Movie distributors, why do they receive about 25% of ticket sales?

Question

This seems like a large amount for just deliverying the movie to the theatres? Do the distributors have to pay the movie studios for the "right" to distribute the film, is that why they charge so much?

Answer 1

First I think you have simplified the actual transaction somewhat by assigning a singular approximate percentage. Secondly, as with all movie related functions, it is a lot more complex than would appear at face value.

Read this description, it should help with the gist of your question:
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-distribution1.htm

and this article
http://www.iofilm.co.uk/io/mit/001/film_distribution_20051115.php