AMC Theaters has set a new record for movie ticket sales, thanks to the massive success of the ‘Barbenheimer’ dual-blockbuster opening weekend. The world’s largest cinema chain operator announced on Monday that it recorded the highest one-week admissions revenue in its 130-year history for the week of July 21 to July 27.
The record-breaking week was largely attributed to the incredible success of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, which earned $162 million at the box office on its opening weekend, and Oppenheimer, which brought in $80.5 million. Together, these two movies have generated a staggering $1 billion in worldwide box office revenue in just two weeks.
AMC Chairman and CEO Adam Aron expressed his excitement about the achievement, stating, “These two movies, along with the many others playing on our huge silver screens, continue to rewrite what is possible at the box office. Achieving the most admissions revenue in a single week in AMC’s storied 103-year history is a testament to the moviegoing audience, who has demonstrated once again that they are ready, willing, and eager to come out to movie theaters in huge numbers.”
Barbie, starring Margot Robbie as the iconic doll and Ryan Gosling as Ken, takes audiences on an adventure into the real world. Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, tells the historical tale of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and the invention of the atomic bomb, with Cillian Murphy in the lead role.
The success of these films has been a welcome boost for movie theaters, following a summer of sluggish ticket sales. The Flash and the latest Indiana Jones film failed to meet expectations, but the excitement surrounding the dueling debuts of Barbie and Oppenheimer has reignited interest in moviegoing.
Barbie remained at the top of the box office last weekend, earning $93 million in ticket sales, followed by Oppenheimer with an estimated $46.2 million. Despite their seemingly different genres, the excitement for each film has bolstered the other, with some dedicated moviegoers even watching both on the same day.
In addition to the success of Barbie and Oppenheimer, AMC Theaters credited the opening of Haunted Mansion, the continued popularity of Tom Cruise’s latest Mission Impossible film, and the unexpected summer hit Sound of Freedom for contributing to the record-breaking week.
The recent box office bonanza is particularly impressive considering the ongoing strikes in Hollywood. The Writers’ Guild of America has been on strike since May, while SAG-AFTRA, the union for actors, including A-listers like Robbie and Murphy, went on strike earlier this month. These strikes have halted film production and limited actors’ ability to promote their films, making the success of Barbie and Oppenheimer even more remarkable.
AMC Theaters also revealed that last weekend marked its third busiest weekend globally since theaters reopened from their pandemic closures in 2020. Admissions revenue easily doubled the revenue from the same weekend last year, although specific figures were not disclosed.
The Friday to Thursday movie week of July 21 to July 27 was the highest-ever box office week for 65 of AMC’s US theaters individually, including 13 theaters in the Los Angeles market and nine in New York City.
Overall, AMC Theaters’ record-breaking week of ticket sales demonstrates the enduring appeal of the moviegoing experience and the power of blockbuster films like Barbie and Oppenheimer to draw audiences back to theaters.
What factors contributed to the remarkable success of Barbie and Oppenheimer at the box office, surpassing all expectations?
Generate the expected buzz and revenue, leaving theater owners concerned about the future of the industry. However, the remarkable performance of Barbie and Oppenheimer has shifted the narrative.
Moviegoers flocked to AMC Theaters to witness the highly anticipated releases, resulting in the highest one-week admissions revenue in the company’s history. The success of these films can be attributed to a combination of factors, including stellar performances by A-list actors, compelling storylines, and effective marketing strategies.
Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, captivated audiences with its imaginative and empowering portrayal of the iconic doll. Margot Robbie’s performance as Barbie and Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken brought these beloved characters to life in a way that resonated with viewers worldwide.
On the other hand, Oppenheimer, helmed by Christopher Nolan, delved into the captivating historical account of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy’s gripping performance as Oppenheimer drew audiences in, showcasing the talent and expertise of the cast and crew.
Collectively, the success of Barbie and Oppenheimer has exceeded all expectations, raking in a staggering $1 billion in box office revenue within just two weeks. The global audience’s embrace of these films highlights their ongoing enthusiasm for the cinematic experience and their desire to support the movie theater industry.
Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC, expressed his exhilaration at this unprecedented feat, emphasizing the impact it has on the future of the industry. Aron commended the moviegoing audience for their unwavering support, declaring that the box office landscape is continuously evolving and audience demand remains strong.
The triumph of Barbie and Oppenheimer has injected hope into the movie theater industry after a lackluster summer. With films like these consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible at the box office, theater owners can look forward to a future filled with exciting possibilities and enthusiastic moviegoers.
Amazing achievement by AMC Theaters! The record-breaking ticket sales during the ‘Barbenheimer’ opening weekend showcase their ability to attract and entertain audiences. Well done, AMC!