Heartbreak spilled across the internet Monday when word got out that a Manhattan fan-favorite movie theater would be closing in a matter of months.
AMC Kips Bay 15, a staple of the theater chain’s New York footprint and its second-largest in the borough, will close by the end of 2026.
According to a statement given to Variety, “We expect that AMC Kips Bay 15 will continue operating until the end of 2026, at which time the theatre will close following the property owner’s decision to exercise its contractual right to terminate the theatre’s lease before its scheduled expiration.”
Shock and disbelief from online movie lovers spread after a post on X by Bilge Ebiri, a critic for New York Magazine and Vulture. That announcement prompted calls to action by heartbroken theater goers.
Early obituaries called for a “save Kips Bay” rally, a plea to Mayor Zohran Mamdani to intervene, and the suggestion of replacing the Brooklyn Navy Yard with a new AMC location. Some shared fond memories of past dates and attending premieres.
Many others pointed out the reported expansion of a hospital to where the theater now sits.
“Since its opening in 1999, the theatre has been an important part of the Kips Bay community and surrounding neighborhoods, providing guests with a place to enjoy the magic of the movies together,” the statement to Variety continued.
“AMC took over operations of AMC Kips Bay 15 in 2006, and we are immensely grateful to our guests for their loyalty and support throughout the years. Details are still being finalized, and a formal closure date will be announced in the coming months. At this time, we have no additional information to share.”
The 15-screen theater is the companies second-largest in Manhattan. Without the Kips Bay site, AMC will still operate Empire 25, 34th Street 14, Lincoln Square 13, Magic Johnson Harlem 9, Village 7, Orpheum 7, 18th Street 6 and 84th Street 6.