Fathom, the company behind classic films at your local theater, is making major gains in moviegoing

At a time when the box office is starved for content and audiences seem pickier than ever, Fathom Events is posting record revenue gains.

Fathom Events, a joint venture between three major theater chains, has been successful in bringing alternative content to the big screen. It has recently expanded into specialty distribution and has seen significant success with films like ‘The Blind,’ ‘The Chosen,’ ‘Jesus Thirsts,’ and ‘Waitress: the Musical.’ The company generated $100 million at the box office in 2023, a 116% increase from 2019, and continues to perform well in 2024 with $43 million in the first quarter, up nearly 140% compared to the previous year. Fathom’s value proposition lies in breathing new life into older films and providing content to theaters.

Fathom has played a crucial role in supporting smaller cinema operators during the pandemic by providing much-needed content for the big screen. Its partnerships with major studios and its ability to reach a wide audience have made it a force to be reckoned with in the box office. Anniversary re-releases of classic films have been particularly successful, pleasing both movie fans and generating additional revenue for theaters. The company has also celebrated milestone years of beloved films, attracting audiences interested in seeing older films on the big screen.

One of Fathom’s notable successes is the faith-based television show, ‘The Chosen.’ It generated $32 million at the box office, representing around 75% of Fathom’s first-quarter earnings. Smaller theater chains have greatly benefited from Fathom’s ability to license and market classic films on a national scale.

Fathom’s upcoming releases include anniversary screenings of popular films like ‘Coraline,’ ‘Blazing Saddles,’ ‘Rear Window,’ ‘Neverending Story,’ and ‘Mean Girls.’ Its film series, Studio Ghibli Fest, features the original Japanese and English dubbed versions of all 14 films from the studio. Fathom has proven that these re-releases can attract significant audiences and generate substantial box office revenue even decades after the films’ initial release.

Fathom’s efforts and wide reach have made it an invaluable partner for smaller theater chains. By working out licensing agreements and creating national marketing campaigns, Fathom provides smaller theaters with the opportunity to showcase classic films and offer unique experiences to their audiences.