Movie-goers flock to theaters for record breaking Memorial Day weekend box office
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AMC Reports Record Revenues for Memorial Day Weekend
Above: Moviegoers attend showings of "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" at AMC Century City in Los Angeles, California, on May 22, 2025. Image copyright: Jason Armond/Contributor/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The theatrical movie industry has definitively turned a corner after years of struggles related to the pandemic. Weekend after weekend since early April, audiences have demonstrated their clear preference for the theatrical experience over at-home streaming. With a strong slate of upcoming releases through 2025 and into 2026, theaters are positioned for sustained box office success and renewed cultural relevance.
Narrative B
While the record numbers are impressive, audiences have become more selective about theater attendance in the streaming era. Viewers are primarily drawn to theaters for major family films and must-see spectacles, with shorter theatrical windows and the convenience of streaming changing consumer behavior. The industry's recovery remains concentrated on specific types of content rather than indicating a complete return to pre-pandemic habits.