Kinepolis has spent the past several years arguing that moviegoing demand remained intact if Hollywood could provide enough films to satisfy it. Its record first-half results for 2026 give CEO Eddy Duquenne some fairly compelling receipts.

The Belgian exhibition group welcomed 19.1 million moviegoers during the first six months of the year, a 33.8% increase over 2025, while revenue climbed 32.6% to €341.8 million (USD $XX million). Profitability increased even faster, helped by Kinepolis’ continued emphasis on premium experiences. The results also benefited from the February acquisition of 14 Emagine cinemas in the United States.

A stronger film slate did much of the heavy lifting. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Zootopia 2” carried momentum into the first quarter, while “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “Michael,” “Project Hail Mary” and “Toy Story 5” helped drive the second. Strong local films in France and Spain provided additional support. Kinepolis says the third quarter has started particularly well thanks to “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”

Duquenne said the results confirmed what Kinepolis has maintained for some time: the sector faced a “supply issue rather than a demand issue.” That supply problem now appears to be easing just as the company is getting larger. Kinepolis is also in the process of acquiring 13 Showcase Cinemas in the United States, following its Emagine purchase earlier this year.

For an industry that spent years waiting for the release calendar to normalize, Kinepolis is providing some useful evidence of what can happen when it finally does.