AMC Entertainment (NYSE: AMC) reported its strongest Easter holiday performance in company history, setting a new record for combined global admissions and food and beverage revenue across the five-day period.
Between April 1 and April 5, more than 6 million moviegoers visited AMC locations in the United States as well as ODEON Cinemas sites internationally. Notably, this also marked AMC’s highest global attendance for a Wednesday through Sunday stretch in 2026, highlighting a sharp rebound in theater traffic.
Super Mario film drives massive box office turnout
A major driver behind the surge was the debut of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which delivered a global opening estimated at $372 million and drew significant crowds across both domestic and international theaters.
The film’s broad appeal, particularly among families and younger audiences, played a central role in boosting attendance throughout the holiday weekend. As a result, theaters saw consistent foot traffic, with strong demand spanning multiple days rather than peaking around a single release window.
In addition to the blockbuster Mario release, AMC also benefited from a well-rounded slate of films that helped sustain box office momentum. New titles such as The Drama contributed fresh interest, while holdover films including Project Hail Mary and Hoppers continued to attract audiences.
Merchandise sales surge alongside ticket demand
At the same time, AMC’s themed merchandise program tied to the Mario film delivered one of its strongest performances to date. Collectibles, including themed popcorn buckets featuring characters like Yoshi and Luma, saw particularly high demand among moviegoers.
As a result, the Mario merchandise rollout ranks as AMC’s second-highest grossing promotional program ever, trailing only the record set by the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concert film in 2023.
AMC stock jumps 9% following record results
Investor reaction was swift following the announcement. AMC shares surged approximately 9.8% at the market open on April 6, reflecting renewed optimism around box office recovery and consumer demand for theatrical releases.
The strong performance underscores how major blockbuster releases, combined with strategic merchandising and a diversified film lineup, can drive both revenue growth and investor sentiment.
Chairman and CEO Adam Aron praised the success of the weekend, noting that the Mario film brought in large numbers of families, younger viewers, and longtime fans.
He also emphasized the strength of AMC’s merchandising strategy, with themed items selling rapidly throughout the weekend, further boosting overall revenue. With blockbuster releases and fan-driven franchises leading the way, AMC appears well-positioned to benefit from renewed momentum in the global box office.
Featured image via Pexels/ Miles Rothoerl
