AMC Theatres, the largest cinema chain in the world, has achieved a remarkable feat, recording the highest domestic revenue in its 104-year history during the pre-Thanksgiving weekend. This monumental success came as a result of two highly anticipated film releases: “Wicked” and “Gladiator 2.” The influx of moviegoers contributed to a significant rise in both admissions and merchandise sales, setting the stage for a thriving holiday movie season.
The weekend prior to Thanksgiving traditionally marks the beginning of an increase in movie attendance, yet this year surpassed expectations. AMC reported that the weekend generated an estimated $205 million in domestic revenue, marking the highest admissions revenue for the weekend before Thanksgiving since 2019. Such numbers underscore a resurgence in cinema attendance, particularly during a time when industry analysts had speculated that pandemic-era habits might deter audiences from returning to theaters.
The overall excitement surrounding these new releases led to an impressive combined attendance at AMC and Odeon Cinemas, attracting approximately 4.6 million moviegoers from Thursday to Sunday. As consumers returned to the theaters in droves, the atmosphere was palpable, evident in the enthusiastic crowds that gathered at various locations. This demonstrates a promising trend in the film industry, showcasing a renewed appetite for cinematic experiences among audiences domestically and internationally.
Additionally, the release of “Wicked” had a particularly notable impact on merchandise sales, with AMC’s specially designed items inspired by the film selling out midway through the weekend. Exclusive popcorn vessels and themed cups based on the popular characters Elphaba and Glinda proved to be a hit among fans, further enhancing the overall theater-going experience.
Kudos to Iconic Filmmakers
CEO Adam Aron expressed gratitude to the creators behind both films, lauding director Jon M. Chu of “Wicked” and Ridley Scott for “Gladiator 2.” He emphasized the importance of quality filmmaking and effective marketing, which have been instrumental in bringing audiences back to theatres. In his words, the successful weekend served as “yet another demonstration that moviegoers want to see these films on the biggest screens.” This sentiment aligns with the industry’s broader goals of revitalizing the theatrical experience, particularly in a competitive marketplace filled with streaming options.
As the holiday season approaches, AMC Theatres is gearing up for even more success, with family-friendly options such as “Moana 2” set to hit cinemas just before Thanksgiving. Odeon Cinemas also reported its highest single-day revenue for 2024 on Saturday, showing that the enthusiasm for the cinema experience continues to flourish. With a slate of highly anticipated films lined up, market analysts anticipate a robust holiday season that could mirror or exceed pre-pandemic attendance figures.
AMC’s record-breaking weekend serves as a testament to the resilience of the cinema industry and the enduring appeal of the big screen. As audiences continue to gravitate towards theatrical experiences, it is clear that the collective efforts of filmmakers, cinema operators, and enthusiastic moviegoers are charting a promising path forward for the future of film.