50 Facts About AMC Theater

The Origins of AMC Theatres

AMC Theatres has a storied history that began over a century ago. Let's dive into the early days of this iconic movie theater chain.

1. 01Founding Year: AMC Theatres was founded in 1920 by Maurice, Edward, and Barney Dubinsky in Kansas City, Missouri.
2. 02Original Name: The company was initially known as Durwood Theatres, named after Edward Dubinsky, who later changed his last name to Durwood.
3. 03First Theater: The first theater operated by AMC was located in Kansas City, Missouri, marking the beginning of a legacy.
4. 04Family Business: AMC started as a family-owned business, with the Dubinsky brothers at the helm, shaping the company's early years.
5. 05Expansion and Innovation: Over the years, AMC underwent several name changes, including American Royal Cinema and American Multi-Cinema, reflecting its growth.

Pioneering the Multiplex Concept

AMC revolutionized the movie-going experience by introducing the multiplex concept, which changed the industry forever.

6. 06Multiplex Concept: In the 1960s, AMC introduced the multiplex concept, offering multiple screens at one location.
7. 07First Multiplex: The world's first multiplex, the Parkway Twin, opened in Kansas City in 1962, featuring two screens side-by-side.
8. 08Name Change: In 1968, Stanley Durwood renamed Durwood Theatres to American Multi-Cinema, Inc., which eventually became AMC Theatres.
9. 09Drive-In Theaters: In 1945, AMC began building drive-in theaters, expanding its reach and providing a unique viewing experience.
10. 10The Roxy: In 1947, AMC acquired the Liberty Theater in downtown Kansas City and renamed it the Roxy, known for its high-quality entertainment.

Expanding Across the Midwest and Beyond

AMC's growth wasn't limited to Kansas City. The company expanded its operations across the Midwest and eventually the globe.

11. 11Expansion Across the Midwest: By the 1950s, AMC had expanded to other parts of the Midwest, including St. Joseph, Jefferson City, Leavenworth, and Topeka, Kansas.
12. 12Stanley Durwood’s Leadership: Stanley Durwood, Edward’s son, played a crucial role in AMC’s expansion and innovation.
13. 13First Megaplex: In 1988, Kinepolis Brussels opened the first megaplex with 25 screens and 7,600 seats. AMC followed with the AMC Grand 24 in Dallas, Texas, in 1995.
14. 14Global Expansion: By the 1980s, AMC had expanded beyond the United States, building its first multiplex overseas in 1985 at The Point, Milton Keynes in the UK.
15. 15UK Operations: AMC operated several theaters in the UK before pulling out of the joint venture with United Artists Theaters and Cinema International Corporation in 1988.

Financial Milestones and Challenges

AMC has faced financial ups and downs but has always managed to grow and innovate.

16. 16Financial Milestones: In 1983, AMC had its initial public offering (IPO), marking a significant financial milestone.
17. 17Debt and Expansion: By 1986, AMC’s long-term debt had risen to $157 million, but this did not hinder the company’s expansion plans.
18. 18Milestone Theaters: The AMC Empire 25 in New York City near Times Square is one of the busiest theaters in the US.
19. 19Innovative Concepts: AMC introduced several innovative concepts, including stadium seating and multiplex theaters.
20. 20Premium Experiences: Today, AMC offers premium large format experiences, including its Signature power-recliner seats and enhanced food and beverage options.

AMC's Global Presence and Leadership

AMC has established itself as a global leader in the movie exhibition industry.

21. 21Global Presence: As of September 30, 2023, AMC owned or operated approximately 900 theaters and 10,000 screens worldwide.
22. 22Headquarters: AMC is headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, with a significant presence in both the United States and Europe.
23. 23Leadership: Adam Aron served as CEO, president, and member of the company's board since 2016 before being named chairman of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
24. 24Financial Year: AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. uses a fiscal year that aligns with the calendar year, ending on December 31st.
25. 25Franchise Opportunities: Currently, AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. does not offer franchise opportunities for its theaters.

Commitment to Ethics and Innovation

AMC is committed to ethical business practices and continuous innovation.

26. 26Code of Business Conduct and Ethics: AMC has a formal Code of Business Conduct and Ethics covering a wide range of business practices.
27. 27Fair Market Value: The fair market value of one share of AMC Class A common stock was determined to be $33.45 as of December 21, 2016.
28. 28Carmike Cinemas Acquisition: In 2016, AMC acquired Carmike Cinemas Inc., further expanding its reach.
29. 29AMC Theatres Distribution: In 2023, AMC launched AMC Theatres Distribution, releasing successful concert films like Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour.
30. 30Innovative Technologies: AMC has continuously deployed innovative technologies to enhance the movie-watching experience.

Engaging Customers and Offering Diverse Content

AMC focuses on customer engagement and providing a wide variety of content.

31. 31Customer Engagement: AMC generates greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, website, and mobile apps.
32. 32Diverse Content Offerings: AMC offers a wide variety of content, including the latest Hollywood releases, independent films, and classic movies.
33. 33Historical Milestones: Some historical milestones include the opening of the Parkway Twin multiplex in Kansas City in 1962 and the first-ever four-plex in 1966.
34. 34Operational Growth: By the end of 1988, AMC’s debt had reached $380 million, but the company continued to grow.
35. 35Financial Performance: Despite financial challenges, AMC posted a net profit of $1.3 million in 1993.

Technological Advancements and Customer Service

AMC has always been at the forefront of technological advancements and exceptional customer service.

36. 36Screen Growth: Since 1995, screen growth at AMC has grown at an annual rate of 7.8 percent.
37. 37Theater Operations: By 1999, AMC was running 200 theaters with 2,800 screens in 23 states.
38. 38Empire 25: In 1999, AMC opened its Empire 25 in Manhattan, one of the busiest theaters in the US.
39. 39Annual Ticket Sales: In 2000, AMC generated annual ticket sales of nearly $1,030 million.
40. 40Industry Leadership: AMC has been an industry leader in the development and operation of multi-screen cinemas.

Strategic Expansion and Community Engagement

AMC continues to expand strategically while engaging with local communities.

41. 41Strategic Expansion: AMC has expanded its footprint by acquiring existing theater chains and opening new locations.
42. 42Technological Innovations: AMC has introduced several technological innovations, including digital projection systems and IMAX screens.
43. 43Customer Service: AMC is known for its exceptional customer service, implementing various initiatives to improve the overall experience.
44. 44Community Engagement: AMC engages with local communities through various initiatives, supporting local events and charities.
45. 45Sustainability Efforts: AMC has made efforts to reduce its environmental impact, including energy-efficient lighting and waste reduction programs.

Employee Development and Corporate Governance

AMC places a strong emphasis on employee development and robust corporate governance.

46. 46Employee Development: AMC provides training programs and career advancement opportunities to its employees.
47. 47Corporate Governance: AMC has a robust corporate governance structure, with the Board of Directors meeting regularly.
48. 48Financial Transparency: AMC is committed to financial transparency, providing detailed financial information to its stakeholders.
49. 49Innovative Marketing Strategies: AMC employs innovative marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
50. 50Legacy and Future: With over a century of history, AMC Theatres has established itself as a legacy brand in the entertainment industry.

AMC Theatres: A Century of Innovation

AMC Theatres has come a long way since its founding in 1920 by the Dubinsky brothers. From introducing the multiplex concept in the 1960s to opening the first megaplex in the 1990s, AMC has consistently pushed the boundaries of the movie-going experience. Today, with around 900 theaters and 10,000 screens worldwide, AMC stands as the largest movie exhibitor globally. Their commitment to innovation, like digital projection systems and IMAX screens, along with premium experiences such as recliner seats and enhanced food options, keeps audiences coming back. AMC's focus on customer engagement through loyalty programs and mobile apps further cements its place in the entertainment industry. As AMC continues to adapt and grow, it remains dedicated to providing top-notch entertainment for movie lovers everywhere. Here's to another century of cinematic magic!