The average cost of a movie ticket sold in the United States dropped by 39 cents between the end of 2013 and the first few months of 2014, it was reported by the National Assoc. of Theater Owners (NATO). However, when compared to the first three months of 2013, an average movie ticket for the same time frame in 2014 increased two cents, NATO announced.
According to NATO, the national average for a movie ticket was $7.96 for the first quarter of 2014 (Jan. 1 through March 31). In the fourth quarter of 2013 (Oct. 1 through Dec. 31), the average movie ticket in the United States was $8.35.
The price drop represents a 4.7 percent change in movie ticket prices.
During the first quarter of 2014, several films performed well at the box office, including Noah, The Lego Movie, and 300: The Rise of an Empire.
For the first quarter of 2013, NATO reported the national average for a movie ticket was $7.94. Through all of 2013, the average moviegoer paid $8.13 to watch a film in a movie theater.
Of course, there are theaters in the Los Angeles region charging nearly double the national average. For example, to watch today’s 5:25 p.m. screening of Captain America: Winter Soldier at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, an adult non-member ticket costs $14.
To watch the same movie at today’s 6:15 p.m. screening at the iPic movie theater in Pasadena, an adult non-member ticket pays $18.50.
An adult who wants to watch Captain America: Winter Soldier at AMC Santa Monica 7 on the Third Street Promenade at 7:35 p.m. tonight would pay $12 per ticket.
By comparison, tonight’s 7 p.m. screening of Captain America: Winter Soldier at Starwood Cinemas in Fort Worth, Texas, would cost an adult $7.50.
Adult ticket prices are generally the highest price tier at movie theaters. IMAX and 3D screenings are also subject to price increases, as well.
NATO only reported the national average of movie ticket prices; no additional qualifications or other information was provided.
