Moviegoers Love Their Local Indie Theaters, With New Survey Showing a Boom in Younger Audiences

Independent movie theaters experienced a 9% increase in business in 2025, according to the first National Audience Survey released by Art House Convergence. The survey, presented Monday at the IND/EX conference for independent film distribution, also revealed a significant rise in younger audiences attending these venues. Specifically, 35% of respondents aged 18-34 reported attending an independent theater more frequently in the past year, a notable shift from previous trends that often saw older demographics dominating these spaces. This surge in younger patrons is attributed to a combination of factors, including increased marketing efforts targeting this demographic and a growing appreciation for the unique film selections and community atmosphere offered by independent cinemas. The survey polled over 10,000 individuals across the United States, providing a comprehensive overview of current audience engagement with the independent film sector. Art House Convergence plans to conduct this survey annually to track evolving audience preferences and the health of independent movie theaters nationwide.