The rising cost of going to the cinema in Croatia

Croatia sees significant increases in movie ticket prices

The global movie theatre industry has faced a challenging few years, with attendance and revenues still struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels.

One trend has emerged across markets worldwide: higher ticket prices are driving revenues more than increased attendance.

Croatia is no exception, with significant increases in movie ticket prices since 2018.

Globally, movie theatres are not the bustling hubs they were before the pandemic. A recent Variety report highlighted that total global box office revenues are expected to hit $30.5 billion for last year.

While this seems like a significant figure, it’s a 10% drop from 2023 and 20% lower than the pre-pandemic era.

Similarly, global movie theatre admissions have declined dramatically—from 1.3 billion annually before the pandemic to a projected 800 million.

Croatia

Back in 2018, when the kuna was still the local currency, a standard movie ticket at Croatia’s largest multiplex chain, CineStar, cost 35 kuna, equivalent to about €4.66.

Matinee showings, which offered a more affordable option for daytime moviegoers, were priced at 22 kuna (€2.93), 13 kuna, or €1.73, less than regular evening screenings.

Today, in 2025, a regular movie ticket at CineStar now costs €7.69—an increase of over 65%.

Matinee tickets, once a budget-friendly alternative, have followed a similar trajectory, with prices now at €6.69.

So, two regular tickets will you set you back over €15. Add in popcorn and drinks—and the total climbs to over €25. For those opting for premium snacks or extra items, the price could easily exceed €30.

What was once an affordable date night is now a significant expense for many Croatian moviegoers.

For comparison, other global markets have seen similar trends. In Toronto, Canada, Cineplex has raised the cost of a standard ticket to $16 CAD, underscoring how widespread these price hikes have become.

Higher prices reflect broader challenges within the movie industry. As streaming services continue to dominate, a recent study found that two-thirds of people would rather stay at home to watch a movie, citing high ticket prices as a major deterrent.

Not only in Croatia, but all over the globe, movie enthusiasts must weigh growing cost of a trip to the cinema against the comfort of their couch—and the latest Netflix lineup.