On April 26, 2025, Adam Aron, the CEO of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., took to X to share a powerful message about the enduring appeal of movie theaters.
In his post, Aron declared, “‘Smart people’ have mistakenly been writing off the consumer appeal of movie theatres for a century.
Radio was going to kill off movie theatres.
And so too, TV, and VCR’s, and DVD’s, and Streaming.
Nope, we are still here and standing tall.”
This statement not only reflects Aron’s confidence in the theater industry but also underscores AMC’s resilience in the face of evolving entertainment trends.
A Century of Predictions, A Century of Resilience
Adam Aron’s X post highlights a recurring theme in the history of cinema: the prediction of its demise.
Since the early 20th century, the movie theater industry has faced existential threats from emerging technologies.
Radio in the 1920s and 1930s was seen as a competitor that would keep audiences at home.
Television in the 1950s further intensified this fear, prompting studios to innovate with widescreen formats and Technicolor to lure audiences back to theaters, as noted in a Britannica article on the history of film.
The advent of VCRs in the 1980s, DVDs in the late 1990s, and streaming platforms in the 2010s each brought new waves of skepticism about the viability of theaters.
Yet, as AMC’s CEO proudly asserts, movie theaters have endured, sorry Wall Street shorts.
This resilience isn’t just a matter of survival—it’s a testament to the unique experience that theaters offer.
The communal aspect of watching a film on a massive screen, with immersive sound and the smell of popcorn in the air, remains unmatched by home entertainment options.
Aron’s statement resonates with a historical truth: while technology evolves, the cultural significance of the movie-going experience persists.
AMC’s Bullish Outlook in 2025
Aron’s X post comes on the heels of a more detailed expression of optimism about AMC’s future, as reported by Franknez.com on April 23, 2025.
After years of competition from streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, the industry is showing signs of recovery, and AMC is positioning itself to capitalize on this resurgence.
Aron’s excitement centers on a diverse slate of upcoming films, including Sinners, Minecraft, The King of Kings, and The Amateur.
These films, set to release during the peak summer period, are strategically chosen to appeal to a wide demographic, from younger audiences drawn to video game adaptations like Minecraft to those seeking historical or thriller experiences with The King of Kings and The Amateur.
This approach aligns with industry trends that emphasize the importance of variety in programming.
As Franknez.com notes, competitors like Alamo Drafthouse have maintained attendance by enhancing the movie-going experience with dining options and diverse film selections—a playbook AMC appears to be following.
Moreover, Aron’s leadership decisions reflect a focus on strengthening AMC’s strategic position.
The addition of Marcus Glover to the company’s Board of Directors is seen as a move to enhance AMC’s direction and appeal to stakeholders.
Aron’s optimism is echoed by some investors, with X user @rickity_wrecks posting, “$AMC about to wreck short sellers Cover or get buried,” accompanied by a meme expressing confidence in a potential turnaround.
Community Reactions on X: A Mixed Bag of Support and Skepticism
Aron’s post on X sparked a lively thread of responses, reflecting the polarized sentiment surrounding AMC’s trajectory.
Supporters of Aron and AMC were quick to rally behind his message.
@LordMike, for instance, emphasized the historical longevity of AMC, stating, “#AMC started in the 1920s and continues to thrive today.
Technology may change and evolve but the movie-going experience is meant to be a sacred experience that will never disappear.
Long live movie theaters!!!”
This sentiment was visually reinforced with an image of AMC theaters across the decades, showcasing their evolution from the 1920s to the 2010s.
Similarly, @GorillaWing expressed unwavering loyalty, writing, “Standing Tall Here!!
The amount of bots shilling after you post Mr. Aron is nuts!
I will hold $AMC forever!!!!!!!!!!!”
Accompanied by an image of Aron surrounded by popcorn and the AMC logo, this post reflects the passionate community of retail investors—often referred to as “Apes”—who have supported AMC through its volatile journey, particularly since the 2021 meme stock frenzy.
However, not all responses were celebratory.
Some shareholders expressed frustration with Aron’s leadership, particularly regarding financial performance.
@MarioSanchez replied, “‘Smart people’ aka shareholders have learned that you have failed in your fiduciary duty from an investor’s standpoint.
Allow 2021 shareholders to break even!”
This critique touches on a sensitive issue for AMC: the expectations of investors who bought into the stock during its 2021 surge, only to see its value decline in subsequent years.
The concept of fiduciary duty underscores the responsibility of majority shareholders and directors to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders—a duty some feel Aron has not fully met.
Others, like @SugarKush6, took a more sarcastic tone, suggesting that Aron’s flurry of posts might indicate ulterior motives: “Damn you must be up to something what is it, what do you need this time from your shareholders, I know the only time you tweet frenzy is you up to something.”
This skepticism highlights the challenges Aron faces in maintaining trust among all stakeholders.
The Broader Context: Challenges and Opportunities for Movie Theaters
While Aron’s post and AMC’s recent moves signal optimism, the movie theater industry continues to face significant challenges.
A 2024 study by A Closer Look revealed that 50% of respondents rarely visit movie theaters, up from 28% pre-2020, suggesting that the pandemic accelerated a trend of infrequent movie-going.
Competing entertainment options—such as socializing at restaurants or bars (20%), attending live events (18%), or engaging in outdoor activities (17%)—are drawing audiences away.
To remain competitive, theaters are exploring partnerships, such as movie-themed dining packages or collaborations with cultural institutions, to create a more holistic entertainment experience.
Price sensitivity is another hurdle.
The A Closer Look study found that lower ticket prices (27%), special promotions (22%), and loyalty programs (13%) are key drivers for encouraging more frequent visits.
AMC has already taken steps in this direction, with initiatives like discounted tickets for certain showtimes and an enhanced loyalty program, but there’s room for further innovation, such as dynamic pricing or bundled experiences.
On the institutional side, AMC remains a stock of interest.
According to Fintel.io, AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. has 380 institutional owners holding a total of 168,951,553 shares, with major players like Vanguard Group Inc. and BlackRock, Inc. maintaining significant stakes.
This institutional support, combined with the vocal retail investor base on X, suggests that AMC still commands attention in the financial markets, even as it navigates operational challenges.
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