Number of Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins) Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
16,844
motion picture theaters (except drive-ins) businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The motion picture theaters (except drive-ins) industry has grown 41% since 2000 (from 11,942 to 16,844 firms).
- •The peak year was 2023 with 16,844 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is growing (+14.6%).
- •Employment: 303,649 workers in 2023 (12.1% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 45%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 16,844 | 19,628 | 303,649 | 15.7% | 14.7% | +1.0% |
| 2022 | 16,418 | 19,439 | 298,950 | 18.8% | 13.9% | +31.0% |
| 2021 | 15,515 | 18,531 | 217,702 | 17.6% | 16.8% | -29.1% |
| 2020 | 15,225 | 18,436 | 293,166 | 16.1% | 13.5% | -3.0% |
| 2019 | 14,700 | 17,960 | 301,103 | 15.8% | 12.4% | -0.7% |
| 2018 | 14,070 | 17,331 | 303,469 | 12.3% | 12.3% | -0.9% |
| 2017 | 14,088 | 17,361 | 307,655 | 12.3% | 12.3% | -22.7% |
| 2016 | 14,002 | 17,295 | 386,328 | 14.4% | 12.4% | -0.5% |
| 2015 | 13,660 | 16,914 | 360,007 | 13.8% | 12.9% | +5.2% |
| 2014 | 13,537 | 16,761 | 340,674 | 14.3% | 12.4% | +8.6% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.