Europe’s record-breaking heatwave has given cinemas an unexpected boost. Families across the U.K. and parts of Europe turned to air-conditioned movie theatres to escape the extreme heat. The trend helped drive strong ticket sales, especially for Toy Story 5.

Heat Drives Families to Cinemas

Schools across the U.K. closed early last week after temperatures reached nearly 100 F. It was the country’s hottest June on record. Many parents looked for safe indoor activities to keep their children cool and entertained.

Cinemas reported packed afternoon screenings. The extra visitors arrived during what are usually quiet weekday hours.

Toy Story 5 benefited the most from the rush. The film opened with $20.2 million in the U.K. It also claimed 72% of all ticket sales during its first weekend.

By June 29, its total U.K. earnings had reached $38.6 million. Much of that growth came during the hottest days of the week.

Industry Sees Strong Ticket Sales

Phil Clapp, CEO of the U.K. Cinema Association, said hot weather can help cinemas. However, he noted there is also a risk.

“There’s always a worry that it will be SO hot that people won’t come out of their homes at all.”

He said that did not happen during the latest heatwave.

“Toy Story 5” is enjoying “daily box office well in excess of £1 million [$1.3 million] this last week, even on the hottest days.”

Cinema operators also said movie-going remains popular in every season.

“Cinemas continue to offer a great day out whatever the weather,” a spokesperson for Odeon said in a statement.

Picturehouse added: “It’s always great to see families in our cinemas. Going to the cinema is an all-weather activity, rain or heatwave, and our £3 child ticket offer is drawing families across Picturehouse Cinemas.”

Cooling Problems in Some Theatres

Not every cinema handled the heat well. Reports said some air-conditioning systems failed across the U.K. In France, where temperatures were even higher, some cinemas reduced audience numbers because cooling units stopped working.

Even so, French cinemas recorded a sharp rise in visitors. Attendance during the week of June 17 to 23 was 50% higher than a year earlier. It was also 36% above the same period before the COVID-19 pandemic.