BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — AMC Classic Lee Branch 15, a long-standing fixture in Birmingham’s moviegoing scene, closed its doors Sunday after 21 years in operation. Located along U.S. 280, the theater was a convenient alternative to the more crowded AMC Summit 16 and featured amenities like its Big D auditorium, known for superior picture and sound quality. The site is set to be converted into a gym, marking another chapter in the ongoing decline of traditional movie theaters in the United States.
The closure reflects broader challenges facing the movie theater industry. Attendance has plummeted over the past two decades, with ticket sales per capita dropping by 54% since 2002. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, as lockdowns halted in-person screenings and popularized streaming services as an alternative. Even as theaters reopened, they struggled to regain pre-pandemic numbers, with box office revenues hovering around half of their former levels.
Rising ticket prices and a shift toward blockbuster-centric programming have further alienated audiences. Streaming platforms offer convenience, affordability, and a wider variety of content—qualities that many viewers now prioritize over the communal experience of theaters. Additionally, critics argue that Hollywood’s reliance on franchises and sequels has diminished the creative appeal of films released in theaters.
For Birmingham residents, the loss of AMC Lee Branch is bittersweet. While upgrades at nearby AMC Summit 16 provide modern comforts like heated recliners and a full bar, the closure leaves North Shelby County with fewer options for local moviegoers. The transformation of theaters into gyms or other facilities highlights how multiplexes are increasingly repurposed as their relevance wanes.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for a revival. Industry experts suggest that improving both content and venues could reinvigorate interest in theaters. Films designed for the big screen and immersive environments might entice audiences to return. For now, however, closures like AMC Lee Branch underscore the uncertain future of America’s cinemas—and the nostalgia they evoke for simpler times spent in dimly lit auditoriums with popcorn in hand.