For many years, going to the movies was the first pick for going on dates and a good destination for entertainment. The exciting environment of the big screen and delicious snacks have made watching movies so much more special. However, over the years, streaming services like Disney, Netflix, and YouTube have made movies so much more easily accessible within the comfort of your own home.
While this may have seemed convenient, especially because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has slowly dulled the magic of going out to the movies.
Box offices made almost $43 billion in 2019, but after COVID-19 forced the closing of theaters, their sales plummeted to $12 billion.
Different movie studios utilized more ways of making money and keeping viewers entertained.
For example, Warner Bros released many films on HBO Max while those same films hit theaters. Many of the subscribers to these popular movie websites have felt that driving to a theater is a waste of time when you can access the same movies on HBO and Netflix.
“I would rather watch a movie I like at home because it’s less expensive and I don’t have to go at a specific time. It’s nice to be able to choose when I want to go,” says Sophia Mason
Theaters, once booming with couples, friends, and families, are now fighting to stay relevant with today’s generation.
Although it seems like it, not every movie theater is doomed to close down.
AMC theaters have gained some attention again after re-releasing Spider-Man: No Way Home and Top Gun: Maverick.
“I like the movie theater popcorn and the environment. It’s exciting going out and watching a movie I love on a bigger screen,” says Vivian Jain.
Despite the obstacles the movie theater industry has undergone, the next generation may not get to experience going to the theaters with friends, watching the big screens, and smelling the buttery popcorn, so it is important to appreciate going out to the movies while it lasts.
Will movie theaters gain back the hype or fall behind from streamers? For now, it’s not certain. Popular hangout spots might fade out of trend, possibly forever.
