AMC is going all in on premium movie experiences, rolling out 40 new Dolby Cinema theaters by 2027 as high-end formats dominate the industry.
The movie giant made the big reveal at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, expanding its partnership with Dolby to bring its total Dolby Cinema locations to 200.
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The move comes as top-tier formats continue to rake in cash, outpacing traditional screens.
Dolby Cinema, known for its booming Atmos sound and crystal-clear visuals, is part of AMC’s broader push to elevate movie going with 4DX and ScreenX also joining its lineup.
Despite streaming’s grip on home entertainment, high-end theater experiences are thriving.
Fans are showing up and paying extra for the blockbuster spectacle.
ARE PEOPLE GOING TO THEATERS?
IMAX smashed records in 2024, even as the box office battled Hollywood strike aftershocks, reported FOX6.
Dolby Cinema also had its best-ever year, executives said.
AMC boss Adam Aron doubled down on the power of immersive experience, calling the partnership a “decade of delivering premium, bigger, brighter, louder entertainment.”
Dolby CEO Kevin Yeaman echoed the sentiment, vowing to bring “more audiences” into the format’s state-of-the-art theaters.
Theaters aren’t pulling the crowds they once did, but major releases still spark box office frenzies.
Big titles like “Avengers: Endgame” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” proved audiences will turn up for the right film.
Upcoming Marvel juggernaut “Deadpool & Wolverine” is expected to smash a $211 million opening, according to Box Office Mojo.
Streaming changed the game, but the theater experience still holds cultural weight.
Allison Shoemaker, a film critic admitted it’s easier than ever to watch movies at home, but said theaters remain “an incredibly valuable experience.”
Oscar-winner Sean Baker took it further, making a passionate please for theaters during his acceptance speech.
AMC Stubs Membership Tiers
Launched in 2011, AMC Stubs is the movie theater chain’s loyalty program offering members benefits such as discounts, rewards, and exclusive perks.
It has several membership tiers, including the A-List tier that was rolled out in 2018.
AMC Stubs Insider: Free
- Discount Tuesdays Ticket Savings
- 20 points per $1 spent
- Free Large Popcorn Refill
- Large Popcorn Birthday Gift
AMC Stubs Premiere Go!: Free (Moviegoers must earn this status)
- 40 points per $1 spent
- Waived Online Fees for 4+ Guests
- Large Popcorn & Fountain Drink Birthday Gift
- Free Size Upgrades on Popcorn & Fountain Drinks
- Priority Lane Access
- Points Earned Never Expire
AMC Stubs Premiere: $17.99 per year
- 100 points per $1 spent
- Waived Online Ticket Fees Every Time
- Free Size Upgrades on Popcorn & Fountain Drinks
- Large Popcorn & Fountain Drink Birthday Gift
- $5 Rewards Earned Rapidly
- Priority Lane Access
- Points Earned Never Expire
AMC Stubs A-List: Currently $22.95 or $24.95 per month
- Up to 3 Movies Every Week
- 100 points per $1 spent
- Free Ticket Reservations Online
- Free Size Upgrades on Popcorn & Fountain Drinks
- Large Popcorn & Fountain Drink Birthday Gift
- No Upcharge for Premium Formats
- Priority Lane Access
- Points Earned Never Expire
Source: AMC
“Where did we fall in love with movies? At the movie theater,” he said.
AMC is banking on audience craving that same magic.
The chain is betting big on in-person, premium screenings to keep the movie going alive.
Blockbusters are back on track after Hollywood’s delays, giving AMC reasons to believe fans will keep filling its plush premium seats.
An average movie ticket costs $11.31 in 2025, according to The Numbers.
A trip to the theater is looking like a bargain compared to $20 at-home rentals.
