Press Archives | Cinema United

February 12, 2026

Angel, Row K Entertainment and STUDIOCANAL To Take The Main Stage For Inaugural “CinemaCon® Film Showcase”

BRAND NEW PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSE STORIES FROM KEY PARTNERS OF THE GLOBAL EXHIBITION COMMUNITY

“CINEMACON^® FILM SHOWCASE” WILL BE HELD AT THE COLOSSEUM IN CAESARS PALACE MONDAY AFTERNOON ON APRIL 13

LAS VEGAS – Feb. 12, 2026 – CinemaCon^®, the world’s largest convention for the global cinema industry and the official convention of Cinema United, announced today that it will host a Monday afternoon program for the first time in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, titled the “CinemaCon^® Film Showcase.” The presentation on April 13 will feature Angel, Row K Entertainment and STUDIOCANAL, all three of which will showcase exciting new films from their upcoming theatrical slates to the global exhibition community.

“As a global industry that depends on a diverse pipeline of movies from a wide array of distribution partners, we are incredibly excited to welcome Angel, Row K Entertainment and STUDIOCANAL to be part of this important new program on Monday afternoon,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “Movie theatres around the world in cities and towns of all sizes rely upon these movies 52 weeks out of the year. They are essential to our industry, and by shining a light on these companies, we celebrate their importance in bringing great movies to fans of all ages across the globe.”

CEO of STUDIOCANAL, Chief Content Officer of CANAL+ Anna Marsh commented: “We are thrilled to be part of CinemaCon 2026 and to take part in this inaugural film showcase. Presenting our slate at The Colosseum and connecting with the exhibition community is a very special moment for STUDIOCANAL and the Canal+ group. We remain firmly committed to films made for the big screen, and we thank Michael O’Leary and his team for providing such an important platform to highlight the creativity, ambition and investment behind bringing great stories to cinemas across the globe.”

“Theaters thrive when audiences have options,” said Executive Vice President and Head of Theatrical at Angel, Brandon Purdie. “Angel is committed to bringing audiences a bold, varied slate of films. We’re proud to stand with Cinema United, CinemaCon, and our partners in exhibition as we redefine the future of theatrical moviegoing together.”

“CinemaCon is a powerful reminder that the theatrical experience remains the heartbeat of our industry, bringing audiences together in a way no other medium can,” said Row K Co-Chairmen Christopher Woodrow and Raj Singh. “Row K was built around the belief that great films deserve to be experienced on the big screen, and we’re proud to join Angel and STUDIOCANAL to showcase a slate designed to deliver bold storytelling, unforgettable performances, and the kind of communal moviegoing moments that only theaters can provide.”

Hosted by Cinema United, CinemaCon is the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition, taking place April 13-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

About Angel

Angel (NYSE: ANGX) is a media and technology company guided by two million grassroots Angel Guild paying members championing values-driven stories. The company is one of the most disruptive forces in entertainment, bringing audience-powered films to theaters worldwide. With theatrical hits such as Solo Mio, DAVID, Sound of Freedom, Homestead, and The King of Kings, Angel has proven that stories chosen by the audience, for the audience, resonate on a massive scale. Angel is committed to working hand-in-hand with exhibitors, recognizing their vital role in delivering powerful, uplifting stories to audiences everywhere. The company invites theater owners to be part of shaping the future of cinema. For more information, visit www.angel.com.

About Row K Entertainment

Row K Entertainment (“Row K”) is a U.S. theatrical distribution company built to meet the growing demands of the modern film marketplace. The company focuses on wide-release, star-driven, and prestige-filmmaker-led films with global appeal. Named for the seat often considered the best view in the theater, Row K is dedicated to elevating the cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. CAA Media Finance, which helped ideate Row K, serves as an advisory partner to the company. Row K is a subsidiary of Media Capital Technologies, a leading entertainment investment company.

Launched in 2025, Row K has quickly established itself as a force in distribution with a breakout debut year marked by several high-profile festival acquisitions. The company’s 2026 slate includes Dead Man’s Wire, directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino, which opened in January; Poetic License, the directorial debut of Maude Apatow and starring Leslie Mann, Cooper Hoffman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Nico Parker, and Cliff “Method Man” Smith; Cliffhanger, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Pierce Brosnan and Lily James; and Charlie Harper, directed by Tom Dean and Mac Eldridge and starring Nick Robinson and Emilia Jones.

About STUDIOCANAL

STUDIOCANAL, CANAL+’s in-house studio, is Europe’s leading film and television studio, with worldwide production and distribution capabilities. It operates directly in nine major European markets including Austria, Benelux, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, and offices in the United States and China. STUDIOCANAL finances, produces, and distributes 200 films per year. It owns one of the most prestigious catalogues in the world and the largest catalogue of European titles, boasting more than 9 400 titles from 60 countries. With a catalogue spanning 100 years of film history, STUDIOCANAL has invested close to 25 million euros into the 4K restoration of nearly 1 000 classic feature films over the past 7 years.

STUDIOCANAL also produces over 15 series each year, including local creations and premium international co-productions, and distributes its scripted productions and CANAL+ Originals globally (2,000 hours of current and library content in distribution). Projects are produced in-house by STUDIOCANAL or through its worldwide network of production companies, including 2e Bureau, Flab, Kissman, and Grands Ducs Films in France; Birdie Pictures, Urban Myth Films, Strong Film & Television, Sunny March TV and Brock Media in the UK; Bambú Producciones and Te Espero en Marte in Spain; Lailaps Films and STUDIOCANAL Series in Germany; Opus TV in Poland; Sam Productions in Denmark; Dingie in Belgium; and The Picture Company in the United States.

About Cinema United

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 31,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries worldwide. 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. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of six thousand motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. CinemaCon works with the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners. The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of movies – is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon. For more information, visit cinemacon.com. Follow CinemaCon on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

February 4, 2026

Cinema United’s Variety Op-ed: What Netflix Didn’t Say

The following Op-ed was posted by Variety on February 4:

What Netflix Didn’t Say: Why Promising a 45-Day Theatrical Window Still Doesn’t Answer Some Big Questions
By Michael O’Leary, President and CEO, Cinema United

Amid the increasingly caustic back and forth between Netflix and Paramount over who should own the iconic Warner Bros. Studios, principals from Netflix and Warner Bros. were summoned yesterday to the Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee to make the case as to why this transaction should go through.

Congress has no direct authority to approve these types of deals, but they can make their feelings known, and that does matter. Of particular interest to the people who own and operate theatres of all sizes across the United States and around the world was the Netflix statement that “… we will put Warner Bros. movies in theatres with 45-day windows.” This is a marked evolution for the global streamer that not so many months ago had decried movie theatres as “outdated.” One suspects that this is, in part, to ease approval of the pending deal, but also a recognition of the fact that movies which start in theatrical do better on subsequent platforms, including Netflix. But more important than what Netflix said in Washington, DC, is what they have not said.

Netflix has given no indication how many “Warner Bros.” movies they intend to make each year, or how many are for wide release in 2,000 locations or more. Nor have they signaled how many “straight-to-streaming” movies that Warner Bros. will produce annually and how that will impact resources and expertise now dedicated to theatrical movies.

Netflix made no mention of the need to promote the Warner Bros. movies that it will make. Having committed to releasing movies theatrically, will Netflix support those movies financially with strong “Only in Theatres” marketing campaigns?

And what does a 45-day window truly mean? This is a critical question and one that goes to the core of full commitment to theatrical. Netflix could simply take movies directly from the theatre to its own platform, skipping completely the Premium Video On-Demand (PVOD) window, when consumers can rent or purchase a film to view in their home. Exhibition is already feeling the impact of shrinking theatrical windows that rush movies into PVOD in a matter of weeks. The industry, including some studios, is starting to realize the harm caused by shorter windows. But 45 days to Subscription Video On-Demand (SVOD) is vastly different, and significantly more harmful, than 45 days to PVOD. The average SVOD window for wide theatrical releases today is 102 days. Should this transaction result in movies going directly from the theatre to Netflix, the 45-day window that is now being heralded would devastate the industry.

To be clear, we would ask similar questions of Paramount. Our preference would be for the talented movie-making team at Warner Bros. to operate as a free-standing studio. That would be best for theatres, people who love seeing movies on the big screen, and the entire movie industry. If, however, this iconic studio is once again sold, it is imperative to get answers to these questions. Sometimes what you don’t hear is as important as what you do.

—

Michael O’Leary is the President and CEO of Cinema United, the largest film exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 31,000 movie screens across all 50 states, and over 30,000 additional screens in 80 countries worldwide.

February 3, 2026

Cinema United Issues Statement for the Record for Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy & Consumer Rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Feb. 3, 2026) – Today, Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association representing more than 31,000 movie screens across all 50 states and over 30,000 additional screens in 80 countries worldwide, submitted written testimony to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy & Consumer Rights on the potential harm caused by the proposed acquisition of the iconic Warner Bros. studio.

In the statement, Cinema United advocated: “We are deeply concerned that this acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix will have a direct and irreversible negative impact on movie theatres around the world. Such an acquisition will further consolidate control over production and distribution of motion pictures in the hands of a single, dominant, global streaming platform in a market that is already highly concentrated. The impact will not only be felt by theatre owners, but by movie fans and surrounding businesses in communities of all sizes.”

Cinema United extended its concerns of the proposed Warner Bros. merger beyond Netflix, adding: “If Paramount or another major studio ends up displacing Netflix as the buyer, our concerns are no less serious. A combination of Paramount and Warner Bros., for instance, would consolidate as much as 40% of each year’s domestic box office in the hands of a single dominant studio.”

The statement outlined four primary harms to the industry caused by consolidation, namely, Fewer Movies Produced for Theatrical Exhibition, Increased Marketplace Leverage for Studios vis-à-vis Theatre Owners, Reduced Diversity of Films for Movie Fans, and Job Losses Across the Entertainment Industry and in Communities Worldwide.

“The key to a successful industry overall is having a diverse, robust, and consistent product pipeline that responds to consumer demand. The number of films being produced for theatrical exhibition is slowly returning to pre-2019 levels. However, that growth is threatened by further consolidation. At best, an acquisition of Warner Bros. will stall the growth we have seen in the last four years. More realistically, however, it will result in a significant reduction of theatrical releases.”

The statement concluded: “We must heed the lessons of the past: further industry consolidation has consistently led to fewer movies being made, and there is no reason whatsoever to believe the outcome here would be any different, particularly given Netflix’s stated views of movie theatres over the past decade-plus.”

For a PDF copy of the full statement, click here.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing 31,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries. 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.

January 29, 2026

Cinema United Applauds National Film Registry Selections

Cinema United is applauding the induction of 25 new films into the National Film Registry, overseen by the Library of Congress.

Created by Congress, the National Film Registry highlights America’s movie history and the need to preserve our cinematic heritage for future generations. Each year, films are selected based on their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance, and must be at least ten years old.

Cinema United is represented on the Library’s National Film Preservation Board by Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary and Cinema United New York President Joe Masher.

“Movies have always shaped our culture, with tens of millions of Americans going to the cinema on a regular basis,” says Cinema United CEO & President and National Film Preservation Board Member Michael O’Leary. “It’s a true honor to support the Library of Congress and the Librarian in their important work preserving influential cinematic experiences. The wide-ranging selections, representing stories with universal themes that connect people everywhere, will inspire classic programming at theatres large and small across the country.”

“Moviegoing is part of the American social fabric,” says Cinema United New York President and National Film Preservation Board Member Joe Masher. “Cinemas dotting cities and towns across Main Street America are important places where many of us had our first jobs, our first dates, our first family outings, our first community experiences. With classic films bigger than ever in cinemas, we are grateful to the passionate work of the Library of Congress and the Librarian for their exciting additions to the National Film Registry, introducing new audiences to great movies on the big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”

The selections for 2025 bring the number of titles in the registry to 925. Some of the film titles are among the 2 million moving image collection items held in the Library of Congress. Others are preserved in coordination with copyright holders or other film archives.

Films Selected for the 2025 National Film Registry:

(chronological order)

The Tramp and the Dog (1896)
The Oath of the Sword (1914)
The Maid of McMillan (1916)
The Lady (1925)
Sparrows (1926)
Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926)
White Christmas (1954)
High Society (1956)
Brooklyn Bridge (1981)
Say Amen, Somebody (1982)
The Thing (1982)
The Big Chill (1983)
The Karate Kid (1984)
Glory (1989)
Philadelphia (1993)
Before Sunrise (1995)
Clueless (1995)
The Truman Show (1998)
Frida (2002)
The Hours (2002)
The Incredibles (2004)
The Wrecking Crew (2008)
Inception (2010)
The Loving Story (2011)
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

January 13, 2026

CinemaCon Vendor Spotlight Continues with Strong Technical Services

Cinema United is proud to spotlight the next partner in our CinemaCon Vendor Spotlight series—an ongoing celebration of the companies whose expertise, innovation, and commitment help exhibitors elevate the theatrical experience year after year.

Our next feature highlights Strong Technical Services (STS), an industry leader in cinema equipment sales, installation, engineering, and project management. With more than 65 field service technicians and dedicated coast-to-coast installation teams, STS plays a critical role in ensuring that cinemas across the country operate at peak performance—on time, on spec, and with confidence.

Read the full spotlight here: https://www.cinemacon.com/en/strong-vendor-spotlight

January 13, 2026

Cinema United Mourns Loss of Colleen Barstow

COLLEEN BARSTOW, INDEPENDENT CINEMA LEADER, DIES AT 64

Colleen Barstow, a longtime leader of independent cinema, died on January 10. She was 64.

Colleen Barstow was not only a driving force behind the Omaha-based family-run theater chain ACX Cinemas, but also a nationally respected leader in the independent cinema industry. At the time of her passing, she served as Treasurer of the Executive Board of Directors and Chair of the Independent Theatre Owners Committee for Cinema United. On Cinema United’s Executive Board, she represented independent exhibitors across the country with clarity, conviction, and compassion. She was on the Cinema United Board from 2022-2026 and was also instrumental in the North Central Cinema United conferences.

Colleen co-founded Main Street Theatres alongside her husband, Bill Barstow, in 1988 after answering a newspaper ad for a small, single-screen theater in Nebraska. What began as a leap of faith—financed through borrowed credit cards and fueled by determination—grew into ACX Cinemas, a seven-location cinema chain known for innovation, hospitality, and community engagement.

“Colleen was a tireless advocate for independent theatre owners,” remembers Cinema United CEO Michael O’Leary. “I had the privilege of working with her closely and she always brought energy, ideas, and commitment to everything she did on behalf of our industry. Of course, her greatest joy in life was her family – her husband Bill, her children, and beautiful grandchildren – to whom we extend our deepest condolences and support.”

From the earliest days, Colleen was the heart of the business. Born in Detroit, she was one of nine children. She left her job in banking to help build the company from the ground up—delivering film prints between theaters, managing operations, and raising a family alongside the work. Her children grew up in theaters, learning first-hand the values that would later shape ACX’s culture and leadership.

Colleen believed that the power of cinema extended far beyond the screen.

“To me, the movie is always secondary,” she said. “We like bringing people together. We like telling a story—and that story isn’t always the one on the screen.”

That belief guided her work both locally and nationally. She was a tireless advocate for independent theaters, encouraging collaboration over competition and urging exhibitors to engage deeply with their communities. She championed theaters as gathering places—homes for festivals, fundraisers, nonprofit events, and shared experiences.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Colleen played a critical role in industry advocacy, working alongside fellow exhibitors and Cinema United leadership to help secure federal relief funding for shuttered venues and independent theaters. Her steady leadership helped guide the industry through unprecedented disruption.

She is survived by her husband Bill Barstow; their three children, Michael Barstow, Andrea Barstow-Olson and Amy Evans; and four grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Friday at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska.

January 7, 2026

Cinema United Issues Statement for the Record for House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Jan. 7, 2026) – Today, Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association representing more than 31,000 movie screens across all 50 states and over 30,000 additional screens in 80 countries worldwide, submitted written testimony to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust hearing on the myriad harms caused by the proposed acquisition of the iconic Warner Bros. studio.

For a PDF copy of the full statement, click here.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

January 5, 2026

National Popcorn Day Is Back — Bigger and Better, Offering One Day Only Popcorn Deals at Movie Theatres Nationwide on January 19

WASHINGTON, D.C. & LOS ANGELES, CA – January 5, 2026 – Movie theatres nationwide will celebrate National Popcorn Day, the annual nationwide celebration of America’s favorite movie snack on Monday, January 19. An initiative of Cinema United and The Cinema Foundation, this one-day-only event, at participating theatres, will feature unique promotions, discounts and offers on hot delicious movie theatre popcorn. Fandango, the nation’s leading online ticketing service, has joined the campaign for another year as its presenting sponsor.

“National Popcorn Day is one of those moments that reminds us why people love going to the movies,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “It’s about sharing a big screen experience, and enjoying the amazing combination of movies and popcorn together that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else.”

“We’re excited to once again partner with The Cinema Foundation to celebrate National Popcorn Day in theatres nationwide on January 19,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “The theatrical experience is truly unmatched, and concessions like Popcorn play a big role in making every theater visit memorable to fans, whether they are watching the latest blockbuster, a beloved re-release, or even a live event. We’re proud to support exhibitors by helping fans enjoy their favorite theater snacks at a great value.”

According to a Fandango study of more than 6,000 Moviegoers, 96% of general ticket buyers said they purchased concessions during their trip to the movies with Popcorn being one of the most popular items and 61% of participants saying they like to order a variety of concessions.

To find participating theatres and their offers, visit your local movie theatre’s website or app, AtTheMovies.co, or Fandango.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION

The Cinema Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dedicated to strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country. The Foundation promotes and enhances the exhibition industry through programming, events and activities, while spearheading the development of vital industry data, research and consumer insights, education and community involvement to advance the moviegoing experience.

ABOUT FANDANGO

Fandango digital network provides unrivaled, instant access to all things movies and TV, enhancing fan enjoyment across the entire entertainment journey. The portfolio serves more than 50 million unique visitors per month and includes leading online movie ticketer, Fandango, which tickets for 31,000 U.S. movie screens; world-renowned entertainment review site, Rotten Tomatoes; and Fandango at Home (previously Vudu), the on-demand streaming service offering the industry’s best selection of 4K UHD titles and more than 250,000 new release and catalogue movies and next day TV shows.

December 26, 2025

Cinema United Visits Cinergy Midland Tall City

Cinema United’s Todd Halstead recently joined Cinergy Entertainment Group for the VIP night at its newest and largest project yet: Cinergy Tall City in Midland, Texas. Timed to open alongside the premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the 98,000-square-foot cinema entertainment center is built for shared experiences. What was once a long-closed movie theatre is now a vibrant cinema entertainment center that’s creating more than 180 new jobs and marking a real investment in this West Texas community.

Cinema At The Center

Cinergy co-founders Jeff and Jamie Benson have long said cinema is the foundation of the company’s growth, and that philosophy is at the heart of the building. Cinergy Tall City features six luxury dine-in auditoriums with recliner seating, laser projection, and premium sound. Two of the screens are equipped with 4K RGB laser projection and Dolby Atmos, showing a strong commitment to presentation, led by David Zylstra, Director of Theatre Technology. Movies aren’t an afterthought here. They’re the anchor.

Beyond the Screens

Outside the auditoriums, the venue opens into a full entertainment destination. Cinergy Tall City features:

11 lanes of boutique bowling
Four escape rooms
A sprawling arcade with more than 80 games (with plans to reach 100 next year)
A full sports bar anchored by a massive projection wall that turns game day into a shared event.

The center’s layout is flexible, with private event rooms and adaptable spaces that can handle everything from birthday parties to corporate events, fundraisers, and community gatherings. It’s a good example of how cinemas are expanding what they offer while keeping movies front and center. As Jeff put it, Tall City was built to deliver the kind of big screen impact and entertainment experiences people usually have to travel hours to find.

A Team Effort

The VIP night was also a reminder that projects like this don’t come together without teamwork. The Bensons surprised Kathi Gillman, Vice President of Construction and Capital Asset Purchasing, with a championship belt in recognition of her work overseeing the project to completion. Kathi worked closely with colleagues like CTO Bill Radtke, Vice President of Operations Todd Maunsell and design-build partner ARCO Murray to make the venue a reality.

A Win for Midland

The team’s hands-on approach extended to the night itself. COO Darek Heath jumped behind the bar to channel his best Cocktail-era Tom Cruise, while Rich Schwarte, President and CFO, engaged guests and gave tours, and Jordan Michael, head of Box Office & Guest Experience, helped keep the event moving. Chief Marketing Officer Traci Hanlon summed it up well, calling Cinergy Tall City the company’s most dynamic and immersive location yet, one where every element, from elevated dining to next-generation attractions, was designed with guest experience in mind.

Local leaders were equally enthusiastic. Midland District One City Council representative Brian Stubbs joined the event and spoke about how Cinergy Tall City reflects the kind of public-private partnership that supports the city’s goals around economic growth and quality of life. He pointed to developments like this as part of the bigger picture, alongside schools, parks, and neighborhoods, when people decide where they want to live, work, and raise families.

Looking Ahead

Cinergy’s roots in Midland run deep. The company opened its original Midland location in 2013, a project that exceeded expectations and helped fuel its national growth. Since then, Cinergy has expanded to 10 cinema entertainment centers across four states, totaling 82 screens, and was named Top Family Entertainment Center of the World by IAAPA.

And Tall City isn’t done growing. Cinergy Speedway Extreme Karting, a 45,000-square-foot expansion, is already underway and scheduled to open in spring 2026. Featuring multi-level electric kart racing and dedicated spectator viewing areas, it shows Cinergy’s continued push to raise the bar on what cinema entertainment centers can be.

As Cinema United continues visiting exhibitors across the country, Cinergy Tall City stands out as a strong example of how movie theaters can energize the communities they serve.

December 17, 2025

Cinema United Releases “Strength of Theatrical Exhibition” 2025 Update Spotlighting Important Movie Theatre Industry Metrics

Movie Fan Engagement Remains High with Gen Z Moviegoers Leading the Charge to the Local Theatre

LOS ANGELES, CA – (Dec. 17, 2025) – Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association, today released the 2025 update to its “Strength of Theatrical Exhibition” report, an annual analysis of key industry metrics beyond traditional box-office performance. This year’s update highlights how theatres are building loyalty through innovation, high-quality experiences, and a diverse slate of films—trends that continue to drive strong audience engagement. The report includes a special spotlight on Gen Z moviegoers, whose frequency of attendance grew by 25% over the last 12 months*, the largest increase of any age group.

“Weekend box office is important, but a more accurate measure is looking at the industry on an annual basis and considering myriad other factors in the marketplace to get a more complete picture of the strength of the industry,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “2025 is a perfect example of a year where an inconsistent box office threatens to overshadow other variables that point to a bright future for movies on the big screen.”

Key findings in the 2025 update include:

The number of habitual moviegoers (those who see at least six movies annually) grew by 8% *.
77% of Americans aged 12-74 saw at least one movie, representing a total of more than 200 million Americans*.
Cinema loyalty programs in North America saw a 15% jump in new subscriptions from 2024 to 2025**.
Among all age groups, Gen Z went to the movies more frequently, averaging 6.1 visits, up from 4.9.*
41% of Gen Z audiences went to the movies six times or more, up from 31% in 2022*.

In addition, the Cinema United “Strength of Theatrical Exhibition” 2025 update features unreleased Gen Z-focused data from global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company’s Attention Equation report, revealing new insights into what Gen Z seeks out most in going to the movies, namely, immersive moviegoing experiences and unique concessions as the two highest-rated priorities.

“Movie fans, led by Gen Z, in particular, love coming to the movies and theatre owners are responding by spending over $1.5 billion upgrading their theatres over the past year in North America alone,” O’Leary continued. “The number of people who saw six or more movies grew a staggering 8% last year, and with the amazing slate of 2026 movies on the horizon, that trend has a chance to continue. Time and time again, consumers show that when investment and innovation combine with a great movie to create a special experience, the theatrical business thrives. That time-tested foundation of our industry remains strong, and we are excited to build upon it toward greater success in the coming year.”

*Source: NRG’s Future of Film report, August 2024-August 2025
**Source: Cinema United

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2025 UPDATE

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED