This December, 40 new movies will hit theaters, according to Moviefone.com, and of those films, three will open on Christmas Day.

Christmas Day movie releases have gained popularity in recent years, starting with Paramount Picture’s release of “Road to Rio” on Dec. 25, 1947, according to Minyanville.com. For many films, releasing on or near Christmas is more lucrative than opening on a random weekend.

In 2012, “Les Miserables” had the most profitable Christmas Day opening at that time when it took in $24 million. In 2015, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” made nearly $50 million on Dec. 25 alone, according to BoxOfficeMojo.

Only 6 percent of CHS students see a movies on Christmas Day, according to a survey from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 of 248 students.

Junior Samantha LaRochelle, of Middletown said she might see a movie on Christmas.

“If it was with my family I would go. But if it was with my friends I wouldn’t, because Christmas is a family thing,” LaRochelle said.

With the ever-growing popularity of new movies in December, this holiday season, families will be deciding whether or not to add a trip to the movie theater to the Dec. 25 celebrations.