Giants of Exhibition 2020

IANTS 

E 

associated territories—brought in $11.4 billion in 

The 2020 

G›› IIt might not have been a record year, 

GIANTS OF EXHIBITION 

but few will complain that 2019 finished as the 

second-highest-grossing year on record at the 

domestic box office. 

The North American market—constituting 

all screens in the United States, Canada, and 

a dramatic year marked by M&A across the distribution 

and exhibition landscapes. 

Marcus Theatres crossed the 1,000-screen 

benchmark with its acquisition of Movie Tavern 

from Southern Theatres, extending its influence 

from the Midwest to 17 states nationwide. 

Cinépolis’s U.S. presence increased with its own 

acquisition of a dine-in chain, adding six locations 

OF 

XHIBITION 

stand. The most high-profile acquisition of the year, however, 

didn’t come until December. The announcement of Cineworld’s 

intent to acquire Cineplex, Canada’s leading circuit, will have 

a major impact on next year’s edition of this list. The deal is 

expected to close in Q1 2020, so those results aren’t reflected 

of Texas-based Moviehouse & Eatery to its growing 

fleet of cinemas in the United States. European 

giant Kinepolis, only a couple of years after domestic screen-count totals up to December 31, 2019. 

in this year’s version of our Giants of Exhibition, which tallies 

first entering North America with its acquisition 

As the fevered M&A activity redefines the playing field for 

of Landmark Cinemas of Canada, made headlines global distribution and exhibition, our research into this year’s 

with its acquisition of MJR Digital Cinemas—its 

Giants revealed another crucial portent of success for the coming 

decade. The digital cinema revolution that ushered in the 

first foray into the United States. 

Meanwhile, Regal’s transformation under 

2010s has given way to new viewing formats and amenities, 

Cineworld introduced several changes to everything 

from branding to subscription plans, and 

up with the expectations of a demanding audience. 

with circuits large and small investing time and money to keep 

even extending to vendors at the concession 

Circuit profiles begin on page 30 

Our annual ranking of the largest exhibition circuits in the domestic market 

presented by 

our Signature sponsors 

The leader in theater safety lighting 

systems for over five decades 

Delivering solutions that power 

immersive cinema experiences 

around the globe 

The digital network for all things movies, 

delivering movie information, ticketing, trailers, 

home entertainment, and fan merchandise 

Committed to creating a new visual standard 

and moving the cinema industry forward 

Dedicated to innovating the box office 

through media, tech, and data 

28 / FEBRUARY 2020 

FEBRUARY 2020 / 29

2020 GIANTS OF EXHIBITION / TOP 5 

#1 

AMC ENTERTAINMENT 

Leawood, Kan. 

Founded ...........1920 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,043 

Locations ........... 634 

SPONSORPROFILE 

Congratulations to the Giants 

of Exhibition! You continue to 

deliver new technology, amenities, 

and services that make the moviegoing 

experience second to none. We 

are proud to be your partner for 20 

years and counting! 

Driving movie fans into your 

theaters is our top priority. We 

have built an ecosystem of digital 

brands including 

Fandango, 

MovieTickets. 

com, Flixster, 

and Rotten Tomatoes 

to help 

fans discover 

KEVIN SHEPELA 

movies and buy 

tickets anywhere, 

any time, and on any device. 

We have created ticketing experiences 

for the largest online, mobile, and 

social platforms, as well as emerging 

technologies including A.I. and voice. 

We’ve introduced multiple digital 

wallets for fast and easy checkout, 

including the recent introduction of 

split payments through Venmo. 

This year, we continue our mission 

to inspire moviegoing and drive 

advance ticketing for your theaters. 

You continue to be amazing partners, 

and we look forward to another 

exciting year at the movies. 

Kevin Shepela, EVP, 

Chief Commercial Officer 

›› Celebrating its centennial in 2020, AMC enters its second 

century as the largest exhibition circuit in the United States. The last 

five years have seen significant growth, both at home and abroad. Its 

domestic acquisition of Carmike Cinemas in 2016 solidified its place 

atop our Giants of Exhibition list, while foreign additions like Odeon 

(2016) and Nordic Cinema Group (2017) pushed its reach to over 

1,000 locations and 11, 000 screens worldwide. In 2019 the circuit 

crossed the 900,000-subscriber mark for its Stubs A-List loyalty program, 

which includes a popular subscription plan for frequent users. 

The result has been an overwhelming success for AMC, which originally 

envisioned hitting the 500,000 mark by the same point last year. 

The Stubs loyalty program is also at the center of the circuit’s biggest 

innovation of 2019, the launch of its very own home entertainment 

streaming platform: AMC Theatres On Demand, the first of its kind 

among U.S. exhibitors. Moviegoers now have the option of renting a 

movie at home through AMC’s streaming channel, provided they are 

members of its loyalty program. While the news of an exhibitor entering 

the streaming space caught some of the industry’s trade press by surprise, 

it is a strategy already adopted by the largest circuits in Canada 

(Cineplex) and Mexico (Cinépolis). The extension into home entertainment 

is a perfect example of how AMC has spread its points of contact 

with U.S. consumers, an effort that includes programming initiatives 

like AMC Artisan Films, meant to promote and highlight original and 

non-franchise films. 

30 / FEBRUARY 2020


#2 


On behalf of 

Tivoli, we 

would like to 

congratulate 

all the honored 

companies 

on this year’s 

LARRY LIN 

Giants of Exhibition 

list! Your ability to elevate the 

moviegoing experience while ensuring 

patron safety is second to none. 

As the trusted brand for theater 

safety lighting, Tivoli will continue to 

innovate and focus on the customer 

experience while providing peace of 

mind for both patrons and exhibitors 

across the board. Our TivoBAR with 

dual circuit capabilities and Eclipse 

Wall’s glare-reduction baffle system 

have managed to resolve long-standing 

challenges without compromising 

performance or design. We have no 

doubt that both Tivoli and the honored 

exhibitors on this year’s Giants 

of Exhibition list will continue to 

shape the landscape of the theater 

experience for years to come. 

Larry Lin, Vice President 

REGAL CINEMAS 

Knoxville, Tenn. 

Founded ...........1989 

Screens: .......... 7,178 

Locations: ..........546 

›› Acquired by the U.K.’s Cineworld circuit in 2018, Regal Cinemas 

continued to pursue initiatives adopted by its giant parent company. 

In July 2019, Regal embraced the in-house subscription trend with the debut 

of its “Unlimited” offering. Sharing a name with Cineworld’s subscription 

plan, Regal’s offer was customized for the U.S. market. The plan is available 

in three tiers: Unlimited, priced at $18/month and available at 200 locations; 

Unlimited Plus at $21/month and available at 400 locations; and Unlimited 

All Access at $23.50/month, which is honored at over 550 locations nationwide. 

Additional surcharges apply to premium auditoriums like RPX (Regal’s 

private-label PLF), Imax, 4DX motion and effects seating, and ScreenX 

panoramic screens. There is no cap on the number of standard-format movies 

customers can attend each month, nor blackout dates for new releases. The 

plan also includes a 10 percent discount on all concessions and nonalcoholic 

beverages. Regal previously had a partnership with Atom Tickets. 

This past year, Regal also opened eight new 4DX screens and six new 

ScreenX screens from technology provider CJ 4DPLEX. “The feedback we are 

receiving from moviegoers has been enormously positive, and as the only major 

exhibition partner where movie fans can enjoy these immersive experiences, we 

look forward to rapidly growing the number of 4DX and ScreenX locations at 

Regal in the years to come,” said Regal chief marketing officer Ken Thewes. 



›› 2019 was a year of continued 

growth for Cinemark, as the Texasbased 

chain continued to benefit from 

its investment in premium large-format 

luxury recliners, food and beverage, 

and the subscription model. 

The chain entered 2018 with its 

Cinemark Movie Club subscription 

program, then several weeks old, 

boasting more than 500,000 active 

members; as of the end of Q3 2019, 

that number had expanded to 850,000, 

with Cinemark Movie Club subscribers 

accounting for approximately 15 

percent of that quarter’s box office. 

Movie Club members visit a Cinemark 

theater three times more often than 

nonmembers, per data provided by 

the circuit, and are twice as likely 

as nonmembers to upgrade to the 

exhibitor’s premium large-format 

Cinemark XD offering. 

Globally, Cinemark boasts 15 

Imax screens, an increase from last 

year; in March of 2019, Cinemark 

renewed its 20-year partnership with 

the PLF provider. In December, 

Cinemark inked an exclusive 10-year 

agreement with Cinonic, under which 

Barco Series 4 laser projectors will 

be installed at more than 6,000 of its 

screens worldwide. 

In-theater premium amenities 

remain a priority for Cinemark; as 

of the end of Q3 2019, 58 percent of 

Cinemark’s U.S. theaters boasted its 

proprietary Luxury Loungers recliner 

seats. In an investor earnings call, CEO 

Mark Zoradi noted that he expected 

that number to increase to 60 percent 

by the end of the year, representing 

“the highest recliner penetration 

among major players.” 

The third quarter of 2019 also 

represented the 51st consecutive 

quarter of growth in per-patron F&B 

spend. Also, on the F&B front, 2019 

saw Cinemark launch its CUT! by 

Cinemark brand of dine-in theaters. 

The first CUT! by Cinemark location 

is currently in operation in Frisco, 

Texas, with another planned for 

summer 2020. 

#3 


CINEMARK USA 

Plano, Tex. 

Founded ........... 1984 

Screens: .......... 4,630 

Locations: ..........344 

In Cinema, when we come together, we are giants. 

Congratulations to the industry for a strong 

year and to the companies recognized for their 

contribution from all of us at Cinionic. Looking 

back, 2019 was a year of milestones for us all: at 

the box office, in the moviegoer experience, and 

with the accelerated adoption of differentiating 

WIM BUYENS 

technology solutions. We saw the beginning of the 

renewal wave and a clear preference for laser as the de facto standard 

for a new generation of exhibition. 

Cinema is growing, and companies like those listed here evidence 

it. It is our privilege to support, collaborate with, and work alongside 

other companies equally committed and devoted to the movies. 

Through our shared passion, we deliver experiences that illuminate 

and excite around the world. 

Looking forward, 2020 is the year of laser experiences, delivered. 

In a continually changing market, we are proud to help the industry 

to innovate through solutions and services designed for cinema today, 

and tomorrow. Here’s to another giant year, together. 

Wim Buyens, CEO 

better. 

brighter. 

laser. 

find your ideal laser solution 

From stunning images to longer lifetime and lower 

maintenance: there are many reasons to swap your lamp 

projectors for laser. Cinionic o ffers multiple ways to introduce 

laser into your theater. Interested in the power of laser? 

Read why laser is replacing lamps all over the globe and 

take the test to find out which Cinionic solution best 

fits your needs. Go to pages.cinionic.com/bulbfiction 




Congratulations to all of this 

year’s Giants of Exhibition! 

There’s a common thread 

among all of you on this list—you 

strive to differentiate your properties 

and add exciting features to 

attract patrons to your theaters. 

Investing in new technologies like 

immersive sound, luxury recliner 

seating, and technologies that enable 

creative 

use of the 

cinema helps 

to grow the 

bottom line 

that fuels 

investment, 

which is, 

JOE PHAM 

after all, why 

you’re among the “Giants.” 

Visionary exhibitors like you 

know that it’s not just about the 

movies. With so many entertainment 

options and ways to 

consume content, it’s important 

to expand the possibilities of the 

cinema complex to successfully 

compel people out of their homes. 

You recognize that today’s cinema 

complex is an entertainment 

complex and also a venue for 

business meetings, parties, and 

other events. 

For over 50 years, QSC has 

taken pride in this same legacy of 

innovation and quality. We’re also 

proud to be among your technology 

partners. We stand on your 

shoulders to envision and deliver 

your technology needs for sound, 

image, and control, and thank you 

for letting us play a role in your 

achievement of this honor to be 

among the Giants of Exhibition. 

Joe Pham, President & CEO 

#4 

CINEPLEX 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Toronto, Ont. 

Founded ........... 2003 

Screens: ...........1,695 

Locations: ........... 165 

›› In what might be remembered as the biggest exhibition story 

of 2019, Cineplex became the third domestic top 5 circuit to be acquired 

by another major since 2016. U.K.-based Cineworld had already 

made major headlines in December 2017 with its acquisition of Regal. 

It doubled down on that strategy two years later with the announcement 

of its intent to acquire Cineplex, Canada’s leading circuit and 

the fourth-largest in the domestic market. Once the acquisition closes 

(expected in Q1 2020), Cineworld will become the largest circuit in 

the North American market through its stewardship of the Cineplex 

and Regal brands. 

Cineplex had already established itself as the dominant player in 

Canadian exhibition by the time Cineworld came into the picture. 

According to the company’s Q3 investor presentation, Cineplex 

claimed 75 percent of the market share in Canada’s box office through 

September 2019. Over 40 percent of the circuit’s revenue in the same 

period came from premium experiences such as premium large format 

(Imax, ScreenX, and its in-house UltraAVX), immersive seating (4DX 

and D-Box), and VIP auditoriums. 

At the concession stand, Cineplex has seen continued growth in 

food and beverage revenues since 2011, reaching a peak of $441 million 

(Canadian) in 2018. Its concessions per patron rate nearly doubled in the 

10-year span between 2008 and 2018, going from $3.96 per patron to 

$6.36. An expanded concessions menu has been a key part of that growth, 

with fare such as pizza, poutine, and wraps available at select locations. 

grow 

make 

customers happy 

your business 

©2020 QSC, LLC all rights reserved. QSC, Q-SYS and the QSC logo are registered trademarks in the U.S. Patent and 

Trademark Office and other countries. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. 



MARCUS THEATRES 

Milwaukee, Wis. 

Founded ........... 1935 

Screens: ...........1,106 

Locations: ............ 91 

#5 

The Boxoffice Company 

congratulates the Giants of 

Exhibition! Your brilliant minds 

›› In February 2019, The Marcus 

Corporation closed its acquisition of 

dine-in cinema circuit Movie Tavern 

from VSS-Southern Theatres. The deal 

grew the Marcus Theatres division by 

23 percent, adding 208 screens across 

22 locations in Arkansas, Colorado, 

Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, 

Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. Movie 

Tavern was rebranded “Movie Tavern 

by Marcus.” The deal saw Marcus finish 

the decade above the 1,000-screen mark, 

growing its presence beyond the Midwest 

to the broader national market. 

Following the acquisition, Marcus 

earmarked 15 of the 22 Movie Tavern 

sites for new amenities or plans for 

further upgrades. Eleven Movie Tavern 

auditoriums were converted into the 

circuit’s SuperScreen DLX private-label 

PLF offering, which includes Marcus’s 

branded DreamLounger recliners and 

Dolby Atmos immersive audio. The 

company also added 10 more Super- 

Screen auditoriums. The Movie Tavern 

locations also adopted Marcus’s Magical 

Movie Rewards customer loyalty 

program, which already hosts over 3.8 

million members. Loyalty members have 

access to a series of different discounts, 

including the company’s famous $5 

Movie Tuesday promotion, $6 matinees, 

and $6 student tickets on Thursdays. 

Theater upgrades have occurred circuit-wide. 

Marcus counts recliner seating 

in three-quarters of all its screens 

and hosts a PLF auditorium at 69 percent 

of its theaters. On the digital side, 

Marcus made upgrades to its pointof-sale 

system, mobile app, and online 

ticketing engine in 2019. The circuit 

has at least one new opening planned 

for 2020, scheduled for the latter half of 

the year in Tacoma, Washington. 


On behalf of our team at The Boxoffice 

Company, we would like 

to congratulate the circuits featured 

on this year’s Giants of Exhibition 

list. Another amazing year at the box 

office is a reflection of the hard work and investment 

from these exhibitors, who have helped 

modernize the moviegoing experience for today’s STAN RUSZKOWSKI 

audiences. That’s also a key part of our core mission 

at The Boxoffice Company: helping cinemas better reach and engage 

with audiences through our showtimes data, websites, mobile apps, 

and marketing services. As our industry continues to excel, The Boxoffice 

Company is proud to be a partner of many of the exhibitors on this 

list and the many more who contribute to the diversity of the global 

cinema business. In conjunction with our colleagues at Boxoffice Pro, 

we look forward to another exciting and successful year in 2020. 

Stan Ruszkowski, President 

and efforts are breaking 

boundaries and propelling 

the box office forward. 

Cheers to 2020! 

THE 

COMPANY 


W E B EDIA GROUP

2020 GIANTS OF EXHIBITION / TOP 6–15 

›› 2018 was a year of growth for Harkins Theatres, the 

largest privately owned circuit in the United States, and 

2019 has proven no different. The company announced a 

new $32 million headquarters and retail campus, which will 

nearly triple the size of the chain’s current space. The new 

development is planned to open later this year. 

As the company moves into new digs in its home state 

of Arizona, it will also open a new multiplex in Northglenn, 

Colorado, and in Laveen, Arizona. Both theaters will feature 

a CINÉ1 PLF auditorium with Dolby Atmos sound and 

Ultimate Lounger recliners. 

On the personnel side, in 2019 Harkins Theatres named 

executive vice president Tyler Cooper, who has worked for 

Harkins for two decades, its new CFO. Greta Newell, who 

has been with Harkins for 26 years, assumed the role of 

treasurer and vice president. 

#6 

HARKINS THEATRES 

Scottsdale, Ariz. 

Founded ........... 1933 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515 

Locations: ........... 34 

#8 

CMX CINEMAS 

Miami, Fla. 

Founded ........... 2016 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410 

Locations ............ 40 

›› A subsidiary of Mexican circuit Cinemex, CMX Cinemas became one of 

the 10 biggest circuits in the North American market shortly after opening its 

first U.S. cinema in April 2017. The December 2017 acquisition of Cobb Theatres 

propelled CMX into the top 10 of our Giants of Exhibition list in 2018—and the 

company isn’t done growing. CMX has plans to open several new locations in 

2020, including new sites in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New 

Jersey, and North Carolina. CMX has introduced several concepts throughout 

its U.S. circuit, including luxury dine-in cinemas, expanded menu grab-and-go 

concessions concepts, and lobby sports bars. 

#8 

›› An exciting year for B&B Theatres, 2019 saw the 

opening of additional locations and the expansion of innovative 

concepts throughout the circuit. Tech deals with 

panoramic screen provider ScreenX and immersive seating 

technology MX4D will bring more upgraded theaters 

to patrons nationwide, while expanded menus and alcohol 

service continues to spread across select locations. 

B&B Theatres has also begun expanding its screenPLAY! 

concept, which fuses design elements of a family play 

area with a premium cinema auditorium. The investment 

in new cinemas and renovated locations reflects the circuit’s 

ambitions of becoming a state-of-the-art circuit for 

audiences across the seven U.S. states it serves. Locations 

in Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, South Carolina, 

and Texas suggest that B&B could easily go from a 

regional circuit to a national one in the coming decade. 

#7 

B&B THEATRES 

Kansas City, Mo. 

Founded ........... 1924 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418 

Locations ............ 48 

›› 2020 marks the 105th year in 

operation for Malco Theatres, and the 

Memphis-based chain is still growing. Over 

the last year the chain introduced its own 

premium large-format brand, called MXT “Extreme” 

Cinema. A new theater in Memphis, 

the Powerhouse Cinema Grill, was the first 

theater to host an MXT screen. Some months 

later, the newly renovated Collierville Cinema 

Grill in Tennessee and Kentucky’s Owensboro 

Cinema Grill—which opened in the 

summer—got their own MXT auditoriums. 

Malco locations in Jonesboro, Arkansas, 

and Madison, Mississippi, were also upgraded; 

renovations at the latter theater, the 

Grandview Cinema, gave Mississippi its first 

Imax screen. 

A chain with a long history, Malco has 

been a family business since its founding; 

that tradition was maintained this year when 

David Tashie, great-grandson of original 

founder M.A. Lightman Sr., was promoted to 

the position of president and COO. 

#9 

MALCO THEATRES INC. 

Memphis, Tenn. 

Founded ........... 1915 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363 

Locations ............ 35 


NATIONAL AMUSEMENTS 

(SHOWCASE CINEMAS) 

Norwood, Mass. 

Founded . .......... 1936 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362 

Locations ............ 27 

#11 

STUDIO MOVIE GRILL 

Dallas, Tex. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353 

Locations ............ 34 


#10 

›› National Amusements’ U.S. presence with Showcase Cinemas underwent 

a series of transformations in 2019. Theater upgrades included 

the expansion of recliner seating to additional locations, while communal 

spaces like lobbies and concession stands were similarly revitalized with 

modern and sleek finishes. At the same time, the circuit’s focus on expanded 

food and beverage menus has contributed to a new moviegoing experience 

for its patrons. A free-to-join loyalty program, Starpass, offers easily 

accessible rewards tiers and significant savings for members. Showcase 

was one of the first U.S. circuits to adopt an in-house subscription program; 

Showcase Subscribe starts at $11.95 per month for up to two films 

each month. 2020 should bring additional updates throughout its circuit— 

both at individual locations and to its digital presence on the web. 

›› Studio Movie Grill (SMG) announced an ambitious plan to expand its circuit 

in 2019, expanding the dine-in-cinema concept it helped pioneer to audiences nationwide. 

Known across the industry for its focus on charitable efforts and giving 

back to its local communities, SMG proudly features programs such as Special 

Needs Screenings, a Chefs for Children program, and a Movies+Meals initiative 

that helps underserved children and adults in need in its local communities. An 

early supporter of cinema subscription plans, the circuit also expanded its SMG 

Access plan in 2019. SMG’s approach to subscription is closely tied to its corporate 

identity; members not only benefit from rewards and discount pricing, but also 

help contribute to charity efforts with every cinema visit. 

LANDMARK CINEMAS 

OF CANADA 

Calgary, Alb. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322 

Locations ............ 45 

#12 

›› Landmark Cinemas is the second-largest theater chain in 

Canada, covering western Canada, Ontario, and the Yukon Territory. 

Acquired by Belgium’s Kinepolis circuit in December 2017, 

Landmark offers an array of special deals including Kids’ Sundays, 

Senior Mondays, and Wednesday bargain “Movie Twosomes.” The 

chain is also a national sponsor of The Walk So Kids Can Talk, which 

supports the mental health and well-being of youth. Landmark has 

begun expanding premium experiences across its circuit. The Marketplace, 

a grab-and-go concessions concept, has helped diversify 

its food and beverage offerings, while traditional upgrades like 

PLF auditoriums and recliner seating have become more prevalent 

throughout its theaters. The circuit’s newest location, in Southeast 

Edmonton, is expected to open in summer 2020. 

›› After opening in Brooklyn in 2016, 

the Alamo Drafthouse crossed another 

major urban hub off its bucket list in 

2019. The Texas-based chain, known for 

pairing first-run films with fan-friendly 

retrospective screenings and a full food 

and beverage menu, opened its first L.A. 

location in July. The milestone cinema for 

the company wasn’t its only new build to 

debut in 2019; another location opened in 

Westminster, Colorado, and Drafthouse 

already has its second New York theater 

in the works. In 2019, the chain also expanded 

the beta release of its subscription 

program, Season Pass, to loyalty 

card members in a handful of key markets. 

Alamo Drafthouse enters the new 

decade as one of the best established 

brands in exhibition. 

#13 

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE 

Austin, Tex. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 

Locations ............ 41 



TOP 16–25 / 2020 GIANTS OF EXHIBITION 

›› Staying true to its roots as an entertainment 

destination, Premiere Cinema Corp. is 

tackling competition from home entertainment 

by providing patrons with unique experiences 

at its locations. The circuit opened its first 

Premiere Lux Cine, Bowl & Pizza Pub in Pell City, 

Alabama, in January 2019. The complex features 

800 power-recliner seats, a bowling alley, a 

ropes course, an arcade, and a gourmet kitchen. 

New Lux Cine & Pizza Pub locations followed 

this past fall in Birmingham, Alabama, and 

Plant City, Florida. The circuit is one of several 

major circuits at the forefront of the cinema 

entertainment center trend. These complexes 

are known for incorporating different out-ofhome 

concepts and expanded food and beverage 

menus into the moviegoing experience, 

creating an ultimate entertainment destination 

for patrons. Premiere has theaters in Texas, 

Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, New Mexico, and 

South Carolina. 

#15 

CARIBBEAN CINEMAS 

San Juan, P.R. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 

Locations ............ 34 

#14 

PREMIERE CINEMA 

CORP. 

Big Spring, Tex. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 

Locations ............ 28 

›› Puerto Rico’s leading cinema chain, 

Caribbean Cinemas operates throughout 

the Caribbean region, with additional 

locations in the Dominican Republic, St. 

Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, 

Antigua, Aruba, and Trinidad. In 2017, the 

circuit’s management was undeterred by 

the challenges presented in the aftermath 

of Hurricane Maria, working tirelessly with 

local staff to keep cinemas open as much 

as possible as Puerto Rico recovered 

from the storm. Caribbean’s 

role in supporting local 

communities during the 

recovery will hardly 

be forgotten in the 

coming years. 

›› Founded in 1930 with a single 

screen in downtown Grand Rapids, 

Michigan, Goodrich Quality Theaters 

has expanded to Indiana, Illinois, 

Florida, and Missouri. The all-digital 

circuit includes five Imax theaters 

and five GDX premium locations 

with Dolby Atmos sound. Goodrich 

also offers Screen Taps bars in 13 

of its locations, serving mozzarella 

#16 

sticks, chicken tenders, fried mac and cheese bites, beer, wine, 

daiquiris, and margaritas. 

›› The U.S. division of the 

giant Mexican circuit Cinépolis, 

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas 

opened its first location in Del 

Mar, California, in 2011 and now 

also operates in Florida, New 

York, New Jersey, Connecticut, 

Texas, Ohio, and Maryland. Select 

locations include kid-friendly 

Cinépolis Jr. auditoriums and 4DX 

#18 (TIE) 

GOODRICH 

QUALITY THEATERS 

Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Screens: ............ 281 

Locations ............ 30 

motion and effects theaters. Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas 

acquired Moviehouse & Eatery’s six theaters in July 2019. 

›› Operated by private equity 

firm Veronis Suhler Stevenson 

(VSS), Southern Theatres 

encompasses the Grand Theatres 

and AmStar Cinemas brands; Movie 

SOUTHERN 

THEATRES 

New Orleans, La. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266 

Location ............. 18 

Tavern, previously a part of Southern Theatres, was officially 

acquired by The Marcus Corporation in February 2019. A former 

Grand Theatres location was reopened in December 2019 as the 

Amstar Cinemas 18 Four Seasons Station; the newly renovated 

location features a Grand Premium Experience premium largeformat 

auditorium. 

CINÉPOLIS 

LUXURY CINEMAS 

Dallas, Tex. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263 

Locations ............ 28 

#17 




#18 (TIE) 

GEORGIA 

THEATRE COMPANY 

›› The fourth-generation, family-owned 

circuit Georgia Theatre Compa- 

St. Simons Island, Ga. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263 

ny (GTC) launched a new mobile app in 

Locations ............ 25 

2019. The app is part of a digital strategy 

looking to maximize ticketing sales on 

its own platform, which includes a new ticketing capability on its 

website. Recent GTC innovations include a loyalty program (Reel 

Rewards), its own premium large-format auditoriums (GTX), and an 

expanded food and beverage menu (Outtakes Kitchen & Bar). 

LANDMARK THEATRES 

Los Angeles, Calif. 

›› Just before the ball 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 

dropped on 2019, the industry 

Locations ............ 51 

learned that Landmark Theatres would 

be acquired by independent film producer 

and distributor Cohen Media Group. Over the subsequent 

year, Landmark found a new president and COO in exhibition 

veteran Paul Serwitz, who for 17 years served as the vice president 

of film at Regal. 

#22 

#18 (TIE) 

NEIGHBORHOOD 

CINEMA GROUP (NCG) 

Owosso, Mich. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263 

Locations ............ 27 

›› Neighborhood Cinema 

Group (NCG)—which was 

founded in Michigan and has 

since expanded to Illinois, 

Indiana, and states throughout 

the Southeast—opened its first theater in New York 

state in 2019, renovating and reopening what used to 

be a Regal location in the town of Kingston. 2019 also 

saw NCG partner with Atom Tickets to sell digital tickets 

on the Atom platform. 

›› Michigan-based Emagine Entertainment continued to 

bring luxury theatrical amenities to Midwest audiences throughout 

2019. In December, the chain opened the region’s largest CinemaScope 

screen—branded as Super Emax—in its Canton Township location in time for the 

release of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. Recent investments in upgrading the 

theatrical experience have also included recliner seating, expanded concessions menus, 

reserved seating, dine-in service, and even valet parking at select locations. 

#21 

EMAGINE 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Troy, Mich. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 

Locations ............ 21 

›› Reading Cinemas International 

operates in the U.S., Australia, 

and New Zealand; in the U.S., 

its brands include Reading Cinemas, 

Consolidated Theatres, Angelika Film 

Centers, and City Cinemas. Reading 

expanded its premium screen, luxury 

recliner seating, and food and beverage 

options in 2019 and plans to continue 

doing so over the coming years. 

#24 

# 23 

›› Pacific/Arclight continued 

to service California— ARCLIGHT CINEMAS 

PACIFIC THEATRES / 

as well as Chicago, Boston, 

Los Angeles, Calif. 

and the D.C. area—in 2019. In February, 

Arclight’s Cinerama Dome Locations ............ 17 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 

was updated with dual-head 

Christie 6P laser projectors and 

Dolby 3-D, pairing cutting-edge 

technology with one of America’s most historic theaters. 

›› In 2019 

Bow Tie Cinemas 

embarked on major 

renovations of its two 

locations in Stamford, Connecticut. The 

Connecticut-based chain also announced 

#25 

READING CINEMAS 

INTERNATIONAL 

Culver City, Calif. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 

Locations ............ 24 

BOW TIE CINEMAS 

Ridgefield, Conn. 

Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 

Locations ............ 32 

its development with The Ashforth Company of the Bow Tie Cinemas 

Ultimate complex, set to include a full bar and restaurant menu and 

luxury recliner seating in all auditoriums. 




MOVIE MOMENTS / 2020 GIANTS OF EXHIBITION 

26. NEW VISION THEATRES 

Stratford, Conn. 

Screens: 205 

Locations: 19 

27. REGENCY THEATRES 

Agoura Hills, Calif. 

Screens: 196 

Locations: 28 

28. UNITED 

ENTERTAINMENT CORP. 

Maple Grove, Minn. 

Screens: 191 

Locations: 22 

29. LARRY H. MILLER THEATRES 

(MEGAPLEX THEATRES) 

Sandy, Utah 

Screens: 182 

Locations: 16 

30. MARQUEE CINEMAS 

Beckley, W.Va. 

Screens: 175 

Location: 17 

31. GALAXY THEATRES 

Sherman Oaks, Calif. 

Screens: 171 

Locations: 15 

32. CINEMA WEST 

Petaluma, Calif. 

Screens: 168 

Locations: 17 

33. MJR DIGITAL CINEMAS 

Bloomfield Hills, Mich. 

Screens: 164 

Locations: 10 

34. CELEBRATION CINEMA 

BY STUDIO C 

Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Screens: 163 

Locations: 12 

35. (TIE) CINEMA 

ENTERTAINMENT CORP. 

Waite Park, Minn. 

Screens: 160 

Locations: 20 

35. (TIE) FLAGSHIP 

PREMIUM CINEMAS 

Cambridge, Mass. 

Screens: 160 

Locations: 20 

37. COMING ATTRACTIONS 

THEATRES 

Ashland, Ore. 

Screens: 153 

Locations: 18 

38. EPIC THEATRES 

Deltona, Fla. 

Screens: 144 

Locations: 12 

39. CINÉMAS GUZZO 

Terrebonne, Que. 

Screens: 133 

Locations: 9 

40. CLASSIC CINEMAS 

Downers Grove, Ill. 

Screens: 121 

Locations: 15 

41. R/C THEATRES 

Reisterstown, Md. 

Screens: 119 

Locations: 13 

42. IPIC ENTERTAINMENT 

Boca Raton, Fla. 

Screens: 117 

Locations: 15 

43. (TIE) ALLEN THEATRES 

Las Cruces, N.M. 

Screens: 116 

Locations: 17 

43. (TIE) PHOENIX THEATRES 

Knoxville, Tenn. 

Screens: 116 

Locations: 13 

45. SANTIKOS ENTERTAINMENT 

San Antonio, Tex. 

Screens: 115 

Locations: 9 

46. XSCAPE THEATRES 

New Albany, Ind. 

Screens: 108 

Locations: 8 

47. MITCHELL THEATRES 

Elkhart, Kan. 

Screens: 107 

Locations: 15 

48. SOUTHEAST 

CINEMA ENTERTAINMENT 

Charlotte, N.C. 

Screens: 104 

Locations: 9 

49. SHOWBIZ CINEMAS 

Dallas, Tex. 

Screens: 99 

Locations: 10 

50. R.L. FRIDLEY THEATRES 

Des Moines, Iowa 

Screens: 98 

Locations: 19 

EXHIBITORS 

HAVE THEIR SAY 

Memorable Moviegoing Moments of 2019 

My favorite movie moment of the year was unveiling the new 

name of our flagship theater in Austin to forevermore be known as 

the Bong Joon Ho Cinema. Parasite is my favorite film of the year, 

an extraordinary modern masterpiece. And to watch director Bong 

receive so much praise and have a real shot at the Academy Award 

for Best Picture is unbelievable 

for a foreign-language film. This 

film inspires me with optimism 

for the future of cinema. My 

second-favorite experience was 

simply letting Uncut Gems wash 

over me at the Toronto Film 

Festival premiere. That screening 

was the most tense, most intense white-knuckle cinematic 

experience I’ve ever had. I adore that film! We also got the opportunity 

to open Uncut Gems on the break in New York this year 

and ended up with the number one gross, a major milestone for 

Alamo. And for what it is worth, here are my top 10 movies of the 

year: Parasite, Uncut Gems, Jojo Rabbit, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, 

The Farewell, The Art of Self-Defense, Midsommar, Portrait of 

a Lady on Fire, Marriage Story, and Dolemite Is My Name. 

Tim League 

Founder & CEO 

Alamo Drafthouse 

My favorite moviegoing moment of 2019 was Avengers: 

Endgame. I watched it on our massive 70X40 B&B Grand 

Screen with immersive DTS-X sound. On my right was my 

lovely wife, Jennifer, and on 

my left was my dad. Eleven 

years of watching these 

movies all had come down to 

this one epic moment. It was 

especially neat as this was at 

our Liberty Flagship theater 

that had just opened the 

year before. My dad and I had been dreaming of the day we 

could watch a movie of this magnitude on our own giant PLF 

screen, and it was really neat to have it happen with Avengers: 

Endgame. We spent years planning our flagship facility, and 

Marvel spent years building to this epic conclusion. It was sort 

of a culmination moment, one I won’t forget. 

Brock Bagby 

Executive Vice President 

B&B Theatres 

The incredible array of feelings and emotions that were 

rolling through me like a freight train after watching Joker for the 

first time at the Toronto Film Festival. 

Joe Masher 

Chief Operating Officer 

Bow Tie Cinemas 

Knives Out was the most 

intelligent movie of 2019 and 

offered the greatest social experience. 

I won’t soon forget the 

scene with Marta standing on 

the balcony of Harlan’s “ancestral” 

home, looking down at the 

disinherited heirs in a reversal 

of social standing. I was immediately reminded that those who 

are successful should retain humility and the good guy (or gal 

in this case) should win. This was the most cleverly put together 

masterpiece I’ve seen in a long time. To top it all off, the movie 

ended with the familiar sound of retracting reclining seats and an 

applauding audience—two of the best reasons to go to a movie 

theater and enjoy the experience. 

Dave Corkill, CEO 

Cinema West 

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: 

heartwarming, kind 

and a reminder to everyone we 

are human. The film was both 

funny and sad; it reminded me 

why I love seeing a film on the 

big screen in a packed audito- 



MEMORABLE MOVIEGOING MOMENTS 

rium. We laughed and cried together, we shared an experience 

with this film as a group of strangers, and we all walked out better 

people. The film highlights how Mr. Rogers was a kind man 

who changed the lives of people he touched. The film reminds 

us that we are all human; we have pain but we can also choose to 

be kind no matter what is going on in our lives. 

Melissa Boudreau 

Chief Marketing Officer 

Emagine Entertainment 

Unequivocally, the most breathtaking movie moment I 

experienced in 2019 was the opening scene the first night of 

Avengers: Endgame at my own local Flagship Cinemas. It was 

a packed audience of diehard Marvel fans, and the moment 

the dust first scattered on the screen, the gasps could be heard 

skittering throughout the crowd. The tension and energy 

bound us all together in the moment, and it was the beginning 

of a shared experience that was absolutely amazing. It’s 

a rare feeling to have created such solidarity in a community 

of strangers, but that’s the strength and power of a great film 

played in a movie theater. Nothing like it. 

Janet Oprendek 

VP Operations & Administration 

Flagship Cinemas 

Disney’s Aladdin and Lion 

King provided wonderful 

opportunities this year for 

parents to bring their families 

to movies they experienced on 

the big screen when they were 

young. Watching parents in 

our theaters share that special experience with their children today, 

creating memories that will last both generations a lifetime, 

is what makes this industry so special. 

A.J. Witherspoon 

VP of Operations 

Galaxy Theatres 

My favorite 2019 moviegoing 

memory was taking 

my 6-year-old daughter to 

see Jumanji: The Next Level 

in a sold-out theater at GQT 

Holland 7 during Christmas 

break. Jumanji is a favorite at 

our house, so naturally we were 

super-excited for this sequel. 

Reclined and relaxed with our buttered popcorn and peanut 

M&Ms, we laughed out loud countless times! We love the shared 

movie experience with tons of other families watching on the big 

screen. You can’t beat Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart together. 

My daughter is already asking to go again, and we look forward 

to the next Jumanji. 

Kelly Nash 

Director of Marketing 

Goodrich Quality Theatres 

2019 was a great year for moviegoing, and it’s difficult to 

choose just one favorite moment. For me, Knives Out was an 

outstanding movie. Daniel Craig was a standout in an all-star 

cast. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and look forward to many 

more in the series. If I have to narrow the year down to one 

outstanding moviegoing moment, it’s definitely Joaquin Phoenix 

2019 was an incredible year for 

fantastic films. The biggest standout 

moment for me was the release of 

Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time 

in Hollywood. To be able to provide 

marketing support for one of my 

favorite directors on their movie that 

plays on a classic, horrifying event we all 

know with an unexpected plot twist was 

an amazing experience. Getting to see it 

on the big screen was nothing short of 

incredible! 

Amanda Jo Sharp 

Marketing Director 

Allen Theatres 

My favorite moviegoing moment of 

2019 was watching the last 20 minutes 

of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. 

Since the beginning of the film, I was 

expecting to see Tarantino’s interpretation 

of the Sharon Tate assassination. 

Therefore, suspense kept on building 

for me for over two hours, and I could 

see the same feeling with all the other 

patrons in the theater when I looked 

around. The end of the movie was 

superb, but at the same time, it didn’t 

deliver on my original expectation. I 

was really troubled. Although I truly 

loved the story, it wasn’t what I had 

gone to see. It felt like Tarantino fooled 

me while telling me a great story at the 

same time. After the movie, I couldn’t 

stop talking about it with my wife and 

engaged in conversations with complete 

strangers about it. Certainly a memorable 

experience that can only happen in 

a theater, where you share experiences 

and feelings with total strangers who 

are going through the same emotions 

you are. 

Eduardo Acuña 

President 

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas 

I’m watching Once Upon a Time in 

Hollywood and loving the rich visuals, 

witty dialogue, and throwback vibe— 

truly masterful filmmaking. However, 

as the end approaches, I’m getting 

nervous: I know the history so I’m 

tense and can feel the audience bracing 

for the Manson Family massacre. 

Then Tarantino flips the script, I am 

caught up in the moment, just letting 

it unfold. It was a true emotional roller 

coaster ride that thankfully nobody 

spoiled for me in advance. I walked out 

of the theater amazed! 

Chris Johnson, CEO 

Classic Cinemas 

My favorite movie of the year 

was Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. 

Tarantino has done it again with 

another exceptional film. His adaptation 

of history and the way he intertwines 

real people into a fictional story 

reminds me of another one of his great 

films, Inglourious Basterds, in the most 

positive way. Not only was the casting 

and the acting phenomenal, the movie 

had a nostalgic feel that brought back 

personal memories from the 1960s and 

1970s, when I would go to the movies 

in Westwood. Bravo! 

Dan Harkins, Owner 

Harkins Theatres 

There were a lot of good movies 

in 2019, but my favorite movie quote 

this year comes from Once Upon a 

Time in Hollywood: “When you come 

to the end of the line with a buddy 

who is more than a brother and a little 

less than a wife, getting blind drunk 

together is really the only way to say 

farewell.” The movie reminded me 

of old-school Hollywood and how 

things used to be. I, like many of our 

customers, enjoy going back in time 

with Flashback Cinema. We did really 

well this year with The Big Lebowski 

because it is so relevant to Showbiz 

Cinemas Bowling, Movies and More 

locations. Getting to relax in our oversized 

leather recliners, with a White 

Russian in hand, and take in the stateof-the-art 

presentation in our packed 

SDX auditorium was not only a ton of 

fun but a true testament to the power 

of the in-theater experience. We have 

made so many amazing developments 

in creating a more comfortable and 

immersive experience for our customers 

since I first saw the film in theaters 

over 20 years ago. Wrapping up the 

evening by bowling a few frames on 

our boutique bowling lanes with family 

and friends took this experience to 

the next level. 

Kevin Mitchell 

President & CEO 

ShowBiz Cinemas 

50 / FEBRUARY 2020 FEBRUARY 2020 / 51

MEMORABLE MOVIEGOING MOMENTS 

dancing down the stairs in Joker. His performance and the entire 

movie was completely unexpected and amazing. I was thrilled 

that audiences agreed. On-screen moments like this are what the 

moviegoing experience is all about. 

Mike Bowers 

President & CEO, Harkins Theatres 

If someone told me in the early 1960s, when I went to the 

Casa Linda theater in Dallas every Saturday for a double feature, 

that someone would pay me to watch movies when I grew up, 

I would not have believed them. But it happened. The problem 

is, I typically watch many movies twice. Once at the trade 

screening and again with my 

movie-fan wife. Even Cats. 

This year my favorite movie 

moment was getting to watch 

the trade screening of Renée 

Zellweger’s performance in 

Judy with my wife, Judy. As 

we experienced this wonderful 

film together, we kept leaning into each other with, “Boy, 

Renée is really good” and, “Are we watching an Oscar-nom 

performance here?” That is the joy of moviegoing. I would be 

remiss not to mention the ending of two seminal series this year: 

Avengers: Endgame brought to a close the 21-film, 11-year Avengers 

saga, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker ended the core 

group of nine films, which began in 1977. Both of these films 

were markers in the nation’s social consciousness and brought 

the geek out in my son and myself, giving us hours of fodder for 

discussion. 

Jeffrey Kaufman 

SVP Film & Marketing, Malco Theatres 

Last year was packed with top-notch action movies from the 

beginning of the year to the end. With titles like Alita: Battle 

Angel, Fast and Furious Presents Hobbs & Shaw, John Wick: 

Chapter 3—Parabellum, and 

Gemini Man, there was never 

a dull moment. I can’t help 

but think that the slate of 

2019 action films was the 

perfect prequel to a movie I’m 

eagerly anticipating in 2020, 

Top Gun: Maverick. After all, 

the original Top Gun is one of my favorite movies of all time—a 

combination of action, entertainment, friendship, and more, 

coupled with incredible music. I feel the need … the need to see 

the new Top Gun! 

Rolando Rodriguez 

Chairman, President & CEO, Marcus Theatres 

The thing that made 2019 stand out for me is that it brought 

together generations of movie fans, including my own family, to 


celebrate story lines that, in some cases, are a decade or—in the 

case of Star Wars—more than four decades in the making. Since 

Megaplex Theatres was among a handful of locations to host the 

Star Wars marathon, we had guests who had never seen some of 

the earlier films on the big screen. I think 2019 will be remembered 

as the year that epic stories like Star Wars and the Avengers 

saga came to a much anticipated resolution. 

Blake Andersen 

President, Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres 

Watching A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. It was a 

breath of fresh air. 

Bud Mayo 

Co-Founder and Chairman, New Vision Theatres 

Though Disney dominated 

the market with excellent box 

office grossers including Avengers, 

Lion King, Toy Story 4, 

Frozen II, and Star Wars, they 

were all sequels or reimagined 

versions of past films. There 

were several other films that 

really stood out in 2019 based on originality and audience 

acceptance. I particularly enjoyed Rocketman, Knives Out, Ford v 

Ferrari, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. These quality films 

resonated with audiences and were not only successful grossing 

titles but very entertaining and creative. Though more than one 

moviegoing moment, this shows that originality can still entertain 

and sell tickets. 

Phil Zacheretti 

President & CEO, Phoenix Theatres 

One of my favorite movie 

memories from 2019 was 

leaving the auditorium at the 

end of Joker and hearing the 

woman in front of me say, 

“Boy ... I just feel like I need 

to be a little nicer to people!” 

Movies have the ability to 

build empathy in a way no other medium really can, particularly 

when experienced in a crowded theater full of strangers. 

J.D. Loeks 

President, Studio C by Celebration Cinemas 

Alita: Battle Angel—the story helps us remember that even 

if society may throw us away, with the help of others we can 

find our purpose and achieve great heights! Alita reminds me 

that we all yearn to belong and restore the social order while 

maintaining our humanity. 

Brian Schultz 

Founder & CEO, Studio Movie Grill 

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Giants of Exhibition 2020

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