This Thanksgiving season marked a remarkable milestone for AMC Theatres, shattering previous attendance records with an astounding count of 8.8 million moviegoers in just five days, spanning from Wednesday to Sunday. The surge in cinema attendance was largely driven by blockbuster releases such as Disney’s “Moana 2,” Universal’s “Wicked,” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II.” These films not only captivated audiences but also rejuvenated the theatrical experience, leading consumers to flock to AMC venues across the globe. This achievement is particularly significant as it surpasses the previous Thanksgiving record set in 2018, emphasizing a post-pandemic resurgence in the cinematic experience.
In addition to robust attendance, AMC’s financial performance during this period demonstrated healthy growth. The cinema chain reported notable increases in both admissions revenue and concession sales. According to Comscore, the U.S. and Canadian box office generated a record $420 million during the five-day Thanksgiving holiday, marking a substantial increase from $315.6 million in 2018. This financial uptick not only highlights the significance of major film releases but also reflects a renewed enthusiasm for going out to watch movies, hinting at an optimistic outlook for the film industry moving forward.
AMC’s success wasn’t limited to just the weekend; Thanksgiving Day set a new benchmark as the busiest in the company’s history, based on both attendance and admissions revenue. Furthermore, Black Friday proved to be a phenomenal day for AMC, marking the second-highest grossing revenue day in the company’s history, surpassed only by the iconic “Avengers: Endgame” opening weekend. This Black Friday also emerged as AMC’s busiest Friday ever, highlighting a trend where traditional shopping days are merging with cinematic experiences. The day’s fervor led to ticketing backlogs, exemplifying the immense consumer interest and engagement.
Celebrating Partnerships and the Film Community
AMC’s Chairman and CEO, Adam Aron, expressed unreserved enthusiasm regarding these achievements, recognizing the collective effort that made this season a cinematic success. He extended heartfelt congratulations to Disney for the phenomenal performance of “Moana 2,” while also acknowledging Universal, Paramount, and MGM for their contributions to the thriving movie landscape. Aron’s remarks underscored the importance of collaboration between theatres and studios, emphasizing that the success of a diverse array of films is beneficial not only for AMC but also for its partners and audiences.
The Future of Cinematic Outings
As the movie industry continues to rebound, AMC’s record-breaking attendance during this Thanksgiving period may signal a promising recovery for cinemas worldwide. The resurgence of in-person movie experiences amidst blockbuster releases suggests that audiences are not just returning to theatres but are invigorated by the communal aspect of cinema. With a strong lineup of future films and an evolving landscape that prioritizes audience engagement, the trend of increased attendance and revenues could set the stage for future cinematic triumphs. As consumers increasingly seek entertainment outside their homes, AMC and other theatre chains will likely continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a vibrant film culture.