The U.K.’s home entertainment sector reached a record £5.7 billion ($7.6 billion) in 2025, a 10% increase over the previous year, according to data released Tuesday by the British Association for Screen Entertainment in partnership with the Official Charts Company.
U.K. Home Entertainment Reaches Record High
This surge reflects a robust performance across all formats – streaming, digital transactions, and physical media – contributing to an overall 8% growth in the broader U.K. media and entertainment industry, reaching $45.6 billion in 2025, up from $40.2 billion in 2024.
Universal’s “Wicked” led the charge as the year’s top home entertainment title, generating $23.7 million in combined sales and rentals. The film, starring British actors Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey and filmed in the U.K., previously grossed $82 million at the U.K. box office in 2024. Its sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” earned $62 million theatrically in 2025 before its January 2nd home entertainment release.
British Talent Takes Center Stage
British talent was prominently featured in the year’s top performers. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” with key scenes filmed in the U.K., secured second place with $9.5 million in sales and rentals. Ralph Fiennes starred in “Conclave,” a papal thriller that topped the rental charts with nearly $5.4 million and won best British film at the 2025 BAFTAs.
“Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” and Gareth Edwards’ “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” also featuring British actor Jonathan Bailey, rounded out the top five, demonstrating the continued strength of U.K. productions and performers.
Liz Bales, chief executive of BASE, stated, “The U.K. entertainment industry is a globally admired powerhouse of talent and innovation that has excelled in 2025.” She added that the industry’s success is driven by the diverse options available to consumers, with streaming services and traditional purchase/rental options both gaining traction.
Digital and Physical Media Both Thrive
The digital marketplace experienced significant growth, with combined digital sales rising 4.5% to $328.3 million. Digital purchases increased by 7.4%, while rentals grew by 1.7% to $183.6 million. The number of premium video-on-demand releases also increased, with 79 titles launching shortly after their theatrical runs, compared to 62 in 2024.
Despite the rise of digital, physical media continues to hold appeal. “Superman” (2025) topped the Blu-ray chart, contributing to a 3.2% increase in the format’s overall value. “Downton Abbey: The Finale” sold 56,500 DVD units in just two weeks, demonstrating continued demand for physical copies.
Streaming remains the dominant force, with 20.5 million U.K. households – 69.5% of the population – subscribing to at least one service. Netflix leads with 17.6 million subscribers, followed by Prime Video (13.6 million), Disney+ (7.5 million), and Paramount+ (3.5 million). Smaller platforms like Discovery, Apple TV, and Sky’s Now also saw growth.
The introduction of advertising-supported tiers on major streaming platforms is believed to have contributed to the sector’s overall value increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total value of the U.K. home entertainment sector in 2025?
The U.K.’s home entertainment sector reached a total value of £5.7 billion ($7.6 billion) in 2025.
Which film topped the home entertainment charts in 2025?
Universal’s “Wicked” emerged as the year’s top home entertainment title.
Did physical media sales decline in 2025?
No, physical media maintained its appeal, with Blu-ray sales increasing by 3.2% and strong sales of titles like “Downton Abbey: The Finale” on DVD.
As the U.K. entertainment industry continues to evolve, will the balance between streaming, digital purchases, and physical media continue to shift, or will these formats find a sustainable equilibrium?
