AMC Jan 2026 2.000 call

US box office sees worst Memorial Day weekend since 1995

The US box office experienced its worst Memorial Day weekend since 1995, raising concerns about the factors impacting the industry. Chad Beynon, Macquarie's Senior Analyst of Gaming, Lodging, and Leisure, joins Asking for a Trend to shed light on this significant downturn. Beynon highlights that Memorial Day is often seen as a gateway into the summer season, typically drawing around 20 million individuals to the box office. However, this year's attendance was only half of that, raising crucial questions: "Is it the consumer? Is it the overall experience? Or was it a lack of content?" Beynon asks. According to Beynon, current box office performance is 25% lower than pre-pandemic admission revenue. He attributes this decline to the impact of higher prices and inflation, stating that "the industry has shrunk." Admissions and revenues have been affected, reflecting the broader economic challenges faced by consumers. Despite the industry's struggles, Beynon notes that IMAX (IMAX) continues to be a powerhouse in the movie entertainment space, recommending the company's stock to investors seeking exposure to this sector. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Asking for a Trend. This post was written by Angel Smith