There are two groups of people in this world: those who visit the theater every so often to watch a new movie they’ve been eagerly awaiting, or those who take the easier route—waiting a few months until the film gets released onto a streaming service and peacefully watching it in their own homes. As the years pass and technology continues to evolve, it has become easier for us to access movies through the rise of streaming services. So why then do some think that streaming could be a bad thing?
Before the pandemic, movie theaters were popping off. According to Georg Szalai of The Hollywood Reporter: “PwC [an accounting firm] had recorded nearly $11.7 billion in U.S. total cinema revenue in the pre-pandemic year 2019 after $11.8 billion in 2018.” Once COVID-19 struck the world, streaming services took the initiative and became an alternative for watching movies, which led to theater attendance plummeting. Valantis Aristides’ article “A Look into Movie Theater Attendance Post-Pandemic” reports that “Despite the gradual return of audiences, the numbers show that attendance is still below pre-pandemic levels. In January 2024, attendance was down by 33% compared to 2019.”
While COVID seriously impacted peoples’ desire to see movies in person and impacted the industry, one thing remains clear: going to the theater is an experience that cannot be replicated at home. In a theater, you sit with others – maybe even a packed audience – and share your enjoyment with those around you. Enjoying classic movie theater snacks, such as the buttery popcorn and cold soda, while watching on the giant, colorful screen, is what makes it a true experience. With audience sizes in theaters gradually decreasing over the years, some of that feeling of excitement leaves as well, changing the feeling and lessening the moment.
Another important aspect that has affected the in-person movie experience is how streaming services have diminished what was once clear movie theater etiquette. When you’re watching films at home, you can do whatever you want—eat loudly, pause whenever, go on your phone, or even walk around in front of the TV. This behavior isn’t something that should happen in the theater, but it does, as it seems that people just don’t care. Much of this can be attributed to the pandemic, as people simply moved their at-home behaviors to the theater. However, at-home behavior is far from true theater etiquette. Writer Lucas Shaw of Bloomberg mentions a March, 2025 study that concludes, “Almost 20% of teens use a phone in movie theaters.” I can corroborate this, as whenever I visit the theater, I can spot at least five different people on their phones, and it makes me frustrated. When people lose the etiquette of the theater, it ruins the experience for others. Additionally, streaming services have damaged the theater experience by eroding the sense of anticipation for a new film’s release. Because most viewers are aware that the movie will eventually be available on streaming apps, they choose to wait rather than watch it immediately.
The rise of movie ticket prices, which, according to Moviepass’s cost guide, average $11.50 in the U.S., coupled with the freedom of being able to watch films from the comfort of your own home, makes it unsurprising that people enjoy streaming. However, nothing beats the true experience you have at the theaters. The large screen, boosted speakers, and darkened room help create an environment that reels you into the movie, fueling the excitement, especially within the audience.
While it seems likely that streaming services will continue to dominate the film world, one cannot help but hope that a resurgence of interest in the in-person movie experience will find its way back.
