AMC Theatres achieves highest pre-Thanksgiving weekend domestic revenue in 104-year history

AMC Theatres, the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and globally, achieved a record-breaking milestone this past weekend. The company reported its highest domestic revenue (including admissions, food and beverage and merchandise) for the weekend before Thanksgiving in its 104-year history.

This achievement also marked the highest domestic admissions revenue for the same occasion since 2019 and the third highest in AMC’s history. The remarkable success was driven by the opening weekends of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II.”

Moviegoers thronged AMC Theatres and ODEON Cinemas, with a combined 4.6 million attendees from Thursday to Sunday, both in the United States and internationally.

In the US, AMC’s merchandise programs for “Wicked” were a resounding success. The movie collectibles sold out mid-way through the weekend, including AMC’s distinctive green and pink popcorn vessels modeled after the characters Elphaba and Glinda, and the 32-ounce Grippr Cup with translucent toppers featuring the same characters.

AMC also announced plans for “WICKED Singalong” showtimes starting in late December at select locations, allowing fans to sing along with the lyrics displayed on screen. More information on these special showtimes and locations will be released in the coming weeks.

“Naturally, we are pleased that at our U.S. theatres, AMC just recorded our highest revenues for a pre-Thanksgiving weekend in AMC’s entire history,” said AMC Chairman and CEO Adam Aron. “Similarly, it is thoroughly satisfying that fully 4.6 million people graced our AMC Theatres in the U.S. and Odeon Cinemas abroad over the just completed four days Thursday to Sunday. What a wonderful way to head into what we expect will be a busy and entertaining holiday moviegoing season.”

Aron further expressed gratitude and congratulations to Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures for “Wicked,” and to Sir Ridley Scott and Paramount for “Gladiator II,” stating, “We extend our gratitude and congratulations to Jon M. Chu and our partners at Universal Pictures on WICKED’s success, and as well extend our gratitude and congratulations to Sir Ridley Scott and our partners at Paramount for the success of GLADIATOR II. Both films were expertly made, and brilliantly marketed to their audiences. This past weekend’s result is yet another demonstration that moviegoers want to see these films on the biggest screens, with the biggest sounds, and that theatrical exhibition is ready and able to support multiple blockbuster titles opening on the same weekend.”

AMC Theatres has also announced an exciting promotion for fans of “Gladiator II.” From November 21 to December 1, moviegoers who purchase tickets to see “Gladiator II” at AMC Theatres will have the chance to win an unforgettable trip to Rome, says a post by AMC on X.

The arena awaits your victory! ⚔ Get your 🎟 to #GladiatorII from 11/21-12/1 for a chance to win a legendary trip to #Rome. 🛫 Now playing in #AMCTheatres!https://t.co/zJdVfMaszT#AMCStubs pic.twitter.com/zoyhafh7M0

— AMC Theatres (@AMCTheatres) November 27, 2024

AMC Theatres in the US and globally are expected to continue to see high attendance as the US-based Thanksgiving holiday approaches. The highly anticipated “Moana 2” is set to premiere in US theaters on Wednesday, November 27, and at ODEON Cinemas in the UK on November 29.

Featured photo attribution: JAH2k, License: CC BY-SA 4.0