AMC Theatres has achieved a historic milestone, reporting an astounding attendance figure of 8.8 million moviegoers across its global locations during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This surge in ticket sales was largely fueled by the release of blockbuster films such as Disney’s *Moana 2*, Universal’s *Wicked*, and Paramount’s *Gladiator II*. The results have not only shattered the previous attendance records set in 2018 but have also propelled AMC to report significant gains in both admissions and concessions revenues.
This Thanksgiving period, which spanned from Wednesday through Sunday, saw AMC outperform previous financial milestones, achieving a remarkable total of $420 million in revenue across the U.S. and Canada—an increase from $315.6 million in 2018. These figures speak volumes about the changing dynamics of movie-going culture, particularly in the wake of a lingering pandemic that once threatened the very existence of theaters.
A noteworthy highlight of this frenzy was Black Friday, which not only marked the highest attendance for that day in AMC’s history but also secured its position as the second busiest Friday ever recorded. In fact, Friday, November 29 became the second-highest day in total revenue—comprising ticket sales and concessions—just shy of the phenomenal weekend of *Avengers: Endgame* back in 2019.
In addition, AMC reported that Thanksgiving Day, November 28, was also its busiest ever, experiencing record attendance and admissions revenue. This indicates that movie theaters have successfully woven themselves into the fabric of holiday traditions, reflecting a sentimental value associated with cinema as a communal activity.
Welcoming the Audience Back
AMC Chairman and CEO Adam Aron expressed immense pride in these outstanding results, referring to this Thanksgiving period as a celebration for both cinema lovers and the company itself. He emphasized that the collective love for movie-going has motivated families to make a trip to theaters part of their holiday traditions. Aron also extended congratulations to Disney for the success of *Moana 2*, demonstrating how collaborations with major studios have played a key role in AMC’s resurgence.
“Thanksgiving dinner is made all the better when accompanied by some delicious AMC popcorn and an ice-cold Coca-Cola,” Aron noted, framing the cinematic experience as an integral component of holiday gatherings. This perspective underscores the potential for theaters to emerge as vital social spaces that enhance shared experiences during significant times of the year.
The surge in attendance also emphasizes the resilience of the cinema industry, even in the contemporary entertainment landscape dominated by streaming services. As movie studios continue to produce a diverse range of films that cater to various audiences, AMC stands ready to welcome moviegoers back into their theaters, reinforcing the notion that cinema holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Overall, AMC’s Thanksgiving triumph not only signals a resurgence for the theater chain but may also ignite optimism for the broader film industry landscape moving forward. With records set and exceeded, the future looks bright for both the big screen and its devoted audiences.
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