AMC Theatres, the largest cinema chain in the world, recently achieved an extraordinary milestone by posting the highest domestic revenue in its storied 104-year history for the pre-Thanksgiving weekend. This remarkable performance can be attributed to the successful debuts of two highly-anticipated films, **Wicked** and **Gladiator 2**, which not only drew large audiences but also significantly boosted admissions revenue. In fact, this weekend marked the highest domestic admissions revenue for this specific period since 2019. With sales soaring, it also recorded the third-highest admissions revenue for any Thanksgiving-precedent weekend in the chain’s extensive history.
The combination of these two cinematic heavyweights attracted an impressive 4.6 million moviegoers globally, showcasing the continued allure of the big screen experience. AMC Theatres and its counterpart, Odeon Cinemas, welcomed this influx of eager fans, with the United States alone contributing an estimated domestic haul of $205 million over the weekend. AMC’s CEO, Adam Aron, expressed his enthusiasm for this thriving atmosphere, marking it as a promising start to what is anticipated to be a vibrant holiday moviegoing season.
Adding to the excitement, AMC capitalized on the buzz created by **Wicked** by launching merchandise that quickly sold out by the midpoint of the weekend. Unique items included themed popcorn vessels and a sizeable Grippr Cup adorned with eye-catching designs inspired by the film’s beloved characters, Elphaba and Glinda. This innovative approach not only deepens audience engagement but also highlights the shifting paradigm in which cinema chains are diversifying their offerings beyond mere ticket sales. In a move to enhance the moviegoing experience, AMC also plans to introduce special singalong showtimes for **Wicked** starting in late December, providing audiences an opportunity to engage with the film in a more interactive and celebratory manner.
Anticipation for Future Releases
As the holiday season approaches, the landscape of cinematic entertainment remains bright with the impending release of **Moana 2**, set to hit U.S. cinemas the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, followed by its UK debut at Odeon Cinemas shortly afterward. This strategic timing aims to draw in family audiences looking for festive options during the holiday break. In fact, Odeon Cinemas themselves reported a record-breaking single-day revenue high for 2024, underscoring the inexorable demand for theatrical releases.
This weekend’s box office success is a resounding testament to the resilience of the film industry post-pandemic, reinforcing the public’s craving for shared cinematic experiences on grand stages. With studios successfully marketing blockbuster titles, and cinema chains innovating in fan engagement and merchandise, the future of theatrical exhibition appears promising. The success of films like **Wicked** and **Gladiator 2** not only illustrates the potential for financial triumph but also rekindles enthusiasm for cinematic storytelling that thrives on the big screen. As we move further into the bustling holiday season, one can only speculate about the cinematic delights yet to come, ensuring that audiences flock to theaters for the magic that only the movies can deliver.