By Gavin Boyle
During a positive Q4 earnings report, Marcus Corporation CEO Gregory S. Marcus attributed the success of the theater chain to a strong slate of family-friendly movies.
“During the fourth quarter, our theater division benefitted from strong performances from family films and several blockbusters across genres that performed well in our markets,” Marcus said during the Q4 earnings report. “Consumers continued to show demand for out-of-home entertainment experiences, with a wide variety of great movies bringing audiences to the big screen at Marcus Theatres during the holiday season. We are excited for a 2026 film slate that includes several family films and some of the biggest movie franchises.”
“Marcus Theatres benefitted from a favorable mix of films in the fourth quarter, with blockbuster hits like ZOOTOPIA 2, WICKED: FOR GOOD and AVATAR: FIRE AD ASH and exciting originals like THE HOUSEMAID and MARTY SUPREME giving moviegoers of all ages and demographics a reason to enjoy incredible entertainment experiences at the movies,” added Mark A. Gramz, president of Marcus Theatres.
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The chain looks ahead to a “franchise heavy slate” in 2026 that “includes the newest installments of several family favorites that tend to play well in our markets.”
Those movies include TOY STORY 5, MINIONS & MONSTERS, THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE and the live action MOANA. Fan-favorite action franchise movies coming this year, like STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU, SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY, DUNE: PART THREE and AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY, will also bring audiences to theaters.
The theater business has come a long way from the depths of the pandemic, and movies with strong family morals have led the way over the past five years. As these movies invite families back to theaters, Marcus and other theater companies have heavily invested in upgrading facilities to provide a true luxury experience compared to home movie viewing.
“There is no question that movie fans of all ages love heading to the local theatre to see great movies on the big screen. But the competition for consumers’ hard-earned dollars is fiercer than ever,” said industry trade group NATO President and CEO, Michael O’Leary.“Going to the theatre is an unparalleled entertainment experience, and exhibitors are dedicated to making every visit to their theaters memorable. This investment reflects that commitment in a tangible way that every moviegoer will see and enjoy.”
As the theater industry continues to fight to regain pre-pandemic levels, it is encouraging to see major companies recognize the value of the family audience and family-friendly movies and signal to Hollywood that these movies are the backbone of the entire industry.
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