Why Theatres Are Upgrading Screens

As of 2024, more than 950 theatres in North America had premium large-format screens, up 33.7% from just five years ago.

Kieran Ryan

April 9, 2025

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The movie industry is betting big on premium experiences.

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Premium large-format screens (PLFs) offer consumers an elevated viewing experience at a higher ticket price. This format of theatres features physical screens that are bigger than traditional movie screens, high-quality sound systems, and plush, reclining seats.

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*AMC plans to expand its PLF offerings by adding 40 new Dolby Cinema screens to its U.S. locations by the end of 2027, marking a 25% increase in its branded premium screens.*

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As of 2024, more than 950 theatres in North America had PLF screens, up 33.7% from just five years ago. PLFs captured 9.1%, or ~$600 million, of domestic box office sales in 2024.

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While PLF receipts still represent a small portion of total box office sales, if you break down sales by movie, PLFs capture a more significant portion of sales for Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters—Oppenheimer, Avatar, Dune, etc.

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As such, industry experts project more PLF growth in 2025. Cinema chains are investing in PLFs to meet rising consumer demand in advance of a packed 2025 and 2026 box office schedule that features major releases from Avatar, Jurassic Park, and Mission: Impossible.