Most films seen in a cinema in one year, Zach Swope sets world record

July 12, 2024

Carlisle, Pennsylvania, United States--Zach Swope, 32, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a self-proclaimed “Lover of Films,” saw 777 movies inside theaters over a year in an attempt to raise awareness for autism and suicide prevention, setting a new world record for the Most films seen in a cinema in one year, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Pennsylvania man Zach Swope saw 777 movies inside theaters over the past year in an attempt to raise awareness for autism and suicide prevention, setting a Guinness World Record," the New York Post says.

"Zach Swope, 32, a self-proclaimed “Lover of Films,” began his movie journey on July 5, 2022, when he went to watch Steve Carrell’s hit film “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” according to a Guinness World Records press release.

"The film fanatic, who has Asperger’s syndrome, was motivated to watch as many shows as he could because was doing it for the two causes. Swope watched approximately three movies during the week as he worked his full-time job early in the day. Weekends were all-day endeavors."

"How many movies did you watch last year? Either way, it’s definitely not as many as Zach Swope, the new Guinness World Record holder for ‘Most films seen in a cinema in one year," the Games Radar+ says.

"As per Guinness World Records, Swope saw an eye-watering 777 movies between July 2022 and July 2023, eclipsing the previous record of 715 movies held by France's Vincent Krohn.

"Swope, who was raising awareness about autism, even caught multiple movies several times – including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 35 times and Thor: Love and Thunder 33 times."

"A Carlisle man earned himself an official Guinness World Record for the most movies seen in the cinema in a single year," the PennLive.com says.

"Zachariah Swope, 32, spent a whole lot of time at the movies over the past 12 months. He ended up seeing a total of 777 movies between May 2022 and May 2023, breaking a previous record of 715.

"Swope said that he got the idea after hearing about a similar record, where one person watched the movie “Spider-Man” 292 times. So he set out to reach his own world record, with the added goal to raise awareness for mental health issues."

"Zach Swope, 32, of Carlisle, started his attempt with a screening of Minions: Rise of Gru in July 2022 and completed his record attempt with a showing of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny one year later," the UPI says.

"Swope said he saved on movie tickets to his local Regal Cinemas by signing up for Regal Unlimited Membership, which allowed him unlimited trips to the movies for $22 a month.

"The movie fan said he would see up to three movies after work on weekdays and squeeze in more during the weekend. Swope said the movie he saw the most times was Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, with 47 viewings."

"How often do you go to the movies? Well, Zach Swope definitely has you beat. In July of 2023, Zach Swope became the new Guinness World Record holder for most films seen in a cinema in one year with 777 trips to the movies!

"Zach put Regal Unlimited to the test, seeing 777 movies in a year for less than the cost of two movie tickets a month. Regal Unlimited made this record attainable, because it really does let you see as many movies as you want with no blackout dates or weekly limits," the Regal Movies says.

"On August 31, 2023, Regal celebrated this achievement with Zach. He was presented with his Guinness World Record certificate and a plaque from Regal celebrating his accomplishment. An additional plaque was placed in Zach’s main theatre, Regal Harrisburg. And Regal made a $7,777.77 donation to an organization that is close to Zach’s heart, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention."

Photos: Facebook/Regal