other insightful sessions explored successful marketing strategies, including how big data can personalize marketing efforts to attract and retain audiences. A prime example of the power of well-executed marketing was the global phenomenon of Barbie (2023), which drew massive crowds thanks to a targeted and engaging marketing campaign.
The META Cinema Forum 2024 was more than just a gathering of experts—it was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and a shared vision for a dynamic and exciting future for cinema. The forum also featured a trade show, networking opportunities, and exclusive screenings, including a highly anticipated preview of 2025 blockbuster of Warner Bros. presented by Toby Tennant, Senior Vice President, EMEA Theatrical Distribution, Warner Bros. and for Universal Studios presented by Majid AlFuttaim Studio Distribution Team.
As the forum concluded, the message was clear—the future of cinema in the MEA region is incredibly bright. With continued investment in technology, diversified content, and creative collaborations, the region is poised to become a global leader in the entertainment space.
Ahmed Ramadan, Regional Sales Director of Motivate Val Morgan, opened the event with a speech, who shared valuable insights into the ever-evolving cinema industry and an exciting sneak peek at the blockbusters coming in 2025.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Cinemacity for their exceptional support in making this private screening of Gladiator II a success, and to our guests for joining us and enhancing the experience with their presence, making it truly memorable.
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Stay tuned for future ‘Private Screenings’ in the UAE and in our other markets.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities.
Wicked, the beloved Broadway musical that’s won the hearts of millions, is finally coming to the big screen! With its spellbinding story, unforgettable characters, iconic music, and a new generation of cast, this musical has been a cultural phenomenon for years. Now, as it makes its way to theaters, this film adaptation is set to bring all the excitement and magic of the stage into cinemas worldwide.
The film brings back the original Broadway team, led by producer Marc Platt, to create something memorable for a new generation. Wicked promises to be a must-watch, reinventing this cherished story in a way we’ve never seen before.
Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the musical. Imagine stepping into Oz like you’ve never seen it before, where the story of the Wicked Witch of the West comes alive in a whole new way. Wicked takes us back to Oz, but this time, we see the story from an entirely new perspective. It’s the untold tale of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who would one day become the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with the glamorous and popular Glinda. The two first meet as polar-opposite roommates at Shiz University, where they clash, connect, and ultimately forge a powerful bond. But as they grow, they’re pulled in different directions—Elphaba’s bold defiance of the Wizard’s corrupt rule sets her on a path to becoming the outcast, while Glinda embraces the spotlight. Along the way, their friendship faces challenges, especially when they both fall for the dashing Fiyero.
Director Jon M. Chu, the creative mind behind Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, is bringing his vision and energy to Wicked in a way that’s generating serious excitement. Known for his vibrant storytelling and love for bold, cinematic moments, Chu has been passionate about capturing the heart of this beloved musical while adding something new for the big screen. From the beginning, he’s made it clear how much this project means to him, sharing with fans his goal of honoring the original while offering a fresh perspective on Oz and a new generation of Wicked cast.
Meet the Characters:
Get ready to meet the unforgettable characters, brought to life by the powerhouse Wicked cast!
Cynthia Erivo, with her raw emotional depth and stunning voice, steps into the role of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch who dares to be different.
Ariana Grande lights up the screen as the bubbly and ambitious Glinda, perfectly her journey from a life of popularity to discovering something deeper.
Jonathan Bailey adds his own charm and complexity to Fiyero, the mysterious heartthrob who captures both witches’ attention.
Michelle Yeoh brings elegance and an air of mystery to Madame Morrible.
Jeff Goldblum’s unmistakable charisma breathes new life into the enigmatic Wizard.
The Wicked musical is being adapted into a two-part film, with each part capturing a key chapter in the journey of Elphaba and Glinda. This part of the story leads up to one of the most powerful moments from the Broadway show: Defying Gravity. This is the big moment when she accepts that she can only count on herself, even if doing so means she must become the Wicked Witch of the West.
Special #Wicked Movie Announcement… ✌🏼🎬🧹🌸💚sent from my OzPhone: pic.twitter.com/4qPpvVD4rR
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) April 26, 2022
Wicked could be the next movie to soar into the billion-dollar club. As a highly anticipated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, this adaptation has generated immense excitement, blending the beloved story first crafted by L. Frank Baum and later reimagined in Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel.
On October 10, Fandango announced that the Wizard of Oz prequel hit major milestones in ticket pre-sales on its first day. With record-breaking numbers, Wicked has already claimed the title of best first-day PG-rated presales of the year, besting Pixar’s Inside Out 2, and now ranks as the third-best first-day preseller of all time for a PG-rated film. It also achieved the second-best first-day presales of the year overall, just behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Deadpool & Wolverine. Both Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine grossed over $1 billion and are the only 2024 movies to have done so till date. If this early hype is any indication, Wicked could become 2024’s next billion-dollar box-office sensation.
Great news witches! ✨ #WickedMovie is already hitting Fandango milestones:
-Second Best First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of 2024
-Best PG Rated First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of 2024
-No. 3 Best PG Rated First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of All Time pic.twitter.com/T0CjiR638l— Fandango (@Fandango) October 10, 2024
So far, we’ve been treated to two magical trailers for Wicked, each one leaving us on the edge of our seats. Along with these, sneak peeks of the characters and sets offer a glimpse of the stunning visuals, powerful performances, and the magic we’ve been eagerly awaiting. To top it off, a special behind-the-scenes featurette video of the cast has been released on official YouTube channel of Wicked Movie, giving fans an exciting look at the stars who are bringing this iconic story to life. With each new reveal, the anticipation only grows as we count down to the movie’s release!
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Are people born Wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them? Discover the answer on November 21, 2024. The adventure of Oz awaits—be ready to experience the untold story when it hits theaters!
Wicked is one of the year’s most highly anticipated films, offering brands a unique opportunity to engage a captivated audience. Whether you’re targeting moviegoers, musical fans, or lovers of all things Oz, Wicked offers unmatched potential to reach both new and loyal fans alike.
With the long weekend and National Day holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to advertise alongside this movie. Connect with a diverse, family-oriented audience and make your brand a part of this unforgettable journey. Reach out today to explore advertising opportunities and elevate your brand this season!
Source: Wicked Official Website, IMDB, Entertainment Weekly, Collider, Variety, ScreenRant and Deadline
As the official representative of Cannes Lions in the UAE, Motivate Val Morgan brings you the key updates for the 2025 Awards. From expanded Glass Lions celebrating intersectionality to the newly renamed Social & Creator Lions, see how the world’s premier festival of creativity continues to evolve and innovate.
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has launched its 72nd edition, taking place on 16–20 June 2025 in Cannes, France. The Festival has announced that it will double funding to provide €2M worth of complimentary passes to underrepresented talent and underserved communities through its Equity, Representation and Accessibility (ERA) Pass, returning for a second year.
Frank Starling, Chief DEI Officer, LIONS, said the increased investment was “crucial to continue to drive progress for both Cannes Lions and the industry“. Starling added: ” The ERA pass plays an important role in fostering a global representation of talent within the creative communications industry at Cannes Lions, and to date our funded opportunities have reached creatives in 46 countries globally. With the Festival being the destination for everyone in the business of creativity, we recognise the importance of creating equitable access to it, and this is why we’re prioritising increased representation from the Global South to support a greater range of voices and perspectives from the region at the Festival.”
Glass: The Lion for Change—celebrating 10 years since its introduction—champions work that uses creativity to drive a shift towards more positive, progressive and gender-aware communication. Now, the category announces its significant expansion. Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards, LIONS, commenting on the Glass Lions’ evolution said: “Gender representation remains essential, and following consultation and research there is now a need to evolve the Lion to recognise the importance of intersectionality, from disability and race to sexuality and social inequity. This Lion is an Award for change. Expanding the scope allows us to celebrate ideas that promote more equitable representation for a broader range of communities and also reflect the importance of embedding authentic inclusivity throughout the creative process.”
The Social & Influencer Lions have been renamed the Social & Creator Lions to recognise creators’ increasingly important role in the landscape. Research Nester recently estimated that the creator economy market size is estimated to surpass $600bn by the end of 2036. New categories added to the Social & Creator Lions focus on creators and the innovative work they are specifically producing for brands. Aligning with this, LIONS Creators – the bespoke learning experience for the creator economy – will return to the Festival for a second year giving creators a place to come together to learn how to build their business in a sustainable and effective way.
Other changes to the Lions include the addition of a sub-category to celebrate long-term brand platforms. The sub-category will sit across multiple Lions and recognise brand platforms that show long-term effectiveness in building brand equity, fostering loyalty and delivering measurable business results through continuous, creative communication efforts.
Elsewhere at the Festival, a new initiative – Country Pavilions – launches to drive greater global representation of countries at Cannes Lions. Thea Skelton, VP Festivals, LIONS, said: “We know that creativity is an overpowered economic growth lever. The global creative economy is estimated at $985bn and could represent 10 percent of global GDP before 2030, according to the think tank G20 Insights. With this pace and scale we believe that countries and governments have an opportunity to supercharge their creative economy by showcasing their capabilities at Cannes Lions in front of some of the most influential minds in the industry.” This global village will provide countries with the opportunity to showcase local creativity on the global stage, promote creative economies and serve as a hub for learning sessions, as well as benefit from cross-country networking. A dedicated content stage will accompany the pavilions and showcase truly global content and perspectives.
Submit your proposals for the Cannes Lions Call for Content now through 31 December 2025. Anyone from anywhere can apply to speak on stage through our dedicated content portal. Visit here for more information.
Applications for the ERA pass are open now and close on 5 December 2025. More details can be found here.
Information on the Creator Pass is available here.
Passes for Cannes Lions 2025 are now available. Further details on the breadth of options available, including funded opportunities, can be found here.
Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan are the official representatives of Cannes Lions in the UAE.
As Halloween approaches, it’s time to dive into the terrifying titles currently haunting GCC cinemas this season. With exhibitors embracing the spooky spirit, horror movies are taking center stage in the UAE and Gulf region, offering audiences a mix of thrilling, eerie, and supernatural experiences.
VOX Cinemas entices the brave with their “Films for the Fearless” showcase, while Reel Cinemas presents “Frights and Delights,” featuring a range of horror movies in GCC cinemas, from intense psychological thrillers to family-friendly spooks like Maleficent and Hotel Transylvania. This Halloween lineup bridges audiences’ favorite horrors of the year with new cinematic thrills awaiting in theaters.
The highly anticipated sequel Smile 2 returns to UAE screens, building on the success of its 2022 predecessor. Now playing across GCC cinemas, this psychological horror amplifies the chilling atmosphere with its cursed smile, exploring deeper layers of psychological torment. Boasting an impressive 86% on the Tomatometer, Smile 2 cements its place as a must-watch horror movie in GCC cinemas.
A standout this Halloween is Three, an Emirati horror film directed by UAE filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja. Based on real events, the film interweaves Eastern and Western spiritual beliefs, following a young boy named Ahmed as he battles night terrors. Culminating in an Islamic exorcism, Three offers a unique perspective on horror, meeting international standards in storytelling and production quality. This milestone for local cinema makes Three a significant addition to horror movies in GCC cinemas.
Directed by Alexandre Aja, Never Let Go is a gripping survival horror that stars Halle Berry. This film follows a mother and her children as they fight to survive against a relentless evil spirit. Despite mixed reviews around its narrative execution, the film’s intense performances and anxiety-inducing atmosphere deliver a chilling experience for fans of psychological thrillers with supernatural twists.
Bagman, directed by Colm McCarthy, explores the trauma and terror surrounding a mythical creature. Patrick McKee (Sam Claflin) survived an encounter with the “Bagman” as a child, but now the creature returns to haunt him and his family. Combining psychological horror with supernatural elements, this dark thriller promises a suspenseful and terrifying watch.
The latest installment in the Venom franchise, Venom: The Last Dance, is now showing in GCC cinemas. Packed with action and dark twists, this new release sees the anti-hero face off against new threats in a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of gothic horror.
The iconic demonic hunter Hellboy is back in The Crooked Man. Directed by Brian Taylor, this latest adaptation draws Hellboy (David Harbour) into eerie Appalachian folklore to confront the sinister Crooked Man. With praise for its faithful adaptation and stunning visuals, the film blends dark fantasy with folklore horror to offer a gripping narrative.
Latency takes audiences on a psychological journey as Hana, a professional gamer with agoraphobia, tests a new device that connects to her brainwaves. As her reality blurs, the film delivers a mind-bending experience with mixed reviews, praised for its innovative concept but critiqued for its complexity. For fans of psychological thrillers, this film stands out among the horror movies in GCC cinemas.
In Imaginary, a young girl creates an imaginary friend to cope with her loneliness, only to discover a dark side to this mysterious companion. The film dives into psychological and supernatural themes, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of dread.
AfrAId (stylized as AFRAID) is a sci-fi horror directed by Chris Weitz. The story follows the Curtis family as they test a new digital assistant AI named AIA in their home, only to find the AI turning their lives upside down with its increasingly sinister influence.
Wrapping up the list is Bhool Bhulaiyya 3, which follows the success of its predecessor and builds on the established franchise’s blend of horror and suspense. With the recent success of Bollywood horror hit Stree 2, this latest entry captures audiences with its psychological depth and gripping storytelling, set to be a top attraction in GCC cinemas on November 1.
For those seeking Halloween thrills, these horror movies are currently showing across VOX Cinemas, Reel Cinemas, AMC Cinemas KSA and other GCC theaters. Don’t miss your chance to experience these theatrical terrors on the big screen!
Source: Imdb, Rottentomatoes, Screen Rant, Roger Ebert, The Film Three, Cinemacy
Cinema advertising capitalizes on positive moods to boost brand engagement and create memorable moments for consumers.
In today’s fast-paced ad landscape, cutting through the noise isn’t just about creative execution—it’s about reaching people when they’re most open to listening. According to Hearst’s ‘Power of Positivity – 2023’ study, consumers are far more receptive to brand messaging when they are in a positive state of mind, leading to increased favorability and consideration.
When people are in a good mood, they’re naturally more open to suggestions, which makes them more likely to recall ads and think highly of the products they see advertised. But it doesn’t stop there—people who feel positive aren’t just passive observers; they’re more inclined to talk about the ads they’ve seen, dig deeper into the product, and even make that all-important purchase. So, the question is: where can brands make the most of these positive moments?
Cinema audiences hold the answer, as environments like cinema, where the vibes are overwhelmingly positive, give brands the chance to create lasting impressions that go far beyond the moment. What makes cinema so uniquely powerful is its ability to create an immersive experience that not only captures attention but also elevates mood. Unlike other media, cinema engages audiences in a shared moment, creating a feeling of connection and community that’s hard to replicate.
Audiences see the ‘ads and trailers’ as part of the event experience and unlike other channels that are viewed alone, cinema naturally creates an environment that can generate a moment of talkability for brands about their ads – DCM Maximise with Cinema, 2024.
Two recent studies by DCM in 2023 and 2024 highlight the crucial role of a positive mindset in shaping consumer behavior. The first finding reveals that around 60% of moviegoers often say they feel a sense of connection when they’re at the movies. The second finding suggests that in contrast to the mixed emotions often experienced on social media, an impressive 78% of cinemagoers say they’re in a great mood when watching a film. This positive state of mind makes them more receptive to the ads they see, turning what could be just another brand message into a memorable moment.
Let’s not forget the beauty of cinema’s focus. Cinema is a rare space where people are truly present. It’s where they put down their phones and lean into the moment, absorbing both the film and the pre-show ads in full. This creates a unique opportunity for brands to craft messages that resonate deeply. The key for brands is to match the tone of the room by using inspiring stories, uplifting visuals, and creating a sense of shared experience that fits the mood of the movie theatre. Cinema isn’t just a screen; it’s a stage that brands can use to generate an immersive experience rather than simply deliver a message.
For advertisers, cinema isn’t merely a venue; it’s a unique opportunity to produce something memorable. It’s a place where positivity can be transformed into brand love, turning ads into moments that matter. Leveraging the uplifting energy of the cinema experience allows brands to make their messages stick in a way that few other mediums can match. As the conversation around the long-term effects of positive advertising continues to grow, one thing is clear: the mood-boosting magic of cinema and its role in fostering positivity is a force to be reckoned with, driving a new era of brand engagement.
Credits: Hearst, DCM, Campaign UK, VAB
