Introduction The recent adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the film industry has changed production processes, narrative styles, and the audience interaction. The use of AI, automated editing, computer-generated imagery (CGI), and scriptwriting is redefining both the creative power of cinema and the economic forces. It is important to distinguish between the following two classes of AI films examined in this study: (1) AI-themed films produced using traditional filmmaking techniques, which portray artificial intelligence as a narrative subject, and (2) AI-themed films produced with AI technologies, in which AI tools are employed in the production process itself. This study analyzes the financial results of AI-themed movies and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence Film Festivals (AIFFs) from the lens of Media Convergence Theory. Methods This study employs a quantitative approach to assess the financial aspects of 32 AI-themed movies chosen from Hollywood and Asian cinemas. It investigates production costs, box-office sales, and prizes awarded, using descriptive and correlation analyses as its main statistical techniques. Moreover, the research examines the financial characteristics of 16 selected Artificial Intelligence Film Festivals, including geographical areas, time periods, production costs, return on investment (ROI), and revenue stream distribution. Financial data were cross-verified across multiple databases to ensure reliability. The study also forecasts the economic influence of AI on the film industry for the coming decade. Results The study assesses the cost of production, film income, and awards of 32 films with the theme of AI, 1927–2023, revealing high correlations between costs of production and financial outcomes (r = 0. 822, p 0. 001) and weak correlations between awards and costs of production (r = 0. 211, p = 0. 246) and awards and revenue (r = 0. 313, p = 0. 082), showing the complexity of the success of a film. Also, the research investigates 16 AIFFs and identifies key financial trends, such as a production budget of US15, 000–35, 000 and a 20% annual ROI, driven by ticket sales, sponsorships, and branding. The results demonstrate that AI integration increases cost-efficiency, streamlines workflows, and boosts audience attendance, transforming the economic sustainability of film production. Applying Media Convergence Theory, the study analyzes how technological, cultural, and economic convergence influences filmmaking. AI-driven automation bridges traditional and digital production, AIFFs create hybrid storytelling platforms, and new business models emerge through AI integration. Discussion This study is limited by its reliance on publicly available financial data, web-scraping, and industry blogs, which restrict access to comprehensive reports from major studios and AI-film festivals, along with a small sample size of 32 AI-themed films and 16 AI-film festivals. Future research should explore AI-driven streaming models, predictive financial planning using machine learning, and the ethical and legal frameworks necessary for AI’s expanding role in cinema.
Abdelhafiz et al. (Fri,) studied this question.