EntTelligence, the leading box office analytics firm, is currently monitoring over 13.5 million seats in more than 100,000 showtimes for Sunday’s National Cinema Day. The latest data shows that pre-sales for Sunday have surpassed Saturday by an astounding 700%. This news comes as the second annual National Cinema Day offers a flat ticket price of $4 for all showtimes and formats, further boosting the anticipation for this special day.
It is worth noting that last year’s National Cinema Day, which took place on a Saturday during Labor Day weekend, showcased a relatively modest attendance of 8 million viewers. However, this year’s event is set to be even more promising as it is expected to surpass the previous year’s results. Additionally, the absence of major blockbuster films during last year’s event may have contributed to its lower turnout.
The question arises, will the box office experience a similar level of success on Sunday as it did on Saturday? With the release of highly anticipated films like “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “Gran Turismo,” and “Blue Beetle,” the industry eagerly awaits to see if these films can drive a significant surge in box office revenue. Last year, this phenomenon was observed when films such as “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Bullet Train” saw impressive Friday-to-Saturday jumps of 26% and 117%, respectively.
EntTelligence’s analysis of National Cinema Day reveals several interesting statistics. Firstly, there are approximately 800,000 more available seats for purchase on Sunday compared to Saturday. This indicates that exhibitors are scheduling a greater number of screenings on Sunday and extending their operating hours to accommodate the expected surge in audience demand.
Moreover, the performance during matinee showtimes on Sunday has been particularly strong. Currently, 41% of ticket sales occur between 1 PM and 5 PM, while 28% take place between 5 PM and 9 PM. This demonstrates that moviegoers are eager to take advantage of the discounted ticket price throughout the day.
The current top-selling markets for National Cinema Day, in order, are Los Angeles, New York City, Toronto, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Notably, Cineplex is a proud member of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), further solidifying the significance of this event globally.
Furthermore, premium format tickets, such as IMAX and 3D, account for 14% of Sunday’s sales. This suggests that audiences are willing to invest in enhanced cinematic experiences while still enjoying the benefit of reduced ticket prices.
The $4 ticket price on National Cinema Day represents a substantial 66% discount compared to the average national ticket price of $11.88 on Saturdays. Moreover, premium format shows on a typical Saturday cost an average of $16.17, with Los Angeles and New York City leading the pack at $13.62 and $15.07, respectively. The $4 flat fee serves as an excellent incentive for movie enthusiasts to attend multiple screenings on this special day.
National Cinema Day is shaping up to be a remarkable success in its second year. With record-breaking Sunday pre-sales and the allure of discounted tickets, audiences are expected to flock to theaters across the nation. The presence of highly anticipated films only adds to the anticipation, leaving the industry excitedly awaiting the final box office results. National Cinema Day serves as a celebration of the magic of cinema, offering an affordable and immersive experience for all moviegoers.