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How do movie theaters make money?

Theaters split ticket money with the studios, often keeping well under half. AMC Theatres took in $4.8 billion and lost $632 million.

From each company's latest Form 10-K. Page updated November 8, 2026.

Theaters split ticket money with the studios, often keeping well under half. The popcorn, soda and snacks are where the margin is.

CompanyRevenueNet profitKept per $100Biggest line
AMC Theatres$4.8B-$632M$-13.04Movie tickets

Where each company's money comes from.

AMC Theatres
Movie tickets$2.7B55% of total
Food and drinks$1.7B34% of total
Other$373M8% of total
Screen ads$152M3% of total
How AMC Theatres makes money