Moviegoing Trends in the U.S.: A Shifting Landscape Ahead of the 2026 Oscars

As the 2026 Academy Awards approach, a snapshot of U.S. Moviegoing habits reveals a complex picture. While some films nominated for awards have achieved box office success, the rise of streaming services is influencing how Americans consume movies. Recent data from the Pew Research Center provides insights into who is going to the movies and how frequently, offering a glimpse into the evolving entertainment landscape.

Who is Going to the Movies?

A summer 2025 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that approximately 53% of Americans had seen a movie in theaters within the past year. Although, 7% reported never having visited a movie theater. Demographic factors play a significant role in moviegoing frequency.

• Age: Adults under 50 are more likely to have recently attended a movie theater. 67% of those aged 18-29 and 60% of those aged 30-49 reported seeing a movie in the past year, compared to 48% of those aged 50-64 and 39% of those 65 and older.
• Ethnicity: Hispanic adults exhibit a higher rate of moviegoing, with 59% having attended a theater in the past year, compared to 53% of White adults and 49% of Black adults.
• Income: Higher-income Americans are more frequent moviegoers. 64% of adults with upper incomes reported attending a theater, compared to 57% of those with middle incomes and 43% of those with lower incomes.
• Political Affiliation: Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (58%) are more likely to have gone to the movies than Republicans and Republican leaners (50%).
• Gender: Men (53%) and women (54%) report similar rates of moviegoing.

A Historical Perspective on Ticket Sales

The peak year for movie ticket sales in the U.S. And Canada was 2002, with approximately 1.6 billion tickets sold – nearly five tickets per person, according to data from Nash Information Services. However, ticket sales have generally trended downward since then.

In 2019, over 1.2 billion tickets (3.3 per person) were sold. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a dramatic decline in 2020, with sales plummeting 81% to 231.6 million. While there has been a recovery since then, 2025 saw 769.2 million tickets sold, more than triple the volume in 2020 but still less than half of the 2002 peak.

Box office revenue, measured in constant 2025 dollars, also peaked in 2002 at $16.4 billion. It fell to less than $3 billion in 2020 and recovered to just over $9 billion in 2025, according to Comscore.

The Impact of Streaming Services

The decline in movie ticket sales coincides with the increasing popularity of streaming services, suggesting a shift in how Americans consume movies. While the theatrical experience remains popular for some, many are opting to watch films from the convenience of their homes.

Looking Ahead

The future of moviegoing remains uncertain. The success of the 2026 Academy Award nominees at the box office, coupled with evolving consumer preferences and the continued growth of streaming platforms, will likely shape the industry’s trajectory in the years to arrive. Understanding these trends is crucial for both filmmakers and theater owners as they navigate this changing landscape.