Hollywood cinema faces falling attendance and rising ticket prices

A recent analysis of the U.S. movie‑theater chain AMC shows that attendance in the second quarter of 2026 was down 26.5% compared with the pre‑COVID period of 2019, indicating a long‑standing decline in cinema‑going despite blockbuster releases.

Commentary notes that ticket prices, concessions, and ancillary fees now often equal or exceed the cost of a monthly streaming subscription, prompting audiences to favor home‑viewing and leaving theaters to rely on high‑budget franchise tentpoles to cover rising operational costs.

The combined pressure of reduced foot traffic and higher expenses is driving studios to concentrate on proven intellectual property and premium formats, while the broader shift toward streaming reshapes distribution and talent compensation models.