US comedy Bringing Down the House is doing well in the UK

The amount of cash spent on cinema tickets totalled �755m - an increase during the last decade of 175%.

This meant that that more than 176 million cinema tickets were bought in 2002.

WHICH FILM TYPES GOT THE BIGGEST AUDIENCES? 1. Comedy: 26.5% 2. Fantasy: 14.2% 3. Action: 12.5% 4. Sci-Fi: 11.9% 5. Animated: 9.4% 6. Drama: 8.7% 7. Horror: 3.5% 8. Crime: 3.2% 9. Thriller: 2.8% 10. Adventure: 2.3% Source: Film Council

Total box office receipts totalled �755m, which is a 175% increase on the last decade, and 17% more than 2001.

Comedy films took 26.5% of 2002's takings with 26%, followed by fantasy films (14.2%) and action (12.5%).

The most popular comedy of 2002 was Austin Powers in Goldmember, followed by Scooby-Doo, About a Boy and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

The UK film industry also did well, with the 20 most successful British films of 2002 taking �187m at the box office, which was 23% of the overall total.

The report by the Film Council, the UK's film development and funding body, is billed as the most comprehensive picture produced of film in Britain.

WHAT FILMS TO DO WOMEN LIKE TO WATCH? Relationship dramas Romantic comedies Films with a family appeal Source: Film Council

The survey also revealed the domination of Hollywood blockbusters - 27% of all films released accounted for more than 94% of box office takings in 2002.

Just under half of all films released in the UK were made by US studios or independent US film makers.

The UK now has more than 3,258 cinema screens and the survey said foreign language films, lead by Hindi movies, account for more than a third of all films released in the country.

The top three foreign language films in the UK were Devdas (India), Y Tu Mama Tambien (Mexico) and Talk to Her (Spain).

WHAT FILMS DO MEN LIKE TO WATCH? Action Science fiction Horror Source: Film Council

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets recorded the biggest-ever opening weekend in the UK - taking �18.9m at the box office.

The adaptation of the JK Rowling book also proved to be the best-performing UK film worldwide, earning $728.2m (�439m), and in the UK alone.

The film is classed as a UK/US co-production even though funding is almost entirely sourced from the United States.

The 20th James Bond film, Die Another Day, was the second most successful UK film globally, taking $322.3m at the box office, and in the UK.

So what do you think?

Do you go to the cinema more often these days? Are cinemas showing what you want to see? Is this as good as it gets for film fans?

Send us your views on the form below.

Disclaimer: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all e-mails will be published.

The reason why I believe more people are attending the cinema in their leisure time, is because there is nothing good on terrestrial television to watch these days, unless you are willing to spend a ridiculous amount of money on satellite or cable as a lot of the big companies like Sky are bidding for the best programmes, not to mention the rights to most sporting events and films.

Also, British audiences have to wait a long time for films to come out on DVD/VHS and most people usually can't be bothered to wait that long so that's probably another reason why they head to the cinema. Amanda Adams, England (UK)

I do go to the cinema quite frequently nowadays, but I am disappointed in the quality of movies coming out now, with a few exceptions, such as the new James Bond film. This is not as good as it gets for film fans, and I hope there will a sort of Reinassance with another Fellini or another Renoir but who knows?
Paul, United States

I wonder whether most "UK" people live in London or the south, considering how everyone seems to be complaining about the expense. I realise that lots of people may not have the flexibility to attend off-peak screenings, but I go to some cinemas (admittedly in the north) that are �2.95 in the mornings (even at the weekend) and my local (south-ish) where it's just over �4 before 5 p.m.

Apart from books I don't think you can get better entertainment for that sort of money - we revisited the original Matrix at the cinema before seeing the new film twice.

I regularly go and see films that I'm expecting to be rubbish and some times they are, but other times you find a real gem. Oh, and on the cost issue - try and attend free screenings - the BBC (Radio 1, Film 2003) do them and so does The Times on Saturdays - I'm amazed that these are rarely full cinemas.

In answer to the question, this year seems better than last so far - seen about 50 films - some bad (but then I thought Goldmember was absolutely terrible), others not - as a selection of varied styles I'd recommend Phone Booth, Moonlight Mile and Matrix Reloaded
Taran, UK

In response to Kaye, UK, I think that film screened properly on a giant screen is a joy to behold - if the image is blurry, someone hasn't done their job properly and focussed the film, if its twitchy, their equipment needs a service. Film done right wins hands down every time.
Michael, Gloucester, UK

Yes, we go to the cinema more often than we used to. Some good films are about, although sorting the good from bad is as difficult as ever (film critics take note). The big difference for us is accessibility; we can pre-book on the internet so be sure of a seat, there is a much greater selection of movies on at any one time (multiplexes) and we can drive to them and not worry about drunks when we leave (out of town multiplexes). Much as I'd like to support small business, I think the big guys have this sewn up.
Neil Aust, UK

I'm sure it was only a couple of weeks ago, around the release of The Matrix Reloaded, that we were being told piracy of unreleased films was costing the movie industry billions in lost box office revenue. Perhaps one side should check their figures more often?
John Linford, England

The statistics are misleading. Instead of overall takings, let's see average takings per film, in each genre, compared with cost of production. That's the figure that'll tell you which genre's most lucrative to make.
Jon Green, UK

"The amount of cash spent on cinema tickets totalled �755m - an increase during the last decade of 175%."

Surely this is a reflection on the massive price increases over the past decade - rather than an increase in numbers? Multiplexes seem to be driving the prices upwards, when surely their overheads per screen must be lower than the "traditional" town centre cinema?
Andy, UK

You can't beat the big-screen experience for sheer escapism - it helps me get immersed in even quite mediocre films. So however much the film industry worries about DVD and internet piracy, I think people will still always go to cinemas for the bigger spectacle.
Tim, UK

I have tried to avoid Hollywood films for some years now and support the ailing British (indeed any other) film industry. However, it is difficult to find cinemas that show anything but big budget Hollywood sequels or re-makes. You have to hunt around to find independent art cinemas that show foreign films or show up at the local multiplex on a Tuesday afternoon, off-peak. Why don't British cinemas support and promote British films?
Chris, Manchester

I think the increase in cinema popularity is due to the generational development of those of is our mid 20s to 30s who want to socialise, but are put off but the loud music and chaos in most pubs/clubs. We are too busy to go clubbing, cannot afford to be hungover, but enjoy going out. A cinema is a perfect alternative.
Kate, England

Even with the extraordinary number of films being released each month now, I rarely discover a really good film; a film which cinematographically looks good, is well directed, well cast and, most importantly, well written. I'd much rather part with more cash and go to the theatre for a classic play or musical. (Mind you, I'm off to see the new Matrix film soon - will it be an over-huge-budget-sequel-riding-on-the-success-of-its-predecessor??? We'll see...)
Padds Williams, England

The stench of popcorn and that yellow coloured tarmac they pour over a plastic tray of doritos ( �4.00 please), idiots talking through entire films into their mobile phones. Corny trailers for corny movies. Steve Martin & Queen Latifa....JLo...Ben Affleck....Adam Sandler...Vin Diesel....Sandra Bullock...chick flick...rom-com.....martial arts....the hell goes on and on. Hollywood continues to spew out this celluloid sewage because dumb people want dumb movies that won't tax their dumb brains. To hell with all that, I'm going to lock myself in my room and watch my entire Police-Academy box-set! Peace at last.
Tristan Hayden, UK

I go to the cinema most weeks and I find it astonishing that cinemas continue to charge exorbitant prices when the audience is occupying only a fraction of the seats. Although I'm not especially put off by the high prices, clearly most other people are. EasyCinema may be a flawed business proposition but it has exposed the naivety of the big cinema chains, happy to let their films play on endless loops to empty houses whilst the public balks at the prices.
Murray Robertson, United Kingdom

Me and my partner go regularly to the cinema, at least twice a month, if not more. The reason is due to the quality of movies the industry is spouting at the moment. Whatever your taste, there's always something for you. Beats sitting a home on a friday/saturday night watching tedious soaps.
Simon, UK

The reason comedies are getting that high a percentage of takings is because it's the cheapest type of film to make, and so there's more of them around, it's not a true reflection of what the public want because we'll see whatever rubbish is on at the weekend for escapism.

Gimme CGI and SFX anyday, the scripts are rubbish.
Debbie, UK

It's good to see the figures reach these heights. However, to maintain these figures over the coming years the cinemas are going to have to start doing somthing about the mobile phone needs.
Scotty, Livingston, Scotland

I prefer to watch films in the comfort of my own home, rather than in a dirty, noisy, overpriced cinema. Compared with the high quality of DVDs, the blurry, twitchy image on a giant screen simply doesn't compete. Cinemas have become incredibly expensive given the poor service they provide, charging so much for tickets drinks and popcorn, I'm much better off buying a DVD. However, judging by your figures it seems I'm in the minority here.
Kaye, UK

Surely the only figures that have any relevance are the actual number of tickets sold (176m in 2002 but what about 1992?) That is what we should be comparing year on year (or decade on decade) not the revenue - this is bound to go up, since it costs me �6.50 to go to the local UCI now, where as ten years ago it was more like �2.50.
Gavin, UK

go to the cinema every month now because of the good films that have been made! The films are getting better unlike last year's rubbish choice of what you could see.

Cinemas are now showing more comedy films which is great! They're the type of films I like to watch. Long may comedy remain!
Simon Burrows, UK

Cinema has never been better, there's such a variety of stuff.
Dave, UK

I only watch films with a rating lower than a 15 certificate as I prefer non-violent films. Inevitably this means it's a comedy or kids films. Why be shocked or scared when you can have a good laugh?
Dave Wain, UK

I don't go to the cinema anymore because it's just too expensive. For one and a half hours of entertainment my partner and I have to spend �10 on tickets alone and more if we want anything else like popcorn. Also there is no come back if the film is rubbish.
Elaine Green, England

I'm a woman and I love watching action, sci-fi and horror films. I can't be the only one who does?
Natalie, England

This is terrible news for the film industry and their current fears for movie piracy. What figures can they use now to support their current stand? Could it be people actually want to watch films in the cinema and are prepared to pay for it?! 176 million cinema tickets can't be wrong.
Martyn T, UK

I don't often go to the cinema any more because people eat noisy snacks. Whoever decided popcorn in a big cardboard tub would be quiet?

I like deluxe screens where possible, because you have more room between seats and rows, although you pay through the nose for the privilege.

I have to really want to see new releases, otherwise I'd rather wait until they come on to satellite TV or on to video.
Nicky, UK

I go to the cinema quite regularly since moving reasonably close to one. It's reassuing to see that in my local film-house which shows a handful of new disposable Hollywood entertainment flicks, along with their staple diet of classic movies and cult cinema, is packed to the rafters virtually every night, while the nearby multiplex may get busy for the big new releases, but otherwise barely attracts an audience.
Simon, UK

Conventionally used special effects are becoming a bore to kids these days, they want the effects to mean something, and the adults need escapism and humour because they don't get enough of it from day to day while at work.
Brendan, UK

Of course cinema visits are up, Hollywood has finally caught on to the fact that we want to see the blockbuster films in the winter when there is not much to do, rather than the summer when we'd rather be on holiday or outside in the sun. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was fantastic over Christmas as my whole family (including grandmothers!) went to see the film - I doubt we'd have all gone at any other time of the year. Keep it up Hollywood.
Claire, England

It's good to see such high numbers but best of all it is good to see that the British and foreign films starting to take more of the centre stage as these are more often the most artistic films but maybe not so pleasing to the eye. The atmosphere of the cinema is second to none as it creates and atmosphere which is easily broken in the comfort of your own home.
Temmy Mack, Scotland

Personally I only go to see a film in the cinemas when they have really good special effects i.e Matrix 2 or if there is breathtaking scenary i.e Lord of the Rings. Because these films have to be watched on the big screen to fully appreciate what the director wanted you to see!
Jigz, UK

Whilst I enjoying going to watch all the films on the big screen, I still get annoyed by the cinema companies ripping off the average customer. The admission money has risen a bit recently and many now try to stop you taking in your own food and drink. Easycinema has been able to target what customers want, shame the rest don't listen!
Peter Allan, Scotland