- Toy Story 5 delivers the biggest opening weekend of 2026, driving record attendance for AMC Theatres.
- AMC reports its strongest May attendance since 2019, signaling a sustained box office rebound.
- The blockbuster debut underscores the power of franchise films in boosting theater chain performance.
Record-Breaking Weekend
AMC Theatres enjoyed its busiest weekend of 2026 as Toy Story 5 stormed into theaters with an estimated $165 million domestic opening, the largest of the year. The Pixar sequel drew massive crowds to AMC's multiplexes, with the chain reporting its highest single-weekend attendance since December 2025.
"The turnout has been extraordinary," said an AMC spokesperson, who noted that premium format screenings like IMAX and Dolby Cinema sold out rapidly. The company had prepared for strong demand by adding extra showtimes and staffing up, but the scale of the rush still exceeded expectations.
A Welcome Boost for AMC
The strong performance comes on the heels of AMC's upbeat May 2026 results, which showed the highest attendance for that month since 2019. The chain has been clawing back from pandemic-era lows, and the summer blockbuster slate is proving pivotal. Toy Story 5 alone is expected to contribute meaningfully to AMC's second-quarter revenue.
Industry analysts point to the film's broad appeal, from families to nostalgic adults, as a key driver. "This is exactly the kind of event movie that gets people off their couches," said one box office tracker. AMC's rivals, including Regal and Cinemark, also saw spikes, but the chain's extensive footprint gave it an edge.
The toy box is open - and AMC is cashing in. With Toy Story 5 already eyeing a potential $1 billion global run, the summer of 2026 is shaping up to be a strong one for theater operators. AMC shares rose 4% in midday trading following the weekend numbers.