AMC Theatres

Corporate brand

A major international cinema exhibition brand operating movie theaters, premium formats, loyalty services, and entertainment-related concessions.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

AMC Theatres is the operating brand of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., an American cinema exhibition company headquartered in Leawood, Kansas. Commonly shortened to AMC, the name originally referred to American Multi-Cinema. The business traces its origins to a theater established in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1920 by the Dubinsky brothers, who had previously toured the Midwest with theatrical productions. Over the following century, the company developed from a regional theater operator into one of the world's largest cinema chains. AMC's most influential contribution to theater operations was its early development of the multiplex model. In 1963, the company opened the Parkway Twin Theatre in Kansas City, placing two auditoriums next to one another and demonstrating that multiple screens could increase programming flexibility while sharing staffing and other operating resources. AMC subsequently expanded into triplexes, four-screen venues, larger multiplexes, and eventually megaplexes. This format became central to modern commercial cinema because it allowed operators to show more films at a single location, allocate additional screens to successful releases, and reduce dependence on the performance of any one title. The company grew through theater construction and acquisitions in the United States and later in international markets. It opened its first overseas multiplex in the United Kingdom in 1985, exited that market after selling its British assets in 1988, and later returned to the United Kingdom in the early 2000s. AMC also operated or developed theaters in markets including Japan and Portugal. Its international scale expanded substantially through the acquisition of Odeon Cinemas and UCI Cinemas in 2016, creating a large European exhibition platform. The same year, AMC acquired Carmike Cinemas, strengthening its position in the United States. Carmike locations were subsequently incorporated into AMC branding, including the AMC Classic and AMC Dine-In concepts. AMC's business combines theatrical film exhibition with ticketing, reserved seating, food and beverage sales, loyalty programs, premium large-format experiences, and selected alternative content. The company operates standard auditoriums as well as premium concepts and partnerships such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema, with specific availability varying by location. AMC Stubs connects customer accounts with ticket purchases, concessions, rewards, and subscription or paid membership benefits. AMC Theatres On Demand extended the brand into digital film rentals and purchases, linking home entertainment activity to the Stubs ecosystem. The company has invested in digital projection, online ticketing, mobile applications, reclining seats, expanded concession menus, dine-in service, and accessibility features such as captioning and audio description. These initiatives reflect the industry's effort to make cinema attendance a broader hospitality and entertainment experience rather than a simple transaction for a film ticket. AMC became publicly traded in the 1980s and has undergone several ownership changes. It was acquired by Marquee Holdings in 2004, became controlled by China's Wanda Group in 2012, and later received a major investment from Silver Lake. Wanda's voting control was progressively diluted during AMC's financing activity and the market turmoil surrounding the company in 2021. AMC remains listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AMC. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the temporary closure of AMC's entire theater network in 2020 and created severe liquidity and continuity concerns. The shutdown also led to a prominent dispute with Universal Pictures over theatrical release windows after Universal released Trolls World Tour through premium video on demand. AMC and Universal later agreed to a shortened exclusive theatrical period under specified commercial arrangements. AMC subsequently raised substantial capital, reopened theaters as public-heal…

History

AMC Theatres began in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 20, 1920, when the Dubinsky brothers purchased the Regent Theatre. The family business operated theaters in Missouri and Kansas, and Edward Dubinsky later adopted the surname Durwood. After World War II, Stanley Durwood joined the company and promoted drive-in theaters and expansion beyond downtown venues. The company's defining breakthrough came in the early 1960s. After Edward Durwood's death, Stanley took control of the business and pursued a new suburban development strategy. In 1963, AMC opened the Parkway Twin Theatre, its first two-screen venue. The company then developed triplexes, four-screen sites, and increasingly large multiplexes. The model improved programming flexibility and enabled multiple auditoriums to share operating infrastructure. AMC later opened some of North America's most prominent megaplexes, including the AMC Grand 24 in Dallas and the 30-screen Ontario Mills 30 in California. The company adopted the name American Multi-Cinema after an attempted change to American Royal Cinema encountered legal opposition. During the 1980s, AMC expanded rapidly and completed an initial public offering in 1983. It opened a ten-screen multiplex in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, in 1985, later withdrawing from the British market before returning in the early 2000s. The company also opened large venues in Japan and Portugal during the 1990s. AMC was acquired by Marquee Holdings in 2004. After later public-market activity, Wanda Group acquired the company in 2012 for approximately $2.6 billion. Wanda funded a major renovation program and held voting control for several years. In 2016, AMC acquired Carmike Cinemas in the United States and Odeon Cinemas and UCI Cinemas in Europe. These transactions made AMC the world's largest cinema exhibition company by theater footprint and consolidated its presence on both sides of the Atlantic. Under Gerardo Lopez and later Adam Aron, AMC invested in digital projection, RealD 3D, reserved seating, premium formats, loyalty programs, mobile commerce, and food-and-beverage concepts. The company also introduced AMC Theatres On Demand in 2019, allowing Stubs members to rent or purchase digital films. Carmike locations were progressively converted to AMC branding, while selected venues retained the AMC Classic identity and kitchen-equipped locations were developed as AMC Dine-In theaters. The pandemic produced the most serious disruption in the company's modern history. AMC closed its theaters in March 2020, furloughed corporate employees, and warned that its liquidity position created substantial doubt about its ability to continue operating. The closure also intensified conflict between exhibitors and studios over the traditional theatrical window. AMC objected to Universal's decision to make Trolls World Tour available through premium video on demand and initially threatened to stop showing Universal titles. The parties later reached an agreement permitting certain Universal films to move to premium video on demand after a shortened theatrical period. AMC reopened locations as restrictions eased and used equity, debt, and other financing measures to support operations. Wanda's ownership was diluted during this period, and the company's shares became the focus of exceptional retail-investor and short-squeeze activity in 2021. AMC's long-term business remains dependent on film supply, successful releases, attendance, pricing, concessions, premium experiences, and the balance between theatrical exhibition and home entertainment.

2021
Wanda's control ended
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
Wanda's ownership and voting influence were diluted to a small economic stake.
2020
Network closed during the COVID-19 pandemic
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
AMC temporarily closed its theaters and undertook emergency financing and cost measures.
2019
AMC Theatres On Demand launched
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
AMC introduced a digital rental and purchase service connected to its Stubs loyalty platform.
2016
Carmike, Odeon, and UCI expansion
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
AMC acquired Carmike Cinemas and completed its acquisition of Odeon and UCI, substantially increasing its North American and European scale.
2012
Acquired by Wanda Group
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
Dalian Wanda completed its acquisition of AMC's United States and Canadian theater operations.
2004
Acquired by Marquee Holdings
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
AMC was acquired by an investment vehicle associated with J.P. Morgan Partners and Apollo Global Management.
1995
AMC Grand 24 opened
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
The Dallas venue became one of North America's early major megaplexes.
1985
First overseas multiplex opened
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
AMC opened a ten-screen multiplex in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.
1983
Initial public offering
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
AMC completed its initial public offering.
1968
American Multi-Cinema name adopted
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
Following a contested proposed name change, the company adopted American Multi-Cinema, the source of the AMC abbreviation.
1963
Parkway Twin Theatre opened
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
AMC opened its first two-screen venue, an early landmark in the development of the multiplex model.
1920
The Dubinsky theater business was established
[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
The founders purchased the Regent Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, establishing the business that later became AMC Theatres.

Products and positioning

A large-scale cinema exhibition and entertainment brand built around broad theater reach, multiplex convenience, premium audiovisual formats, hospitality-oriented concessions, and loyalty-driven customer relationships.

Cinema exhibition
AMC Theatres
AMC's theater network provides film exhibition, reserved and general admission ticketing, digital and in-person purchase channels, seating, concessions, and venue services. Locations vary in size and format, ranging from conventional multiplexes to large megaplexes and premium sites.
Loyalty and membership
AMC Stubs
AMC's loyalty platform links customer accounts with ticket purchases, concessions, rewards, and paid membership benefits. The precise benefits and subscription structures can vary by market and program tier.
Premium cinema
IMAX at AMC
IMAX auditoriums at selected AMC locations provide a premium presentation built around larger screens and specialized audiovisual equipment. Availability and technical specifications differ by theater.
Premium cinema
Dolby Cinema at AMC
Dolby Cinema locations combine Dolby audiovisual presentation technologies with upgraded theater environments and seating. The experience is available only at selected AMC venues.
Cinema dining · 2017
AMC Dine-In
AMC Dine-In theaters combine movie exhibition with expanded food and beverage service, in some locations allowing guests to order meals or drinks as part of the cinema experience.
Cinema exhibition · 2017
AMC Classic
AMC Classic is a banner used for selected smaller-market locations incorporated into AMC after the Carmike acquisition. These theaters generally serve communities with a more compact operating format.
Digital entertainment · 2019
AMC Theatres On Demand
A digital storefront offering movie rentals and purchases, connected to AMC's Stubs customer ecosystem and extending the brand beyond physical theater visits.

Controversies

2020
Florida landlord sues AMC Theatres over unpaid April rent
Palm Springs Mile Associates, Ltd. filed a lawsuit against AMC Theatres, alleging that the company failed to pay $52,153.87 in April rent for its AMC Hialeah 12 location. The landlord sought more than $7.5 million in damages in the action. The dispute concerned unpaid rent at the Florida theater site during April 2020.
Source 1 Source 2

2020
Negotiated a shorter theatrical window with UniversalStrategy
Background
Universal's premium video-on-demand release of Trolls World Tour prompted AMC to oppose unilateral changes to theatrical distribution windows.
Action taken
AMC initially threatened not to show Universal films, then agreed to permit qualifying films to move to premium video on demand after a 17-day theatrical period under the negotiated arrangement.
Aftermath
The agreement became an important example of the changing relationship between studios, exhibitors, and digital distribution.
Source
2020
Emergency response to COVID-19 closuresStrategy
Background
Public-health restrictions halted theatrical operations and sharply reduced near-term revenue.
Action taken
AMC closed its theaters, furloughed corporate employees, reduced costs, and pursued additional financing to preserve liquidity.
Aftermath
The company later reopened locations as restrictions eased but remained highly exposed to film-release delays and attendance recovery.
Source
2016
Acquisition of Carmike CinemasM&A
Background
AMC pursued additional United States scale through the purchase of a competing theater operator.
Action taken
AMC agreed to acquire Carmike and completed the transaction in December 2016.
Aftermath
Carmike sites were brought under AMC branding, including AMC Classic and AMC Dine-In formats.
Source
2009
Digital projection and 3D expansionProduct launch
Background
AMC sought to modernize projection and strengthen the premium theatrical experience.
Action taken
The company announced deployment of RealD 3D projectors and a program with Sony to replace film projectors with digital cinema systems.
Aftermath
The program supported the industry's transition from photochemical film projection to digital presentation.
Source

Recent events

2026
AMC, Regal, and Cinemark support expedited resolution of the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. transaction[5]AMC, Regal, and Cinemark support expedited resolution of the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. transactionhollywoodreporter.com
M&A · Regulation
Trade coverage reported that the three major exhibition chains supported an expedited resolution of the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, while industry groups and smaller exhibitors continued debating the competitive implications and conditions of a settlement.
2026
AMC Kips Bay 15 scheduled to close at the end of 2026[6]AMC Kips Bay 15 scheduled to close at the end of 2026cbsnews.com
Other
CBS New York reported that AMC Kips Bay 15 in Manhattan, which had operated since 1999, was expected to close at the end of 2026.
2025
AMC adds a premium advertising position to its cinema preshow[7]AMC adds a premium advertising position to its cinema preshowcnn.com
Campaign · Pricing
Beginning July 1, 2025, AMC introduced a National CineMedia-supported Platinum Spot for non-trailer advertising immediately before the final trailers and feature presentation. The decision expanded commercial inventory in the preshow and reversed AMC’s earlier opposition to a similar arrangement.
2021
Wanda Group's control of AMC was diluted[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
Other
Financing activity and changes in Wanda's shareholding reduced the group's voting control and substantially ended its involvement.
2020
AMC and Universal resolved theatrical-window dispute[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
Other
Following a dispute over premium video-on-demand releases, the companies agreed to a shorter exclusive theatrical period for qualifying films.
2020
AMC theaters closed during COVID-19 restrictions[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
Regulation · Other
AMC temporarily closed its theaters across its operating network in response to the pandemic and public-health restrictions.
2016
AMC announced acquisition of Carmike Cinemas[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
M&A
AMC agreed to acquire Carmike, expanding its United States theater portfolio.
2016
AMC completed acquisition of Odeon and UCI[1]AMC Theatresen.wikipedia.org
M&A
The transaction materially expanded AMC's European cinema operations.
2016
AMC agrees to acquire Carmike Cinemas[8]AMC agrees to acquire Carmike Cinemasvariety.com
M&A
AMC announced a $1.1 billion acquisition of Carmike Cinemas, a transaction that expanded its domestic footprint and helped make AMC the largest cinema exhibitor in the United States and globally by theater scale.
2013
AMC Entertainment raises $332 million in its initial public offering[9]AMC Entertainment raises $332 million in its initial public offeringsfgate.com
Other · Leadership change
AMC returned to public trading in December 2013 through an IPO that raised $332 million. The offering followed Wanda’s acquisition of the company and included an unusual allocation of shares for eligible loyalty-program members and employees.

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