PriyankaNEW YORK — When Jennifer Kent’s psychological horror film “The Babadook” first premiered a decade ago, it was a modest release, showcased in just two cinemas. Fast forward to the present, and the film is set to make a grand return, hitting 500 theaters across the country this month.
Jennifer Kent, speaking from her home in Australia, expressed her amazement at the film’s enduring popularity: “It’s surreal, but in the best way possible. It feels almost unbelievable that ten years have already passed. The fact that ‘The Babadook’ is still resonating with audiences fills me with pride.”
“The Babadook,” which masterfully explores the complexities of parenthood through the lens of horror, marked the beginning of a bold new wave of cinematic horror. Its re-release is part of a broader trend of older films making a comeback in theaters. Glancing at any movie theater marquee today, you’re likely to see a mix of new releases alongside timeless classics.
In an era where nearly every movie is accessible from home with just a few clicks, it’s the films of yesteryears that are drawing audiences back to the big screen. Repertory cinema, traditionally the domain of arthouse venues, has found a home in mainstream multiplexes.
The numbers are impressive. In just two weeks, Henry Selick’s 2009 stop-motion gem “Coraline,” produced by Laika Studios, grossed over $25 million—a remarkable feat for a film celebrating its 15th anniversary. Similarly, Disney’s re-release of “Star Wars: Episode One – The Phantom Menace” garnered $19.4 million globally earlier this year.
This fall promises more anniversary celebrations with re-releases of beloved films such as “Shaun of the Dead,” “Paris, Texas,” “Whiplash,” “Hoop Dreams,” and “Interstellar.” While classic films like “Seven Samurai” and “The Conversation” have long been staples of restored re-releases, it’s noteworthy that relatively recent films are also receiving wide theatrical re-releases and packing theaters.
“The Babadook,” initially released to limited acclaim but later achieving cult status, is expected to surpass its original North American box office earnings of $1 million. Nicole Weis, vice president of distribution for IFC, highlighted the film’s growing fan base: “Many fans have never seen ‘The Babadook’ in theaters. This re-release strategy allows them to experience it as it was meant to be seen—on the big screen.”
While theater attendance hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, partly due to a reduction in the number of films being released nationwide, this has created opportunities for older films to fill the gaps. Last year’s prolonged work stoppages significantly altered this year’s movie calendar.
To help address this shortfall, major theater chains like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark established Fathom Events in 2005. Fathom distributes various special events and live broadcasts, such as performances from the Metropolitan Opera and annual festivals like Studio Ghibli Fest. The recent release of “Coraline,” including 3D screenings, set a new record for Fathom.
Ray Nutt, chief executive of Fathom Events, noted the rising interest in classic films: “We’ve seen a 75% increase in this category year over year.” Initially targeting quieter cinema days like Mondays and Tuesdays, Fathom has expanded its offerings. Earlier this year, one of their major hits was a weekend run of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Upcoming Fathom classics include anniversary showings of “Rear Window,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Mean Girls,” and “The Fifth Element.” Nutt humorously remarked on the evolving definition of a classic movie: “It used to be something like 50 years old. Now we’re talking about ‘Coraline’ at 15.”
While some streaming services obscure older films from their main pages, the age of a movie is becoming less relevant in today’s digital landscape. Films like “Titanic” and “The Equalizer” have made it onto Netflix’s most-watched lists this summer. The choice between watching a film on your couch or experiencing it in a theater with an engaged audience can significantly impact viewing enjoyment.
Mark Anastasio, program director at Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, Massachusetts, observed the enduring appeal of older films as the theater reopened post-pandemic. With fewer new releases available, repertory screenings became more frequent and popular.
“We now show an older movie every night of the week,” Anastasio stated. This increased demand has allowed for more creative programming. Recent successes include a 35mm screening of Spike Lee’s “Inside Man” and William Friedkin’s 1977 thriller “Sorcerer.” The Coolidge’s future plans feature three weeks of 70mm screenings and a William Castle series complete with original gimmicks.
This trend isn’t confined to urban arthouses but is spreading to screens typically reserved for new releases. Jeremy Boviard, general manager of Moviehouse in Millerton, New York, pointed out the necessity of this shift: “There are about 20-30% fewer majorly distributed films now compared to five years ago.”
With fewer new movies available, older films are filling programming gaps and continuing to draw audiences eager for nostalgic cinematic experiences. As theaters adapt to these changes, the resurgence of classic films is reinvigorating the moviegoing experience and reminding us why we fell in love with cinema in the first place.
