Halloween weekend records the worst box office in 31 years in cinemas

Cinemas experienced one of their weakest times in decades during Halloween weekend. According to a survey released by the industry, the period recorded the lowest revenue for the date in 31 years, confirming the difficulty of attracting the public to the exhibition halls. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Traditionally, Halloween usually promotes horror and suspense films, but this year the calendar was marked by the absence of major premieres capable of mobilizing large-scale audiences. The result represents a contrast with previous years, when established franchises helped transform the holiday into one of the most profitable periods on the film calendar. Analysts point to different factors to explain the negative performance. Among them are the increasing competition from streaming services, the public's preference for large franchises and the scarcity of releases considered cinematographic events. Another element mentioned is the change in spectator behavior after the pandemic. Many consumers have come to expect certain films to reach digital platforms quickly, reducing the urgency of watching productions in theaters. Despite the worrying scenario, sector executives believe that the situation may be temporary. Major releases scheduled for the end of the year and the holiday season are still expected to significantly boost box office revenue. The result of Halloween, however, serves as a warning to Hollywood, showing that not even traditionally strong dates guarantee an audience when there is a lack of productions capable of arousing great interest.