Current Status of the French Animation Industry

In 2023, the French film industry witnessed dynamic growth in animation. According to the CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée), 18 films received investment approval—surpassing 2022 (13 films) and marking an all-time high. The average production budget was €6.4 million, while the 10-year average from 2014–2023 stood at €10.1 million, significantly higher than that of live-action films (€5 million).

In French theaters in 2023, 59 animated films were released, accounting for 8.2% of all releases—the highest ever. Fourteen of these were French productions, well above the pre-pandemic average of 7. The year’s animation admissions reached 29.7 million (18.9% of the total), returning to pre-pandemic levels. The top draw was The Super Mario Bros. Movie (produced with Illumination Studio Paris), with 7.25 million admissions. Among French animations, Miraculous led with 1.65 million, ranking sixth overall. Audiences consisted largely of children (ages 3–14: 41.4%) and adults (25–49: 32.8%).

Based on the CNC’s 2024 report Animation Market 2023, this overview examines the production, distribution, and audience trends of French animation. For this analysis, “French animation” refers to works approved by the CNC as either 100% French or French-led co-productions.

[ Production Status ]

Number of Productions & Co-productions

In 2023, 18 animated films received CNC investment approval, 5 more than in 2022 and the highest number on record. Their share among all films produced was 6.0%, also a record.

Of these 18, 13 were international co-productions and 5 were entirely French. Seven were French-led. Co-producing countries included Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, and Brazil. Over the past 20 years, France co-produced with 27 countries, most often with Luxembourg (32 films), Belgium (28), Germany (17), and Canada (16).

Production Budgets

The average budget of CNC-approved animated films in 2023 was €6.4 million—down 11% from 2022 (€7.2 million). From 2004–2023, the average was €10.7 million, more than double that of live-action films (€5.2 million). From 2014–2023, animation averaged €10.1 million, again roughly double that of live action (€5 million).

The peak years were 2015 (€20.6 million) and 2016 (€20.2 million), largely due to big co-productions like Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods (France–Belgium, 2015) and The Little Prince and Why I Did (Not) Eat My Father (France–Italy, 2016).

Between 2014–2023, French production companies held an average 23.9% stake in French-led animated films—higher than their 14.9% stake in all French-led films. French TV channels covered 14.0% of animation budgets, lower than the 31.3% share for French-led films overall, but they contributed to 85.7% of animated productions (vs. 82.5% for live action, 34.6% for documentaries).

Foreign investment played a significant role: 16.9% of animation budgets from 2014–2023 (vs. 9.7% for all films). In total, 78.6% of animated films during this period received overseas funding (vs. 45.2% of live-action films, 31.9% of documentaries).

Public support accounted for 22.9% of animation budgets (vs. 23.4% for all films). Revenue from theatrical, video, and international rights covered 17.5% (slightly higher than 15.6% for all films).

In 2023, 73.8% of budgets for French-led animation went to personnel costs (down 5.6% from 2022). Technical departments received 11.2% (up from 8.0% in 2022), and filming 15.1% (up from 12.6%).

Overall, personnel expenses averaged 55.0% of budgets in 2023—well above the 10-year average of 29.3%. Technical spending was 11.2% (vs. 34.3% average). Given the small sample size and year-to-year fluctuations, longer-term averages remain more reliable indicators.

[ Exhibition Status ]

Releases

In 2023, 59 animated films were released in France—the most since statistics began in 1996. Of these, 14 were French-led (10 of them co-productions).

Also released were 12 U.S. animations, 13 from other European countries, and 20 from elsewhere, many of which were Japanese. Japan accounted for 18 titles in 2022 and 13 in 2023. U.S. releases averaged 11 per year over the past decade.

Admissions & Revenue

The 2023 animated releases drew 29.7 million admissions and €212.8 million in revenue, accounting for 18.9% and 18.0% of totals—both record highs. Compared with 2022, animation admissions rose 58.4%, far above the overall increase of 19.2%.

Three films released in 3D attracted 4.2 million admissions, with 3.3% of audiences choosing the 3D version. Animation tends to have longer runs, often carrying audiences into the following year. Average ticket price for animation was €7.15 (+8% from 2022), lower than live action (€7.61) and the overall average (€7.51).

Of the 59 titles, 34 surpassed 100,000 admissions, 15 topped 500,000, and 4 exceeded 2 million: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (7.25 million), Elemental (3.2 million), PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2.31 million), and Wish (2.13 million). Japan’s The Boy and the Heron drew 1.55 million, the only non-U.S./European film in the top 10. Overall, 43.3% of audiences went to the top 3 films, 57.1% to the top 5.

Distributors

The 59 animated films were handled by 26 distributors. Universal Pictures International led with 33.7% market share (boosted by The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Trolls Band Together). Walt Disney Company followed with 15.5% (Wish, Elemental). Paramount claimed 9.4% (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem). French distributor SND ranked 4th with 7.3% (Miraculous, The Jungle Bunch: World Tour).

[ Audience Profile ]

In 2023, 41.4% of animation audiences were children aged 3–14, while 25–49 year olds made up 32.8%. Gender split: male 52.5%, female 47.5%. Regionally, 20.9% were from the Paris metropolitan area, 79.1% from elsewhere.

Viewing frequency: 48.2% watched at least once per month, 36.1% at least once per year, and 15.7% once per week.

Among 15 films studied, 12 had above-average child audiences. Argonauts led with 58.5% of viewers aged 3–14. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse had 35.3% aged 15–24. Seven titles skewed higher among 25–49 year olds, including Wish (37.2%). Japan’s The Boy and the Heron drew 37% aged 25–49 and 19.2% over 50, appealing strongly to adults.

[ Closing Remarks ]

In 2021, President Emmanuel Macron announced France 2030, a €54 billion national investment plan to stimulate industry, foster technological innovation, and promote environmentally sustainable transitions.

The audiovisual sector is included, with the CNC overseeing the “Grande Fabrique de l’Image” initiative. From 2023, 68 facilities—including animation, VFX, and game studios as well as schools—have received support, among them 12 animation studios. These include both leading companies and emerging studios, supporting advances in real-time 3D, stop motion, and motion capture, aiming to strengthen France’s position in global animation.

Seven of these 12 studios are outside Paris, helping decentralize the industry. How these investments shape the future global standing of French animation will be worth watching.

The detailed report KOFIC Overseas Correspondent Report 2024_Vol.59: Status of the French Animation Industry can be found on the Korean Film Council’s Policy Research Board.

Written by Won Eun-young, KOFIC Correspondent in France
Original KOFIC report (Click)