AMC and Netflix Partner for Halloween Movie Releases

LOS ANGELES, CA — AMC Theatres and Netflix are set to mark a significant partnership this Halloween weekend by releasing the hit film “KPop Demon Hunters” in 300 theaters across the U.S. This collaboration comes after a long-standing tension where AMC, the world’s largest cinema chain, often avoids showing films from Netflix, the leading streaming service.

Alicia Reese, a VP at Wedbush Securities, noted, “For a long time, Netflix’s primary interest in getting its movies into theaters was for awards consideration or appeasing talent. Now, Netflix aims to maximize reach.” This new approach seems like a natural response to the current struggles of the theater industry, which has been grappling with box office revenues significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.

In a notable shift, AMC recently announced their openness to collaboration, saying both companies see the potential for mutual benefit. As the competition for box office revenue heats up, AMC has recognized the need for a crowd-pleaser like Netflix films, especially since they were unable to show “KPop Demon Hunters” during its previous release.

Netflix’s growing interest in theatrical releases appears to be motivated by a desire to bolster its cultural relevance and retain creative talents who have been moving to other studios. Recent projects, including a new adaptation of “Narnia” and David Fincher‘s “Cliff Booth,” are planned for cinema release, showing Netflix’s strategy in expanding its reach through theater partnerships.

While some Netflix titles, like “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” may only receive limited screenings for awards qualification, other films are set for more extensive theatrical releases. Despite Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos previously stating that traditional cinema experiences are outdated, current deals indicate a strategic shift to provide an enriched experience for select major releases. This new direction seems to mark the beginning of a changing landscape in how streaming services and theaters work together.

As the first step in this budding partnership, the final episode of “Stranger Things” is confirmed to debut in theaters on December 31, along with its premiere on the streaming service. Screenings will take place in over 350 theaters across the U.S. and Canada, showcasing a commitment from both companies to enhance the movie-going experience.