Is This the Key to Reviving Theaters?

Published: December 19, 2025

By Gavin Boyle

Multiple variables point towards a rising interest in moviegoing among younger generations as video game adaptations help draw viewers who come back for other movies.

“Weekend box office is important, but a more accurate measure is looking at the industry on an annual basis and considering myriad other factors in the marketplace to get a more complete picture of the strength of the industry,” Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United said after his company released their annual “Strength of Theatrical Exhibition” report.

“2025 is a perfect example of a year where an inconsistent box office threatens to overshadow other variables that point to a bright future for movies on the big screen,” O’Leary explained.

For example, the report found that Gen Z went to the movies an average of 6.1 times in 2025, up from 4.9 times in 2024. While theaters have struggled to draw viewers back after consumers got used to watching movies from the comfort of their homes, audiences are now seeking the deluxe moviegoing experience that theaters offer through comfortable seats and tasty concessions.

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“Movie fans, led by Gen Z, in particular, love coming to the movies and theatre owners are responding by spending over $1.5 billion upgrading their theatres over the past year in North America alone,” O’Leary added. “The number of people who saw six or more movies grew a staggering 8% last year, and with the amazing slate of 2026 movies on the horizon, that trend has a chance to continue. Time and time again, consumers show that when investment and innovation combine with a great movie to create a special experience, the theatrical business thrives. That time-tested foundation of our industry remains strong, and we are excited to build upon it toward greater success in the coming year.”

For the third year in a row, the total domestic box office has grossed over $8 billion, recovering from its pandemic low of $2.1 billion. However, there is still much work to be done if the industry is to ever fully restore itself to its pre-pandemic popularity where it was regularly grossing over $11 billion.

Video game movies have certainly been a major draw this year, with the No. 1 movie of the year being A MINECRAFT MOVIE. However, this year has also seen a resurgence in the superhero genre as three of the top ten movies came from Marvel or DC. 2026 could serve as a watershed moment as more video game movies come out alongside an Avengers movie the Disney is hoping will reach the same level of popularity as INFINITY WAR and ENDGAME. Time will tell how next year plays out, but the industry has a real reason to hope for a breakout year.

The ultimate determining factor of success in these video game movies, though, is how well they incorporate strong moral values. If theaters want to return to their heydey, studios would do well to remember that the most successful movies are ones that feature uplifting elements that reflect biblical virture, including redemption and forgiveness.

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