In an impressive display of cinematic enthusiasm, AMC Theatres has reported an astounding attendance milestone, welcoming 8.8 million moviegoers globally between Wednesday and Sunday of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This surge in patrons is largely attributed to the release of major films such as Disney’s “Moana 2,” Universal’s “Wicked,” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II.” The sheer volume of attendees not only broke previous records but also reflected a revitalized interest in theatrical releases, an encouraging sign for a sector that has experienced ebbs and flows in audience engagement in recent years.
The increase in attendance translated into substantial revenue increases across both ticket sales and concession stands. AMC rejoiced over surpassing its previous Thanksgiving revenue highs, with Comscore revealing that the five-day box office haul in the U.S. and Canada reached an impressive $420 million. This figure eclipsed the previous record of $315.6 million set in 2018, showcasing a vibrant return to theaters post-pandemic. Notably, Black Friday proved to be a particularly lucrative day, ranking as AMC’s second highest revenue-generating day in its entire history, second only to the massive opening weekend of “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019.
Thanksgiving Day itself saw AMC register the highest attendance ever recorded on the holiday, marking a significant achievement in the company’s history. With the combination of growing interest in blockbuster films, delicious concession offerings, and various marketing strategies, AMC successfully captivated audiences eager for entertainment amid Thanksgiving festivities. The day after, Black Friday, became notorious not only for post-holiday sales but also for the frenzied demand for movie tickets, resulting in a wait time of approximately 13 minutes on the AMC website as eager fans rushed to grab their seats.
AMC Chairman and CEO Adam Aron expressed his elation, reflecting on the success of this record-breaking Thanksgiving period. He acknowledged the contributions of major studios in delivering blockbusters and expressed gratitude towards Disney for “Moana 2”, and others for their compelling films this holiday season. Aron pointed out that alongside the major releases, smaller films also found their audiences, indicating a diverse range of cinema being offered and enjoyed in theaters.
This remarkable performance at AMC is not merely a celebration of numbers; it represents a turning point for cinema that fosters optimism for the future. As audiences embrace the collaborative offerings of various film studios and the thrill of shared viewing experiences, cinemas might continue to see positive trajectories in attendance and revenue. With a promising lineup of films ahead, AMC Theatres stands poised to build on this momentum and reinforce its pivotal role in the entertainment landscape.