AMC Theatres to Close Underperforming Locations | Movie Theater News

AMC Theatres is preparing to close additional underperforming locations, according to a regulatory filing released Wednesday, as the company navigates continued financial headwinds despite a recent surge in ticket sales for blockbuster films.

The nation’s largest movie theater chain, headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, did not specify the number of theaters slated for closure, but indicated the move is part of a broader strategy to improve profitability and reduce debt. AMC currently operates 898 theaters with 10,059 screens, according to the filing and data from Wikipedia. The company reported 2025 revenue of $4.84 billion, but similarly a significant operating loss of $0.63 billion and a net loss of $0.39 billion in 2023.

The announcement comes as the movie exhibition industry continues to grapple with shifts in consumer behavior, including the rise of streaming services and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. While films like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” drove a strong box office recovery in 2023, attendance remains volatile. AMC’s stock price has fluctuated significantly in recent years, becoming a subject of interest among retail investors.

AMC has been actively seeking ways to diversify its revenue streams, including expanding its food and beverage offerings and introducing premium seating options like recliners. The company also operates several subsidiary brands, including Odeon Cinemas Group and Wanda Cinemas, as well as dine-in theater concepts like AMC Loews Fork & Screen. Screenvision, in which AMC holds a 20% stake, provides in-theater advertising.

According to Cinema Treasures, AMC operates theaters in 43 US states, with California having the highest concentration at 58 locations. States without an AMC presence include Hawaii, Alaska, Vermont, Mississippi, and Wyoming. The company employs approximately 33,812 people as of December 2023.

Adam Aron, the Odeon Cinemas Group president and CEO, leads AMC Theatres. Dan Holland serves as OCG chairman, and Mark Way is the president and CEO of Odeon Cinemas. John Partilla heads the Screenvision division.

AMC did not provide a timeline for the closures, and a company spokesperson declined to comment further. The company’s next earnings call is scheduled for March 2026.