In a year packed with mega studio hits – Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mad Max, Jurassic World and Spectre, to name a few – British independent films managed to hold their own and bring in millions of pounds.
According to figures released by the BFI, home-grown productions made a real impact with audiences in 2015, with a wide range of titles performing well across different demographic groups.
The top draw was Legend, starring Tom Hardy as both Kray twins. The gangster-drama was the year’s highest grossing British indie, raking in £18.4 million at the box office.
It was followed by the sequel The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which took £16 million, thanks in large part to the so-called grey pound.
Oscar-nominated animation Shaun the Sheep pulled in £14 million, giving it third place. Other popular indies were The Lady in the Van (£12 million), Suffragette (almost £10 million) and award-winning documentary Amy (£3.8 million).
The strong standing for British independents reflects what was a record 12 months for cinemas. The BFI reports that UK ticket sales were £1.24 billion, an increase of 17% from 2014. That wasn’t fuelled just by increased ticket prices, admissions were also up 9%.
Originally published January 29, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
