The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC), the trade body representing cinema operators across 39 European territories, and Boxoffice Pro, the world’s leading trade publication covering the global theatrical exhibition industry, today published the fifth edition of the “Giants of Exhibition: Europe” listing, ranking the Top 50 European cinema groups by screen count.

All of those included on this year’s “Giants of Exhibition: Europe” list will be recognised at a ceremony taking place on Tuesday 23 June in Barcelona during CineEurope, the biggest and longest-running convention dedicated to cinema operators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

UNIC has renewed its partnership in 2026 with Boxoffice Pro for this fifth iteration of “Giants of Exhibition: Europe,” each company’s ranking being determined by its total screen count in Europe as of 31 December 2025.

In the lead in this year’s ranking is confirmed ODEON Cinemas Group, the UK-based European subsidiary of AMC Theatres, with over 2,300 screens across the UK and Ireland, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

The top five is rounded out by Cineworld Group (UK), Vue International (UK), Pathé Cinémas (France) and CGR Cinémas (France).

Each of the top four circuits have a multi-national European presence of over 1,200 screens across the region, whereas CGR Cinémas is the only company in the top positions currently operating in only one territory, with over 700 screens.

For the second consecutive year, France’s Cineville becomes the winner of the “Fastest Moving Giant Award”, with a 18.4% increase in its screen number year on year, marking a staggering expansion from 129 screens in 2023 to 158 in 2024 and 187 in 2025. The “Breakthrough Giant Award” – given to circuits that broke into the Top 50 this year for the first time – goes to The Arc Cinema (Ireland, UK) which cruised into the 45th position after years of strong organic growth.

Welcoming today’s announcement, UNIC CEO Laura Houlgatte said:

“On behalf of all UNIC members, I would like to congratulate every company featured in the fifth edition of our ‘Giants of Exhibition: Europe’ ranking. Showcasing the largest cinema operators across the continent, this year’s Top 50 is a testament to the diversity and continued strength of the European exhibition sector.

Together, the companies featured represent more than 18,600 screens across over 2,300 cinema sites. Headquartered in 20 countries and operating in 38 European territories, they demonstrate the breadth and vitality of our industry. Eleven groups are active in three or more markets, underlining their importance as European players.”

“We’re proud to partner with UNIC once again to bring you the latest edition of “Giants of Exhibition: Europe” in 2026”, said Malcolm MacMillan, EVP Exhibitor Relations for The Boxoffice Company, “This list exists first and foremost to celebrate the scale, ambition, and resilience of the European cinema industry. It’s also an opportunity to spotlight the rising stars—the Breakthrough Giants (those that have made it into the list for the first time) and Fastest Moving Giants (those that are growing ahead of the market) —who are making bold moves and shaping the future of the market. Our sincere congratulations to everyone featured in this year’s Top 50 Giants. We look forward to honouring all members of the Top 50 European Giants at CineEurope in June.”

This year’s “Giants of Exhibition: Europe” sees France as the territory where most circuits are headquartered – a total of 9 – representing 3,501 screens in 383 locations, whereas the UK is the country where most screens operate: 3,430 in 382 sites. This is followed by Russia*, Germany (1,617 screens/217 locations), Spain (1,384 screens/142 locations) and Turkey (875 screens/112 locations).

About The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC)
The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and neighbouring regions. More information at www.unic-cinemas.org