Why re-releases are a lucrative business for UK cinemas

Cinemas are the place to be transported to different worlds, to find yourself moved to tears or to uncontrollable laughter by the unique stories created by visionary directors and writers.

It is the place to see new films of course, but in recent years there has been an increase in classics being given a comeback. Milestone anniversaries for movies like The Matrix, The Phantom Menace, Coraline and Interstellar have been celebrated through theatrical re-releases, while iconic films from Studio Ghibli have also returned to the big screen.

Cinemas have even begun launching retrospective seasons, with all eight Spider-Man and all nine Star Wars movies being re-released in 2024 alone. It's not a bad way to help bolster attendance in cinemas, especially in a time where more people are choosing to wait to watch films at home rather than spend money by going to the cinema.

So why are re-releases a thing and what makes them so popular for companies? Rob Lea, Head of Screen Content at Vue UK & Ireland, tells Yahoo UK it gives viewers the chance to experience movies they missed seeing the first time: "There is nothing like seeing a film — new or old — the way it was meant to be seen: on the big screen.

"At Vue, we pride ourselves on showing content that appeals to a wide array of viewers, from the latest blockbusters and family titles to live music and theatre. We all know the joys of rewatching a favourite film or experiencing a classic title for the first time; for many this experience is heightened when you get to experience the film in all its glory on the big screen with the ultimate seat, sound and screen experience."

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Elysian Films re-released My Neighbour Totoro earlier this year, and are set to do the same by bringing Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away back to cinemas on Boxing Day, and Howl's Moving Castle in early 2025.

Head Of Distribution, Nick McKay told Yahoo UK that by re-releasing classics "is the best way to invite audiences back into uniquely magical worlds that are as rich, intricate, and awe-inspiring today as when they were first released while also tying into Elysian Film Group’s total commitment to the theatrical experience."

McKay went on: "Studio Ghibli films are renowned for their breath-taking illustrations, with each frame meticulously hand-drawn to capture every intricate detail of the natural world, fantastical landscapes, and memorable characters. Seeing these illustrations on the big screen allows viewers to appreciate their artistry as it was meant to be experienced: in a setting where every brushstroke and colour gradient shines.

"The re-release appeals not only to fans wanting to revisit the magic of these films but also to new generations who have never before had the opportunity to see these cinematic masterpieces the way they were meant to be seen."

"Releasing these films in cinemas allows fans to re-engage with them in a fresh way," McKay added. "Experiencing the beautiful soundtrack compositions by Joe Hisaishi and other musical geniuses in full surround sound, which heightens the emotional impact of each scene.

"Moreover, the opportunity to watch these films on a large screen brings out details often missed on home screens, allowing both long-time fans and new viewers to rediscover the depth and beauty of storytelling created by Studio Ghibli’s filmmakers. These characters and worlds feel so vivid and real that cinema audiences can become fully immersed in them, feeling as if they’re stepping into another world, side-by-side with characters like Chihiro, Totoro, and Howl."

Re-releasing films has proven to be a lucrative business for cinemas too, with Elysian Films revealing that My Neighbour Totoro "was incredibly well received in the UK" and saw an increase in attendance.

"The recent re-release of My Neighbour Totoro demonstrated this clearly, as fans of all ages came to cinemas across the UK to experience it again or for the first time," McKay said.

"These re-releases bring unique content that fills cinemas during seasonal periods, like holidays, when families seek meaningful and enriching experiences. This support has been a genuine plus point for UK cinemas, helping to drive attendance and providing a way to celebrate film as an art form that transcends time."

Vue head Lea mirrored this sentiment, saying of the cinema chain's experience: "This year we've seen multiple re-releases surpassing £1m at the UK box office, including the 15th anniversary of Coraline in 3D, one of the biggest ever re-releases, and the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace, the second biggest film in the market on the week of its release.

Read more: How Coraline gave its director some long-overdue recognition

"We also find that fans love to revisit their favourite films year after year, with titles such as Lord of The Rings Extended Trilogy and The Matrix always proving popular. The limited run of re-releases offers film fans the chance to come together for a day or a week and celebrate these iconic movies. It's this appetite that drives us to continue re-releasing classic films."

At Vue, films like The Evil Dead 2, Ghostbusters, and Carrie were brought back ahead of Halloween, while the cinema chain also re-released the first two Paddington movies in October ahead of the release of Paddington in Peru on 8 November.

For Elysian, the proven popularity of My Neighbour Totoro has helped inform the company's future plans for theatrical releases, McKay said: "Re-releases of beloved classics such as those from Studio Ghibli have a unique draw and can significantly boost cinema attendance. Ghibli films, in particular, have a dedicated fanbase that spans generations, and they offer families a shared experience of wonder and nostalgia, something they can enjoy together across a wide age range."

"The recent re-release of My Neighbour Totoro demonstrated this clearly, as fans of all ages came to cinemas across the UK to experience it again or for the first time.

Watch the trailer for the re-release of Spirited Away:

"These re-releases bring unique content that fills cinemas during seasonal periods, like holidays, when families seek meaningful and enriching experiences. This support has been a genuine plus point for UK cinemas, helping to drive attendance and providing a way to celebrate film as an art form that transcends time."

McKay went on: "The feedback that we have had from cinemas for the reissue of My Neighbour Totoro has been very gratifying and encouraging for our plans to reissue more Studio Ghibli titles."

Spirited Away returns to cinemas on Boxing Day, and Howl's Moving Castle premieres in early 2025.