AMC Entertainment Scores a Thriller Weekend as MICHAEL Delivers a Record-Breaking Debut
LEAWOOD, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
AMC Entertainment (NYSE: AMC), the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and the world, once again welcomed global audiences in significant numbers to its theaters across the U.S. and internationally, as MICHAEL moonwalked to the strongest biopic opening in box office history. These reported opening numbers for MICHAEL include Friday through Sunday attendance figures, along with its Wednesday and Thursday preview screenings.
As a result of the media-reported $97 million domestic and $217 million global debut of MICHAEL, along with continued strong holdovers, more than 4.0 million moviegoers attended films at AMC locations in the United States and at ODEON Cinemas internationally from Wednesday, April 22, through Sunday, April 26. This surge in attendance reinforced once again AMC’s leadership position at the center of major cultural moments in the United States and internationally.
The success of MICHAEL is the latest in a string of major openings in 2026, following recent especially strong performances from PROJECT HAIL MARY and THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE.
AMC Chairman and CEO Adam Aron commented:
“We at AMC want to congratulate producer Graham King, director Antoine Fuqua, and the talented cast and crew who made this smash hit, MICHAEL, possible. We also extend our congratulations and gratitude to the film’s domestic distributor, Lionsgate, and international distributor, Universal.”
Aron continued:
“A clear through-line in the successful box office openings we’ve seen so far in 2026 is that filmmakers are delivering what audiences want: movies that entertain, amuse, and delight. The success of MICHAEL once again showcases that movies are meant to be experienced in theaters, with their giant screens and soaring sound systems. MICHAEL fully delivers on that promise. It is an important film that already has had millions and millions of moviegoers singing and dancing in celebration. And with the incredibly favorable word-of-mouth audience reactions to this story that brings Michael Jackson’s musical talent bursting across our silver screens, we expect that the appeal of MICHAEL will have ‘legs’, bringing audiences into theaters for several weeks more to come.”
Showtimes and tickets are available at amctheatres.com and the AMC mobile app.
About AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
AMC is the largest movie exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe and the largest throughout the world with approximately 855 theatres and 9,640 screens across the globe. AMC has propelled innovation in the exhibition industry by: deploying its signature power-recliner seats; delivering enhanced food and beverage choices; generating greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, website, and mobile apps; offering premium large format experiences and playing a wide variety of content including the latest Hollywood releases and independent programming. For more information, visit amctheatres.com
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KEYWORDS: Kansas United States North America
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: General Entertainment Entertainment Film & Motion Pictures Music
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