Exact Answer: 2 to 5 weeks
Some films have a long run at the box office, whereas other movies barely make it past a handful of weeks. Some epic films, such as Stranger things, Jurassic World, Titanic, and others, have earned exceptionally well at the box office, staying in theatres for more than a year.
Summary
On average, movies stay in theaters for four weeks. If a large blockbuster film only stays in theatres for around two weeks, it means it wasn’t as popular or successful at the box office. A contract between a movie distributor and a movie exhibitor is normally in place.
How Long Do Movies Stay In Theaters?
| Different conditions | Lasts for |
| Bollywood movies | 4 to 5 weeks |
| Hollywood movies | 2 weeks |
A decent film will be in theatres for about 4-5 weeks on average. And if the film’s distributors believe that a film can do a huge amount of good and earn them more money, the film gets replayed for a few more weeks. The criteria are simple: the more popular a film is, the longer it will remain in theatres.
There are some genuine reasons for how long a picture stays in theatres:
- It is determined by its success. Ticket money is distributed on a sliding scale between theatre owners and movie companies. It benefits studios early in the run, but theatres as the run progress. While there is an incentive for theatre owners to have a film booked for a long time, there is also an incentive for theatre owners to keep a film booked for a short time.
- Most movies will be out of first-run cinemas within 90 days, at which point they will be accessible to rent or buy for home viewing on a disc, video-on-demand, online digital purchase, or subscription streaming services. At this time, they may also appear at inexpensive second-run cinemas.
- If a film is unpopular, it will be pulled in two weeks or fewer. However, if a film is popular for a long time, the theatre may keep it for an indefinite period.
- It is dependent on the film’s producers and funding. The majority of theatres are hired by high-budget film producers, who can run the film for as long as they wish.
- Theaters can’t manage to bring a disliked picture for very long since they need to make way for new, more appealing films. Because the number of screens is limited, theatres aim to maximize their earnings.
Why Do Movies Stay In Theaters For So Long?
Movies remain in theatres for such a long time because they begin with film distribution by a film distributor. A movie distributor is not the same as a movie producer. While film producers ensure that a film is completed on time and budget, film distributors ensure that the film is properly promoted.
A contract will be drawn up between a movie distributor and a movie exhibitor, who is usually the owner or operator of a theatre. If it’s a big Hollywood film, the contract to show it will normally last at least two weeks. If it’s an independent picture, it may be shown for at least a week.
A contract may be extended beyond the initial minimum number of weeks, based on a variety of variables. The quantity of seats sold during the show is the most important aspect. As a result, it’s all about a film’s ability to sell.
Both movie distributors and exhibitors will determine whether or not a film will be extended based on how well it does in comparison to other films currently in theatres. If a film performs well in comparison to others, it has a better prospect of extending its run.
Conclusion
Movies used to run in cinemas for 50 to 100 days, and in some cases up to 175 days, but due to the digital revolution, piracy difficulties, and an increase in the number of theatres (screens), a movie’s life at a theatre is being cut short. Movies appear on TV or internet platforms within a month or two of their initial release.
After a film is released, it is immediately available on the internet. As a result, the producer plans to have it released on a significant number of screens in the first week. This percentage varies depending on how well the film does at the box office. A superhit film will stay in theatres for a longer period than a failed film.
References
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