How the Cost of a Movie Ticket Has Changed Over Time

The average cost of a movie ticket over time since 1948

Along with baseball, going to the movies is a treasured national pastime. The silver screen has been a place for innovation, comfort and escape. And as popular date spots, movie theaters have provided the settings for many budding relationships. Film has proven to be a cornerstone of American culture.

Like the country itself, the film industry has changed with the times. In 1940, a movie ticket cost a quarter. Now, some theaters charge upwards of $10 for admission. With this in mind, see how the average cost of a movie ticket has changed since 1948. The data comes from the MPAA, and the National Association of Theater Owners

Year Price
(Source: National Association of Theater Owners)
2023$10.45
2022$10.45
2021$10.40
2020$9.41
2019$9.16
2018$9.11
2017$8.97
2016$8.65
2015$8.43
2014$8.17
2013$8.13
2012$7.96
2011$7.93
2010$7.89
2009$7.50
2008$7.18
2007$6.88
2006$6.55
2005$6.41
2004$6.21
2003$6.03
2002$5.80
2001$5.65
2000$5.39
1999$5.06
1998$4.69
1997$4.59
1996$4.42
1995$4.35
1994$4.08
1993$4.14
1992$4.15
1991$4.21
1990$4.22
1989*$3.99
1988$4.11
1987$3.91
1986$3.71
1985$3.55
1984$3.36
1983$3.15
1982$2.94
1981$2.78
1980$2.69
1979$2.47
1978$2.34
1977$2.23
1976$2.13
1975$2.03
1974$1.89
1971$1.65
1967$1.22
1963$0.86
1958$0.68
1954$0.49
1948$0.36

 

The average cost of a movie ticket has increased over time due to inflation and other factors such as the growth of the movie industry, advances in technology, and the rise of multiplex theaters. According to data from the National Association of Theatre Owners, the average ticket price in the United States was around $9.11 in 2003 and has steadily increased to around $9.37 in 2010, $9.78 in 2015, and $9.16 in 2019.

However, it's important to note that ticket prices can vary significantly depending on location, time of day, and the popularity of the movie. For example, movie tickets in big cities like New York and Los Angeles tend to be more expensive than in smaller towns. Additionally, tickets for 3D, IMAX, and other premium movie experiences can cost even more.

Overall, while the average cost of a movie ticket has increased over time, it's important to keep in mind that there are many factors that can influence ticket prices, and they can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances.

Here is a historical overview of the average cost of a movie ticket in the United States:

    In the early 1900s, movie tickets were relatively cheap, costing around 5 to 10 cents.

    During the 1920s, the average ticket price rose to around 25 cents due to the popularity of silent films and the construction of lavish movie palaces.

    In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, movie tickets dropped to around 10 cents to attract more customers.

    In the 1940s and 1950s, ticket prices increased slightly to around 50 cents as movies became a popular form of entertainment for the general public.

    In the 1960s, movie attendance declined due to the rise of television, and ticket prices remained relatively stable at around $1.

    In the 1970s and 1980s, ticket prices rose to around $2.50 due to the popularity of blockbusters like Jaws and Star Wars.

    In the 1990s, ticket prices continued to rise, reaching an average of $4.35 in 1990 and $5.08 in 1995 due to the growth of multiplex theaters and the popularity of big-budget films.

    In the 2000s, ticket prices increased to around $6.21 in 2000 and $7.61 in 2005, and continued to rise to around $9.11 in 2010, $9.78 in 2015, and $9.16 in 2019.

It's worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on movie theaters, with many closing temporarily and others reducing capacity to comply with health and safety guidelines. As a result, ticket prices may have fluctuated or decreased during this time.

 

How the Cost of a Movie Ticket Has Changed Over Time