The Motion Picture Association of America released figures on Wednesday for 2010 that showed theaters worldwide took in $31.8 billion.
The statistics show the growing importance of markets outside North America. They now make up more than two-thirds of all theatrical revenue.
The biggest boost was in Asia where movie ticket sales were up 21 percent last year.
Theatrical revenue in the /*U.S.*/ and Canada was flat at $10.6 billion, while in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, revenue grew 5 percent to $10.4 billion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
