AMC Theatres to Close More Underperforming Locations in 2026
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc., the world's largest movie theater operator, plans to continue closing more theaters than it opens in 2026 as part of efforts to address declining attendance and boost financial performance.
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| Credit: AMC Theaters |
The company, based in Leawood, Kansas, operates approximately 850 locations across the United States and internationally.
Executives disclosed the strategy during the fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings call on February 24, 2026, where they reported total revenues of $4.8 billion for the year, up 4.6% from 2024, and adjusted EBITDA increasing 13% to an unspecified amount.
Fourth quarter revenues reached $1.29 billion, a 1.39% decline year-over-year, with attendance falling to 56.33 million patrons from 62.42 million in the prior year's period.
The average number of screens operated decreased to 9,315 from 9,475. Since 2020, AMC has closed 213 theaters while opening 65 new ones, resulting in a net reduction of 15% in its global portfolio.
As of February 26, 2026, AMC has not released a single nationwide document listing every closing location because they are currently negotiating 85 active leases expiring this year. They typically pull showtimes and announce a closure only 2–4 weeks before the doors shut.
However, based on the Q4 2025 earnings call (February 24, 2026) and local filings, here's a full list of the confirmed and high-risk locations for 2026:
Confirmed Permanent Closures (2026)
- Buffalo, NY: Market Arcade 8 (Closed Dec 2025/Jan 2026; lease ended)
- West Palm Beach, FL: AMC CityPlace 20 (Slated for 2026 closure/redevelopment)
High-Risk "At-Risk" Locations
These specific theaters are in regions where executives confirmed they are "walking away" from leases due to underperformance:
Connecticut (All 9 remaining venues under review):
- AMC Danbury 16
- AMC Lisbon 12
- AMC Norwalk 8
- AMC Royale 6 (Norwalk)
- AMC Plainville 20
- AMC Southington 12
- AMC Stamford 7
- AMC Landmark 9 (Stamford)
- AMC Trumbull 16
California: * AMC Mission Valley 20 (San Diego) – High-risk audit
- AMC La Jolla 12 – High-risk audit
Illinois:
- Several unlisted Chicago-area suburban "Classic" locations are part of the 85-lease audit.
Georgia:
- Locations in 19 different cities are currently being reviewed for lease non-renewal.
Company leaders indicated that about 85 leases, representing roughly 10% of locations, come up for renewal or termination annually, providing opportunities to exit unprofitable sites.
Capital expenditures for 2026 are projected between $175 million and $225 million, allocated primarily to maintenance, upgrades like laser projection and enhanced seating, and a limited number of new theater openings.
"The ongoing reshaping of our footprint reflects our commitment to improve asset productivity, expand margins, and position AMC for sustainable long-term growth," said Sean Goodman, chief financial officer of AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.
No specific locations targeted for closure in 2026 were identified during the call.
"We expect significant financial improvement in 2026, driven by a stronger film slate, continued cost discipline, and expanded premium offerings," said Adam Aron, chief executive officer of AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.
The company reported ending 2025 with $428 million in cash, excluding restricted amounts, and noted free cash flow as a net use of funds for the year. U.S. theaters outperformed industry benchmarks by 140 basis points in the quarter.
