PriyankaNEW YORK — When Jennifer Kent’s haunting film “The Babadook” first hit theaters a decade ago, it was shown in just two cinemas. Fast forward to this month, and the film is making a triumphant return to 500 theaters nationwide.
“It’s surreal, but in a wonderfully nostalgic way. I can’t believe it’s already been 10 years. It’s amazing to revisit this journey,” Kent shares from Australia. “Considering it initially had such a limited release, I’m proud that it continues to resonate with audiences.”
“The Babadook,” a gripping and eerie exploration of parenthood, has been hailed as a catalyst for a new wave of audacious horror films. It’s among several movies celebrating anniversaries with theatrical re-releases this year. If you glance at movie theater marquees today, you’ll notice a blend of fresh releases and beloved classics.
In an era where nearly every film can be accessed at home with a few clicks, it’s noteworthy that older movies are drawing significant crowds to theaters. Repertory cinema, traditionally confined to arthouses, has found its place in multiplexes as well.
The resurgence of classic films on the big screen is yielding impressive box office returns. For instance, the 2009 stop-motion gem “Coraline,” directed by Henry Selick and produced by Laika Studios, has grossed over $25 million in two weeks—a remarkable achievement for a 15-year-old movie. Earlier this year, Disney’s re-release of “Star Wars: Episode One – The Phantom Menace” earned $19.4 million globally.
This fall, audiences can look forward to anniversary screenings of films like “Shaun of the Dead,” “Paris, Texas,” “Whiplash,” “Hoop Dreams,” and “Interstellar.” While it’s not uncommon for restored classics to make a comeback in theaters (“Seven Samurai” and “The Conversation” had summer runs), the trend of re-releasing relatively recent films and drawing packed audiences is a newer phenomenon.
“The Babadook,” initially an indie film that achieved cult status through widespread acclaim—including praise from William Friedkin who deemed it an instant classic—might surpass its original $1 million North American box office earnings this time around.
“It has cultivated a new generation of fans,” says Nicole Weis, vice president of distribution for IFC. “Many of these fans never saw it on the big screen. Re-releasing it allows them to experience the film as it was meant to be seen.”
Theatrical attendance hasn’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, partly because theaters lack new films to screen. The number of nationwide releases has decreased due to various factors, including last year’s prolonged industry strikes.
To bridge this gap, the nation’s three largest theater chains—AMC, Regal, and Cinemark—formed Fathom Events in 2005. Fathom distributes special events like live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera and the annual Studio Ghibli Fest, which showcases beloved Japanese anime classics. Their recent release of “Coraline,” including 3D screenings, set a new high mark for the company.
“The interest in classic movies has surged,” says Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “We’re expecting a 75% increase in this category year over year.”
Initially, Fathom focused on quiet days in cinemas, like Mondays and Tuesdays, but they’ve steadily expanded their offerings. Earlier this year, their showing of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy over a weekend was a huge success. Upcoming classics include anniversary showings of “Rear Window,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Mean Girls,” and “The Fifth Element.”
“We often joke about what defines a classic movie,” Nutt adds. “It used to mean something 50 years old or more; now we’re talking about ‘Coraline’ at just 15 years old.”
Streaming services often bury older films deep within their libraries. In today’s digital landscape, how recent a movie is can sometimes be less relevant. (“Titanic” and “The Equalizer” both made Netflix’s most-watched lists this summer.) The difference between watching at home and in theaters is becoming more about the experience. Would you prefer to watch “Jaws” on your couch while multitasking on your phone or on a big screen with an audience collectively holding their breath?
Mark Anastasio, program director of Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, Massachusetts—a six-screen nonprofit cinema—noticed the appeal of older films when the theater reopened post-pandemic. At the time, there were few new releases available.
“But the interest in repertory films never waned,” says Anastasio. “We now show an older movie every night of the week, including weekends. And the demand is strong.”
Anastasio is also able to get more creative with programming, delving deeper into filmmakers’ catalogs. Recently, he had a packed house for Spike Lee’s “Inside Man” in 35mm and saw success with William Friedkin’s 1977 thriller “Sorcerer.” Upcoming events include three weeks of 70mm screenings (“Lawrence of Arabia,” “Inception”) and a “Schlock and Awe” series featuring William Castle films complete with original gimmicks like buzzing seats during “The Tingler.”
This kind of programming isn’t new for urban arthouses but is expanding to other venues. Increasingly, older films are being shown on screens typically reserved for new releases. Some of this shift is out of necessity.
“There are about 20-30% fewer major releases now compared to five years ago,” says Jeremy Boviard, general manager of Moviehouse in Millerton, New York. “There are definitely more gaps in the programming schedule.”
Despite these challenges, the enduring popularity of classic films proves that great storytelling transcends time. Whether it’s nostalgia or a newfound appreciation, audiences are flocking to theaters to relive cinematic history on the big screen.
