The movie theater industry in the US is dominated by a few large chains, including AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, and Carmike Cinemas. These chains operate thousands of theaters across the country and are known for their large, modern multiplexes with multiple screens, stadium seating, and state-of-the-art sound systems.
AMC Theatres is the largest movie theater chain in the US, with over 1,000 locations nationwide. It is known for its AMC Stubs loyalty program, which offers discounted tickets and other perks to members. AMC also operates a number of IMAX theaters and has been at the forefront of technological innovations in the industry, such as introducing reserved seating and online ticketing.
Regal Cinemas is the second largest movie theater chain in the US, with over 7,000 screens at over 550 locations. It is known for its Regal Unlimited subscription program, which allows members to see unlimited movies for a monthly fee. Regal also operates a number of IMAX and RPX (Regal Premium Experience) theaters, which offer larger screens and enhanced sound systems.
Cinemark is the third largest movie theater chain in the US, with over 4,500 screens at over 350 locations. It is known for its XD (Extreme Digital) theaters, which offer enhanced sound and projection systems, as well as its loyalty program, Cinemark Movie Rewards.
Carmike Cinemas is the fourth largest movie theater chain in the US, with over 2,900 screens at over 300 locations. It is known for its BigD premium large format theaters, which offer enhanced sound and projection systems.
In terms of ticket sales and business, the movie theater industry in the US has seen ups and downs in recent years. The industry saw a significant decline in ticket sales in the early 2010s due to competition from streaming services and home entertainment options, but has seen a resurgence in recent years due in part to the success of blockbuster films and the introduction of new technologies like premium large format screens and subscription programs.
According to the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), the movie theater industry in the US generated approximately $11.4 billion in box office revenues in 2020, a significant increase from the $11.1 billion generated in 2019. However, it should be noted that this figure does not include revenues from concessions or other sources of income, such as advertising or event rentals.
In terms of ticket prices, the average cost of a movie ticket in the US was $9.01 in 2020, according to NATO. However, prices can vary widely depending on factors such as location, time of day, and type of ticket (e.g. standard, IMAX, 3D). Some movie theater chains offer discounts for certain groups, such as students or seniors, or through loyalty programs or subscription packages.