By: Jazzlyn Rea Bleil, March 25, 2025
It’s time we return to the movie theatres. The big screen experience is irreplaceable.
“There’s something magical about being in a cinema, feeling the sound vibrate through you, seeing a film come to life in a way your living room can’t replicate,” said Jayla Loren, an actress at Dhar Mann Studios.
Lately, streaming platforms like Disney+ and Netflix have redefined how we watch movies. Audiences are now able to stream their favorite movie in the comfort of their home, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic normalized staying indoors and boosted technology options. Many people have started to question the sheer relevance of movie theaters.
Now that the world is returning to a new sense of normalcy, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: The big screen experience isn’t a thing of the past. In fact, it’s exciting, alive and we all need it.
As stated by Thomas Beranek in an article detailing box office recovery in June of 2024 the global box office finally picked up where it left off after the heights of the summer 2023. The International market (excluding China) reached the same box office level as the comparable month in 2017-2019 on average. International box office (excluding China), generated $1.42 billion in June, on par with the pre-pandemic average at today’s exchange rates.
This revenue proved a recovery after the pandemic. Films like “Avatar: The Way of Water” grossed over $2 billion, showing when the right film comes along, people are more than willing to flock to the theaters.
Going to the theater isn’t just about watching the movie. It’s about the entire experience. The incredible screen, the booming speakers, the state-of-the-art graphics and the comfortable reclining seats are tough to beat. The ambiance immerses people in a way no home setup can match. More than all of this, there is something magical about watching a movie with your community that cannot be felt at home.
Watching a movie with a group of people in a theater has you laughing, crying, gasping and reacting in ways that bring stories to life. There is an added energy in a group of people coming together over a powerful story. No matter the subject or genre, the collective emotion is what makes the experience unique and special. Being in your living room does not equate.
As easy as streaming is, it has changed how we engage with content. There are too many choices available. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed. We end up paying less attention. And it’s easy to get distracted while watching movies at home.
Theaters offer an intentional, focused environment. When you’re at the theatre, there is nowhere else to go. There is something special about seeing a film together in a movie theater with your family, your partner, your children and your friends.. Everyone feels a bond. It’s a shared purpose.
Movie theaters give an economic boost to local communities as well. Movies don’t simply support the actors, directors or filmmakers. Local theaters create jobs. They stimulate other businesses. They help to drive economic activity. Advertisements for other films, as well as advertisements for businesses, help bring enthusiasm.
According to the National Association of Theatre Owners, “for every dollar spent at a movie theater, an estimated $7 is generated in surrounding retail and dining.” They aren’t only a place of entertainment. They’re important pieces of the local economy.
Streaming has definitely forced theaters to adapt. Some companies like AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas have even introduced subscription services that allows moviegoers to enjoy several films for a set price each month. Many theaters have gourmet food options and reserved seating.
As we move further into 2026, there is a sense of excitement about returning to theaters. A 2023 survey from Cineworld found that 72% of respondents expressed eagerness about heading back to the movies after the pandemic. People miss the community atmosphere and the social aspect that movies in a theatre provide.
Our world is dominated by on-demand content. The movie theater still offers something special. It offers a unique and shared experience. This is a reminder that while technology has shown us we can watch movies at any time and any place, there is something wonderful about coming together with a group of strangers and embarking on an emotional journey.
Theaters are embracing change. They are listening to audience preferences. Luckily, the movie-going experience is evolving and is not disappearing.
Feature image by Connor Lālea Hampton
