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north American Box Office Sees Significant Growth Driven by Immersive Cinema Experiences
As of the close of June, North American theatrical revenues have experienced a notable 18% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data compiled by Comscore.This upswing in ticket sales is largely attributed to the escalating popularity of specialized cinematic formats.
These advanced viewing options include 4DX auditoriums, which offer motion-synchronized seating that moves in tandem with on-screen action, complemented by environmental effects such as smoke, strong fans, and water sprays. Another prominent format, ScreenX, utilizes multiple screens to present films with an expanded, 270-degree panoramic view during specific film segments.Globally, there are over 435 ScreenX locations and more than 775 4DX auditoriums.
Don Savant, CEO and president of CJ 4DPlex America, commented that “Audiences are clearly seeking out memorable moments they can’t replicate at home.” He further stated, “This surge in demand underscores that moviegoing is not only back, but evolving, and premium formats like 4DX and ScreenX are redefining what the theatrical experiance can be.”
In terms of specific film performance, Universal Pictures’ live-action adaptation of “how to Train Your Dragon” has emerged as the top-grossing 4DX release of the calendar year, generating $5.2 million and achieving an average of $81,000 per screen. Additionally, Warner Bros.’ horror film “Final Destination Bloodlines” saw 4% of its $51.6 million domestic opening revenue come from 4DX screens, which represented a modest 59 locations. Similarly, Apple Studios’ racing thriller “F1” earned 3.5% of its $57 million debut across just 65 4DX screens.
On the ScreenX front,Warner Bros.’ video game-themed comedy “A minecraft Movie” leads as the highest-grossing domestic release in that format for 2025, with $3.5 million in earnings.
CJ 4DPlex CEO Jun Bang expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Achieving record-breaking results in the domestic market during the first half of the year was made possible thanks to the strong collaboration with leading Hollywood filmmakers and studios who truly embraced the unique potential of 4DX and ScreenX.” He added, “It’s been incredibly encouraging to see audiences respond to the immersive cinema experience.”
The continued year-over-year growth for 4DX and ScreenX reflects a broader upward trend in consumer interest for premium large format auditoriums, which typically command higher ticket prices. In a recent CNBC interview, Imax CEO Richard Gelfond highlighted the success of his company’s premium screens, noting that “F1” and “Mission: Unachievable – The Final Reckoning” each garnered over 20% of their opening weekend box office from Imax auditoriums.
