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Despite a sluggish start to the theatrical release year, we’re finally seeing strong movement and positive figures from the 2025 box office. With some major big-ticket films set to release in the coming months, the scene could be set for a highly successful summer season. However, with consumer spending likely to see cuts over the coming months, there is some question of how wise proposed ticket price hikes really are. To fill us in on the full story, we have Blake & Wang P.A. entertainment attorney in Los Angeles, Brandon Blake.

Brandon Blake

The Go-To Cheap Entertainment Choice

Historically, movie theaters have been the average American’s go-to “cheap choice” for entertainment when economic times get tough. With tightening budgets, international vacations and high-cost sporting events and concerts seem far more out of reach than a budget-friendly outing to the movies, after all. In fact, many economists tie theatergoing to the “staycation” concept, a quick and simple way to pep up a dull budget and still have fun with friends.

In fact, while it’s made for some social media mumbling (and a lot of overworked custodians), we’ve recently seen how social, and even uniting, movie going can really be with A Minecraft Movie. The film has not only managed to unite audience strangers through a lighthearted meme-worthy moment but also did so directly after one of the worst two-day losses in stock market history. Despite such an inauspicious economic moment to open, the film managed to rake in an outstanding $162M on its opening weekend, a full $100M ahead of projections.

Nor has that momentum faded, despite economic see-sawing over its full run. In fact, the latest batch of box office releases has powered 2025 to the same year-to-date domestic revenue as 2024.

The Ticket Price Conundrum

However, let’s not sugarcoat things. Times have changed, and home streaming is a very real, very viable alternative to a night out at the theater. We still haven’t seen cinema attendance recover to pre-pandemic levels, and there’s still a lack of real balance between tentpole releases and midrange and independent small films to offer variety and interest for those looking for a night’s entertainment.

Rising ticket prices and shrinking theatrical windows can’t be ignored. While there’s a growing focus on offering premium theatrical experiences to reinvigorate the industry, “premium” may not be what tightened budgetary belts are looking for. According to data from Cinema United (formerly NATO), the average ticket price in 2024 was $11-$13. Let’s not lose sight of the fact the average home PVOD rental title is available for $20-$30. If the window closes too much, consumers may simply opt to stay home instead.

It’s a fine line to walk, indeed. Historically, the box office does its best when we’re in cycles of economic contraction. However, as rising costs put pressure on theaters, there’s also the ugly fact that, if they price themselves out of being the economical entertainment option, they may well lose that advantage. As we power towards a summer packed with potential blockbusters, let’s hope cinemas can find the balance they need to take full advantage of what lies ahead.