The film industry has experienced a remarkable resurgence, and AMC Theatres stands at the forefront of this cinematic revival. The recent Thanksgiving holiday stretch from Wednesday through Sunday in 2024 marked a historic milestone for the No. 1 global movie theater chain, as it drew an unprecedented attendance of 8.8 million patrons. This remarkable feat was driven largely by the buoyant performances of top-tier releases, including Disney’s highly anticipated “Moana 2”, Universal’s captivating “Wicked”, and Paramount’s epic sequel “Gladiator II”. With records in both admissions and concession revenue being broken, the buzz surrounding AMC’s success is palpable.
The Numbers Projected the Success
According to data compiled by Comscore, the Thanksgiving weekend in North America alone reaped record-breaking earnings of $420 million, easily eclipsing the previous record of $315.6 million set in 2018. This upward trend heralds a revitalization for the cinema industry that had been struggling with post-pandemic recovery. Disney’s “Moana 2” emerged as the crown jewel of this box office bonanza, heralding a stunning take of $225.2 million over the five-day span. Meanwhile, Universal’s “Wicked” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II” contributed significantly with figures of $118.3 million and $44.3 million respectively.
This surge in attendance and revenue truly signals the hearty appetite of audiences who are increasingly returning to theatres. AMC’s staggering 8 million attendees symbolizes more than just record numbers; it highlights a cultural return to public, shared experiences—a significant feat amidst the digital age, where streaming services have dominated the market.
A Day of Frenzy in the Theatres
Black Friday proved to be an extraordinary day for AMC, as it became the second highest total revenue day in the company’s history, falling just behind the monumental opening weekend of “Avengers: Endgame.” This year’s Thanksgiving was also characterized by phenomenal attendance, categorically establishing it as AMC’s highest-attended Black Friday on record. The sheer volume of moviegoers created such an overwhelming influx on the AMC website that ticket seekers faced a 13-minute wait, a testament to the demand for cinematic experiences this holiday season. AMC swiftly addressed the backlog, reflecting the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Thanksgiving Day itself shattered previous records, carving a new chapter for AMC as the busiest in the company’s history regarding both attendance and admissions revenue. As families emerged from their Thanksgiving dinners, it became evident that watching movies had become an integral part of their celebratory activities. AMC saw patrons flocking to theaters, craving not only films but also the iconic popcorn and refreshing beverages that have become synonymous with the movie-going experience.
AMC’s Chairman and CEO, Adam Aron, couldn’t hide his exuberance as he addressed the media, exclaiming that “this 5-day Thanksgiving period in 2024 was one for the ages.” His pride is reflective of the larger industry pulse—AMC’s success is indicative of a collective resurgence across cinemas. He praised the exceptional performances of “Moana 2”, “Wicked”, and “Gladiator II”, while also acknowledging the plethora of films that engaged audiences across demographic divides. Aron’s words encapsulated a sentiment that resonated widely: the cinematic experience thrives when audiences venture out, share, and connect over storytelling.
As we look toward the future, these record-breaking numbers bode well for the cinematic landscape. The data reflects not only a momentary spike but a potential roadmap for the industry’s revitalization. Following this landmark Thanksgiving holiday, stakeholders in AMC and beyond will eagerly navigate 2025, fortified by the success witnessed during this pivotal season. With consumers eager for film experiences outside the home, the film industry may very well be entering a new era of appreciation for the shared emotional journey that cinema uniquely provides.
The recent success of AMC Theatres is a resounding acknowledgment of the enduring power of cinema, especially during festive occasions. With increased attendance figures and record revenues, the narrative around moviegoing is shifting back to a celebratory and communal experience—one that is worth cherishing and continuing to foster in the years ahead.