Average movie ticket prices jumped by 3 percent in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period a year ago, from $8.58 in 2016 to $8.84 in 2017, according to figures released Friday by the National Association of Theater Owners.
In 2015, the ticket prices cost on average $8.12 in the first quarter. The number this year beat the number of the fourth quarter of 2016, when moviegoers were paying $8.79 to see movies.
Average ticket prices in 2016 overall were $8.65 — in 2015, it cost an average $8.43, which accounts for a 3 percent increase.
According to NATO, strong performances by top titles including “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Lego Batman” and “Kong: Skull Island” in 3D/IMAX/PLF as well as adult-skewing titles like “La La Land” and “Hidden Figures” accounted for more than half of Q1 revenue and ticket sales — around $1.56 billion.
Last month, NATO revealed that the average ticket price for a family of four in 2016 was $34.60, which is the most affordable entertainment option compared to NFL, NBA and theme park tickets.
A total of 1.32 billion tickets were sold in 2016, which held steady compared to 2015.