AMC to add 40 new Dolby Cinema theaters by 2027 in major premium expansion

LOS ANGELES - AMC is leaning into the power of immersive, high-end moviegoing experiences as it adds dozens of new Dolby Cinema theaters across the country over the next few years.

The announcement came Monday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where AMC and Dolby extended their decade-long partnership. The new agreement will bring the total number of AMC Dolby Cinema locations to 200, representing a 25% jump from current levels. The move comes amid growing industry investment in specialized formats that are outperforming traditional theaters, both in revenue and in fan engagement.

Dolby Cinema combines advanced Dolby Atmos surround sound with vivid picture quality, and the expansion builds on AMC’s recent plans to bring other premium formats—like 4DX and ScreenX—to its U.S. lineup for the first time.

Why AMC is investing in premium formats

The backstory:

Despite streaming’s dominance and changing consumer habits, premium cinema experiences are thriving. Dolby Cinema, Imax, and similar high-end formats are drawing audiences willing to pay more for big-screen spectacle, especially as blockbuster releases ramp up again post-strike.

Imax, for example, had a record-breaking 2024, even as the broader box office felt the lingering effects of the 2023 Hollywood strikes and shifting release strategies. Dolby Cinema also saw its best-ever performance last year, according to company officials.

AMC and Dolby emphasized the staying power of immersive cinema experiences. "In expanding our longstanding partnership with AMC, we look forward to providing even more audiences with access to the most immersive film experiences that you can only get at Dolby Cinema," said Kevin Yeaman, President and CEO of Dolby Laboratories.

"For a decade, AMC and Dolby have provided moviegoers with incredible premium experiences—making the biggest blockbusters even bigger, brighter, louder, and more immersive," said Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC Entertainment.

Are movie theaters still relevant in the streaming era?

Big picture view:

While the streaming boom has shifted how people watch films, going to the theater still holds emotional and cultural value—especially when it comes to big releases. FOX’s Heather Miller recently explored this dynamic, highlighting how the moviegoing experience evokes nostalgia for generations raised on theatrical premieres.

READ MORE: List: The biggest movie premieres through the years

Theaters may no longer pack out for every release, but tentpole films like "Avengers: Endgame" and "Spider-Man: No Way Home" still generate massive opening weekends. According to Box Office Mojo by IMDbPro, "Deadpool & Wolverine" is expected to be another blockbuster, with a $211 million opening projected.

FOX critic Allison Shoemaker acknowledged the tension: "The ease with which we can access a vast catalog of films... has made it less and less likely that people are going to go to the theater. But it’s still an incredibly valuable experience."

Oscar-winning director Sean Baker also made an impassioned case for theatrical moviegoing in his acceptance speech: "Where did we fall in love with movies? At the movie theater."

What this means for the future of moviegoing

What's next:

AMC’s expansion signals a bet on long-term consumer demand for in-person, high-quality cinematic experiences. As studios return to more regular release schedules and blockbusters continue to dominate, the company appears focused on offering audiences a clear reason to choose theaters over their couches.

The average movie ticket in 2025 costs $11.31, according to The Numbers, while renting a new release at home often exceeds $20. Theaters, especially those offering formats like Dolby Cinema, may increasingly be seen as the better value for those craving communal, immersive storytelling.