New Cinema Investment Yearly Update Highlights Exhibition’s Ongoing Commitment to Innovation and Investment in the Consumer Experience
Eight Largest Circuits Alone Have Totaled $1.8 Billion in Reinvestment Over Two Years
WASHINGTON, D.C. and LOS ANGELES, CA – October 1, 2026 – On the heels of a spectacular summer box office season, Cinema United issued today its updated Cinema Investment Report. It highlights the North American exhibition industry’s reinvestment into movie theatres, with $1.2 billion going towards upgrades and innovations this past year, pushing total reinvestment over the past two years to $2.7 billion. The announcement comes at the close of another successful Fall Summit in L.A., where theatre owners gathered together for four high-impact days of connection, insight, and industry momentum. United in its support of a bright future, exhibition demonstrates through these reinvestments a clear financial commitment to creating premium entertainment experiences that audiences everywhere crave.
The updated industry total includes the eight largest domestic circuits’ commitment to reinvest $840 million this past year, bringing their total reinvestment over the past two years to $1.8 billion. In September 2024, those same eight companies had pledged more than $2.2 billion to modernize and upgrade theatres of all sizes over a three-year period.
“From the world’s largest circuits to independent theatres on Main Streets across this great nation, theatre owners have shown how much they believe in the future of the big screen, and 2026’s strong box office proves that commitment is paying off,” says Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “When a theatre reinvests in itself, everyone wins—moviegoers get a better experience, studios get a stronger platform, local businesses benefit, and contractors get the work that comes with it. Cinema United members are reaffirming that there is nothing like seeing a movie on a big screen. Every investment in a movie theater is an investment in the community it serves, which is why moviegoing will remain essential for generations to come.”
From Cinema United, the trade association representing more than 63,000 screens worldwide, the new Cinema Investment Report comes at a time when audiences of all ages are enthusiastically embracing the big screen experience. In addition to showcasing the capital investments in theatres, the report also highlights the vendors who led several of the renovation efforts, creating jobs and driving local economies.
“The benefit to communities from movie theatres is unmatched by any other premier entertainment experience, and that is why they remain so valued in major cities and small towns worldwide,” says Mike Bowers, CEO of Harkins and Chair of Cinema United. “These investments continue our industry’s long history of ensuring that every moviegoing experience is a premium one.”
Cinema United members profiled in the report include AMC, Cinemark, Harkins, Emagine, Megaplex, CineLux, Classic Cinemas, EPIC Theatres, BAM Rose Cinemas, Hoyts, and Major Cineplex.
Partners mentioned include Okland Construction, Amcon, and D.L.B. Metal Inc.
ABOUT CINEMA UNITED
Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 81 countries internationally. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.
