21/02/2025 - The study provides an in-depth analysis of how theatrical films transitioned to linear television and VOD platforms across 17 EU countries

This week, the European Audiovisual Observatory (EAO) released a new study titled "How Are Theatrical Films Distributed on TV and VoD in the EU?", authored by Christian Grece. The study provides an in-depth analysis of how theatrical films transition to linear television and VoD platforms across 17 EU countries - Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Sweden. The data were collected through the EAO’s LUMIERE database, Metaprofile and JustWatch.

First and foremost, the research finds that over 60% of EU27 films available on linear TV in 2022 or featured in SVoD and TVoD catalogues in 2023 were first released theatrically in the EU. Moreover, TV channels and VoD services tend to favour EU films with prior cinema exposure, with the proportion rising to 71% for TVoD services. In contrast, US films often enter VoD platforms without a theatrical release. 

With limited broadcasting slots, TV channels focus on theatrical films that have demonstrated commercial success. In 2022, 62% of EU27 theatrical films aired on linear TV had surpassed 100,000 cinema admissions. Unlike TV channels, SVoD and TVoD platforms accommodate both theatrical and non-theatrical releases. 

In 2023, 41% of EU27 theatrical films available in SVoD catalogues had achieved over 100,000 admissions, with the figure rising to 49% for TVoD. 

Furthermore, a significant share of films moves swiftly from cinemas to other platforms. By the end of 2022, 63% of that year’s theatrical releases were already available on TV or VoD in at least one EU country. Each of these VoD services featured around 50% of films theatrically released in 2022, compared to 41% for TV channels. However, theatrical films from five years prior were significantly more prevalent on TV. 

The study also highlights that after their theatrical release, films primarily transition to TVoD within a year, followed by either SVoD or TV. While the large catalogues of major pan-European SVoD services contribute to the wider circulation of EU theatrical films across multiple countries, EU films remain available in fewer territories than US titles due to factors such as localisation requirements and rights availability. TVoD follows a similar pattern, with some variations in national offerings. 

Meanwhile, linear TV channels tend to tailor their EU film selection to local markets, limiting the international availability of certain titles. Within five years of their theatrical release, a large proportion—79% of all films, accounting for 90% of admissions—becomes accessible to consumers via linear TV channels and/or VoD services in the same country where they were originally released.

The full document is available to peruse here.