NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 26, 2026San Diego
Hollywood reports record summer box office revenue despite lower attendance and fewer theaters
The North American film industry is on track for a $4.5 billion summer, driven by high-grossing blockbusters and increased ticket prices. While total revenue has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, the industry is operating with fewer screens, fewer total film releases, and significantly lower overall ticket admissions compared to 2019.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
The shift in the movie business model means that while studios are generating high revenue from fewer, larger 'event' films, consumers are facing higher ticket prices and fewer movie choices at a reduced number of available theater locations.
Key Facts
- The 2026 summer box office is projected to reach $4.5 billion.
- Five films have earned over $1 billion worldwide this year: Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, Toy Story 5, Michael, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
- North American movie screens decreased from 44,283 in 2019 to over 7,000 fewer by the end of last year.
- Ticket admissions through mid-August totaled 547.1 million, down from 795.9 million during the same period in 2019.
- The average adult ticket price has risen from approximately $9 seven years ago to over $13 today.
- Premium format tickets currently cost $18.46, while standard tickets cost $12.87.
- The number of movies playing in theaters has dropped from about 400 in summer 2019 to barely 300 this year.
- Two low-budget YouTube creator films, Obsession and Backrooms, contributed $460 million to the box office.
- Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday are scheduled for release on Dec. 18.
Who's Mentioned
organizationCinema United“Trade group providing historical ticket price data”organizationS&P Global“Data and analytics company providing ticket sales data”organizationOmdia“Research firm providing theater screen data”organizationEntTelligence“Research firm providing current ticket price data”otherSpider-Man: Brand New Day“High-grossing summer film”otherThe Odyssey“High-grossing summer film”