Movie theaters in the United States and Canada saw a slight resurgence in 2025, with ticket sales reaching an estimated $8.9 billion, a 2 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to data from Comscore. This modest growth occurred despite several high-profile films, including "The Smashing Machine," "Tron: Ares," and "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere," underperforming at the box office, particularly during October.
A key factor in this uptick was the increasing number of habitual moviegoers. Cinema United, a trade group, reported an 8 percent rise in individuals seeing at least six films in theaters annually. This surge was fueled, in part, by the growing popularity of membership programs such as AMC Stubs A-List, Regal Unlimited, Cinemark Movie Club, and the revived MoviePass. These programs offer incentives and discounts, encouraging frequent theater visits.
"Theaters got smarter about catering to the people who still show up," a Cinema United spokesperson noted. "These membership programs have proven to be a successful strategy in retaining and growing a loyal customer base."
Beyond loyalty programs, the success of certain films also contributed to the year's box office results. Hollywood launched a major new franchise with "Minecraft" and successfully revived "Lilo & Stitch," both of which resonated strongly with audiences. Originality also made a surprising comeback, with films like "Sinners," "F1: The Movie," and "Weapons" cracking the Top 20 in ticket sales. Notably, in 2024, no purely original movies achieved this level of success.
The cultural impact of these films varied. "Minecraft" tapped into an existing fanbase, while the revival of "Lilo & Stitch" offered a nostalgic draw for older audiences while introducing the story to a new generation. The success of original films like "F1: The Movie" suggests a growing appetite for fresh stories and perspectives in cinema.
However, industry analysts remain cautiously optimistic. While the 2 percent increase is a positive sign, it follows several years of decline in movie theater attendance, largely attributed to the rise of streaming services and changing consumer habits. The challenge for Hollywood remains in consistently delivering compelling content that lures audiences away from their home screens and into theaters. The performance of the box office in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this slight upswing represents a sustainable trend or merely a temporary reprieve.
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