With already existing streaming services and plenty of new ones being created it raises the question: have they begun to drive movie theaters out? Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu offer access to a massive variety of movies and TV shows giving many people the option to watch from the comfort of their own home.

With prices of going to a movie in a theater increasing for many people, it is easier to just pay for a subscription and watch as many movies as they would like. Watching at home also allows the viewer to pause or rewind allowing people to watch a movie at their own pace in their own time.

However, movie theaters offer an experience that is difficult to replicate at home, like the big screens, surround sound and a nice atmosphere. 

Senior Grant Jennings claims that going to the movies is still a fairly regular part of his life. He says the last time he went to a theater was around two months ago and that he goes as often as “about 15 times” in a year.

With debates on whether movie theaters are dying out or not, senior Bryce Barton claims that they are making a comeback. 

“After Covid, going to the movies decreased significantly but attendance has been going back up in the past two years,” he said. 

Barton also believes that some movies like highly anticipated ones and movies with cool visuals are meant for bigger screens.

However not everyone believes that movie theaters will stick around forever. Junior Luke Webb believes younger generations value movie theaters less than older generations.

“There hasn’t been a blockbuster in a long time,” said Webb.

With streaming services growing it is uncertain whether movie theaters will last or not. Theaters might have to make changes in order to compete with these streaming services.