U.S. movie theaters experienced their most profitable summer in a decade, generating $4.61 billion in domestic ticket sales from May to August, a figure not seen since 2013. This resurgence in moviegoing is attributed to a renewed public interest in the theatrical experience.
Beyond ticket revenue, concession sales and an innovative food delivery program have played a crucial role in the industry's financial success. AMC, one of the largest theater chains, reported a nearly 50 percent year-over-year increase in food delivery sales. The company has partnered with services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub to offer concessions, with popcorn being a particularly popular item.
AMC's Megabag, an oversized portion of popcorn designed for takeout, sells for approximately $24.99 on delivery apps before additional fees and tips. Cassie Kennard, AMC's manager of media relations, noted that while in-theater snacks remain popular, there is a clear demand for enjoying movie theater food at home. "we also know people want to enjoy those same foods at home, whether it’s for a movie night in, a gathering, or simply because they’re craving it," she stated.
These concession sales contributed to AMC achieving its highest reported revenue weekend ever in late July, coinciding with the releases of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and the continued popularity of "The Odyssey." During the weekend of July 29 to August 2, AMC saw 10.2 million moviegoers worldwide, resulting in $355 million in domestic earnings and $927 million globally. The company also set personal records for food and beverage sales during that same weekend. Financially, AMC has earned $923.4 million in its food and beverage category, an 18 percent increase from the previous year.
The strong performance comes as some moviegoers are going to considerable lengths to secure tickets for highly anticipated films. Reports from August highlighted instances of eager New Yorkers staying up all night for "The Odyssey" showings at the AMC Lincoln Square. Some attendees have reportedly resorted to extreme measures to get seats in sold-out showings, with one social media trend showing individuals acquiring wheelchairs to access available spots.