The fervor of movie-goers this Thanksgiving weekend reached unprecedented heights as AMC Theatres reported an astonishing attendance of 8.8 million patrons globally from Wednesday to Sunday. This influx was largely attributed to the release of highly anticipated films, including Disney’s “Moana 2,” Universal’s “Wicked,” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II.” These films not only drew enormous crowds but also contributed to record-breaking revenue in both admissions and concession sales for the theater chain, marking a significant milestone in the entertainment industry.
This year’s performance has eclipsed previous Thanksgiving records, notably surpassing the previous benchmark set in 2018. According to Comscore, the five-day holiday window in the U.S. and Canada alone raked in a jaw-dropping $420 million, eclipsing the 2018 haul of $315.6 million. Such impressive figures underscore not only the popularity of the featured films but also the resilience of cinema in engaging audiences during peak seasons.
Noteworthy among these statistics was AMC’s performance on Black Friday, November 29, which emerged as the theater’s second-highest revenue day ever, trailing only behind the monumental opening weekend of “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019. It was during this day that AMC recorded the highest attendance for Black Friday in its history, cementing it as the second busiest Friday ever for the chain. This speaks to the cultural shift where visiting a cinema is no longer just an entertainment choice, but a cherished family tradition during the holidays.
Furthermore, Thanksgiving Day itself saw record-breaking attendance, with AMC operating at peak performance. The enthusiasm was palpable, with a reported 13-minute wait time on the AMC website for ticket purchases, illustrating the intense demand. Although this backlog was swiftly addressed, it serves as a reminder of the loyalty and excitement that fans have for watching films on the big screen.
Acknowledgment of Collaborative Success
AMC’s Chairman and CEO, Adam Aron, expressed his delight at this record-breaking weekend, emphasizing the deep connection cinema has with audiences during Thanksgiving. He noted that the combination of delectable AMC popcorn, refreshing Coca-Cola, and captivating films seemed to enhance the holiday experience for families and friends alike. Moreover, Aron extended congratulations to Disney for the success of “Moana 2” and recognized the contributions from other studios such as Universal and Paramount.
His insights reveal a landscape where multiple films—ranging from blockbusters to smaller features—coexist successfully on screen, creating a vibrant theatrical ecosystem. The validation of both mainstream and independent films during such a high-traffic period benefits not just AMC and its shareholders, but also serves to invigorate the entire moviegoing community.
The outcomes of this Thanksgiving period highlight a pathological shift in consumer behavior—one that favors shared experiences like film viewings. As individuals flock back to theaters, it raises pertinent questions about the future of cinema amidst an evolving entertainment landscape. With a renewed appetite for in-person experiences, AMC’s performance may well serve as a bellwether for industry recovery, signaling optimism for further engagement and profitability in the months to come.