A 60-year-old American sees 1,207 films in cinemas in a year and takes a Guinness record
· BehindLines newsroom
In Guinness's account, Glenwood Hoskin Jr., 60, watched 1,207 films in a cinema over twelve months, between April 2024 and April 2025, about 3.3 screenings a day. According to Guinness World Records, which announced it on 30 October, and to the UPI agency, which covered it on 2 November, this sets a new record for the most films seen in a cinema in one year.
One record replaces another
The previous record was 777 films, held by Zachariah Swope, also American. Glenwood Hoskin Jr. therefore beats it by 430 films. Guinness places the feat in Pennsylvania (its record page mentions Harrisburg and an achievement date of 31 March 2025); according to its account, it was a Regal cinema in York Haven, between April 2024 and April 2025. UPI specifies that he began in April 2024 and that the tally stood at 1,207 films after one year. Guinness describes him as a 60-year-old retiree. The record page and the account therefore differ on the location and the end of the period; these documents do not resolve that discrepancy.
A daily routine
According to Guinness, he checked the listings every day and tried to see as many films as possible, from early morning until midnight. The site reports that he had a Regal Unlimited card, about 28 dollars a month, that he prepared meals at home to eat between screenings, and that he walked inside and outside the theatre to stretch his legs.
He had planned to start in spring so as to pass 777 films before winter, since he dislikes driving in that season. As UPI relays from Guinness's account, he wanted to pass the old record before winter to avoid driving then; later screenings would be a bonus. Guinness adds that the winter in Pennsylvania was mild.
Why not another record
According to UPI, Glenwood Hoskin Jr. chose this category over the most screenings of a single film, which he considered out of reach in the streaming era because films leave theatres quickly. Guinness names the current holder of that category, Ramiro Alanis, who saw Spider-Man: No Way Home 292 times.
What he takes from it
In his account to Guinness, relayed by UPI, the outings gave him pleasure and a target to work towards. Asked about his tastes, he named The Wild Robot (2024), much better than expected in his view, and Deadpool & Wolverine. Guinness says he especially likes animation and comedies; the site's suggested explanation for the former is their length and welcoming feel. UPI notes that he disliked none of the films he saw. According to Guinness, he finds that films are better in a theatre with other people.
A caveat: both texts describe the same feat, based on his own account and on Guinness. Nothing here explains how the screenings were counted; validating that tally is up to Guinness World Records.