Nationwide $4 Movie Tickets Available August 27 For Second Annual National Cinema Day
The discount will be applicable to all types of films, including the newly released ‘Gran Turismo’ and the Golda Meir biopic ‘Golda’.
National Cinema Day is returning just in time to bid farewell to the summer season. On August 27, which falls on a Sunday, numerous theaters throughout the United States will reduce movie ticket prices to $4 or lower for any film, regardless of its format.
This marks the second annual National Cinema Day, aiming to expand on the achievements of a similar event held during the Labor Day weekend last year when tickets were available for just $3. The concept for this initiative was conceived by the Cinema Foundation, a relatively recent nonprofit organization associated with the National Association of Theatre Owners.
Over 3,000 movie theaters, with a collective of over 30,000 screens, will take part in this one-day event to celebrate the magic of the cinematic experience. Moviegoers will have a diverse selection to choose from, including new releases like ‘Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story,’ ‘Golda,’ and ‘Retribution,’ as well as summer hits such as ‘Barbie,’ ‘Oppenheimer,’ ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,’ and ‘Sound of Freedom.’ Additionally, you can look forward to seeing ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ and ‘The Little Mermaid Sing-Along’ gracing the marquee, alongside re-releases of beloved classics like ‘Jurassic Park (3D),’ ‘American Graffiti,’ ‘Lady Bird,’ and ‘Oldboy.’
“We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to come together at the cinema and celebrate a captivating lineup of both new releases and timeless classics. These selections encompass everything from cherished family favorites and uproarious comedies to thought-provoking dramas and exhilarating adventures,” remarked Jackie Brenneman, the President of the Cinema Foundation, in a statement issued early on Monday. (Later the same day, NATO declined to comment on reports about Brenneman’s departure from her roles as the head of the Cinema Foundation and NATO’s general counsel.)
As of now, the average movie ticket price stands at $10.53, marking a 15 percent increase since 2019, according to the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO). In major cities like New York and Los Angeles, ticket prices can be notably higher, and that’s before considering any premium screen upcharges (for instance, IMAX tickets can cost $25 or more).
Traditionally, Hollywood studios and movie theater operators would be reluctant to substantially reduce their prices, particularly on a weekend. However, the resounding success of National Cinema Day in 2022, which saw moviegoing reach record-breaking levels, has changed that perspective. On September 3, 2022, total revenue reached $23.6 million, representing a 101 percent increase over the preceding Friday and surpassing previous Labor Day Saturdays.
Michael O’Leary, the President and CEO of NATO, commented in a statement, “Movies have the power to bring us together, allowing us to share in the joy, excitement, and enchantment of a compelling narrative told on the grand screen. National Cinema Day is a celebration of cinema enthusiasts and the unifying role that movie theaters play in our communities.”
