The thunderous explosions and whispered plot twists of May’s blockbuster lineup have translated into explosive financial results for Canada’s largest cinema chain. Cineplex reported $55.3 million in box office revenue for May 2025, marking a stunning 63% increase from the $33.9 million generated during the same period last year.
Inside Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre on a recent Friday night, the evidence was clear—lines stretched through the lobby as moviegoers clutched popcorn and tickets for multiple sold-out screenings. This scene played out across Cineplex’s 170 theaters nationwide, helping drive the company’s strongest May performance since pre-pandemic levels.
“The slate of films released in May connected with audiences in a way we haven’t seen in years,” said Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob in the company’s monthly revenue report. “When you combine compelling storytelling with the theatrical experience we provide, consumers are demonstrating they still value the shared viewing experience.”
The primary catalyst behind the surge was the unprecedented success of “Avengers: Resurrection,” which accounted for approximately 28% of Cineplex’s monthly revenue. The superhero epic achieved the highest-grossing opening weekend in Canadian box office history, according to data from CO24 Business.
Additional strong performers included the psychological thriller “Silent Room,” which exceeded box office projections by 45%, and family-friendly “Cosmic Adventures 3,” which maintained impressive attendance numbers even in its third week of release.
Industry analysts point to Cineplex’s strategic investments in premium viewing experiences as another factor driving revenue growth. The company reported that 38% of May ticket sales came from enhanced format screenings, including UltraAVX, IMAX, and VIP Cinemas—up from 29% last year.
“Cineplex has positioned itself perfectly to capitalize on consumers’ willingness to pay more for premium experiences,” said entertainment analyst Mira Patel (no relation) from RBC Capital Markets. “The average ticket price has increased by 12% year-over-year, but attendance has still grown by 46%.”
The company also highlighted the success of its Scene+ loyalty program, which now boasts over 14 million members. Scene+ transactions accounted for 76% of all ticket purchases in May, providing Cineplex with valuable consumer data while driving additional concession sales.
Food and beverage revenue saw an even larger percentage increase than ticket sales, jumping 71% compared to May 2024. The average concession spend per patron reached $9.83, representing the highest figure in the company’s history.
However, challenges remain on the horizon. Streaming platforms continue to invest billions in original content, with both Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video announcing plans to increase their film production budgets by over 30% for 2026. Additionally, the CO24 Breaking News team reported last week that two major studios are considering shortening the theatrical exclusivity window for mid-budget films to just 17 days.
Despite these potential headwinds, Cineplex’s May performance suggests theatrical exhibition remains resilient. The company’s stock responded accordingly, climbing 8.4% in the day following the announcement.
As summer blockbuster season kicks into high gear, all eyes in the CO24 Sports and entertainment sectors will be watching whether Cineplex can maintain this momentum through the crucial summer months—or if May’s success was merely the calm before a streaming storm.
