Leonardo DiCaprio questions whether there is still a strong appetite for movie theaters amid the rise of streaming and industry changes, expressing hope for future innovative cinema projects but highlighting concerns about the evolving film landscape.
Leonardo DiCaprio expressed concerns about the future of movie theaters, questioning whether audiences still have the appetite for big-screen experiences amid rapid changes in the film industry and the rise of streaming services, and emphasizing the need for visionary filmmakers to keep cinema alive.
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ opened with $88 million domestically and $257 million internationally, totaling $345 million globally, though it fell short of expectations. The film's success will influence the future of the franchise, amid a challenging theatrical landscape where audiences are gradually returning to cinemas, especially for big-budget event movies. The box office remains below pre-pandemic levels, but recent hits and increased theater investments suggest a positive outlook for 2026.
The article contrasts the frustrations of crowded, chaotic movie theaters with the loneliness of attending films alone in small towns, highlighting how both scenarios diminish the communal joy of moviegoing and contribute to the decline of theater attendance, despite the desire for shared experiences.
Netflix will screen the 'Stranger Things' series finale in over 500 theaters across the U.S. and Canada from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, 2026, with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. Fans can RSVP for free concession voucher-based seats, marking Netflix's first theater release without box office revenue, following fan interest and the show's popularity.
The two-hour series finale of 'Stranger Things' will be shown in over 350 movie theaters worldwide from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, marking a rare theatrical release for a Netflix series episode, allowing fans to experience the finale on the big screen.
Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' will have a limited theatrical release before arriving on Netflix, but it will not be widely available in major chains like AMC. The film is showing in select theaters in major cities such as Los Angeles and New York, with options including the Egyptian Theater, Nuart Theater, and Angelika Film Center. Viewers interested in seeing it in theaters may need to seek out specific screenings or wait for its wider expansion next week, or opt for Netflix in November.
Taylor Swift's 'The Official Release Party of a Showgirl' is expected to debut with $35-40 million, continuing her streak of successful cinematic ventures that boost box office numbers and attract audiences to theaters, amidst a broader trend of surprising hits and unconventional releases revitalizing the industry.
Taylor Swift's 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, is being celebrated with a theatrical release party available in AMC theaters across the US and in over 100 countries from October 3-5, featuring exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal reflections, with tickets on sale now.
AMC shares surged 8% after reporting a narrower net loss of $4.7 million and stronger-than-expected revenue of nearly $1.4 billion in Q2, driven by increased moviegoer attendance and growth in premium offerings, signaling a recovery in the movie theater industry.
Cinemex Holdings USA Inc., operating the CMX luxury theater at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, filed for bankruptcy under Subchapter V to restructure its business, including lease negotiations, while aiming to continue operations with minimal disruption and maintain employee wages and benefits.
Movie theater stocks, led by AMC, surged after a record Memorial Day weekend box office, with domestic sales reaching $325 million, boosting investor confidence in the industry recovery.
AMC set a record for its best Memorial Day weekend, driven by strong performances from Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, with Americans spending over $326 million on tickets, indicating a positive turn for the theatrical industry.
The release of the musical film 'Wicked' has reignited the debate over phone use in movie theaters, with many moviegoers frustrated by others taking photos and videos during screenings. This behavior, which has become more common post-pandemic, is seen as a result of social media's influence on personal experiences. While some argue a quick photo isn't disruptive, others believe it detracts from the collective moviegoing experience. Theaters like Alamo Drafthouse maintain strict no-phone policies, but enforcement is challenging due to understaffing. The debate highlights a cultural shift in movie-watching etiquette.