As streaming services reshape how people watch movies, the theater experience still holds a sense of excitement and nostalgia for many viewers. While watching movies at home is often more convenient and cheaper, students and teachers appreciate the atmosphere of movie theaters.
For freshman Samir Khanlarov, the experience of watching movies in a theater makes it more enjoyable than staying at home.
“Watching movies in theaters is better than watching them at home because of the better sound and a bigger screen. You can go with your friends and eat snacks, which is much better than sitting at home alone,” Khanlarov said.
Sophomore Mahati Srinivasan feels the type of movie is a key factor when deciding whether to watch it in a theater or at home. For her, films with strong visuals or sound effects often feel more suited on the big screen.
“Usually I go for big movies that are more fun on a giant screen, like action movies. If it’s something slow, I’d probably just watch it at home,” Srinivasan said.
Teachers, like English teacher Annie Breger, have also noticed viewing habits have changed over time. With films appearing on streaming platforms quickly after release, the urgency to visit theaters has changed. Breger stated that the cost and convenience of streaming services have influenced how she watches movies.
“I used to go to movie theaters a lot, especially when I was a teenager and young adult. Now, however, money has become one of my limiting factors,” Breger said. “Nowadays, movies typically arrive on streaming services soon after release, so I don’t get why I should pay more to go to a theater if I’m already paying for a streaming service.”
Still, well-known franchises continue to bring audiences to theaters. Khanlarov highlighted that popular series naturally attract audiences to the big screen.
“I will most likely watch a movie in theaters if it’s part of a popular franchise. Franchises like Marvel already have characters and stories that people know and like. Because of that, people are more interested in seeing the next movie when it comes out,” Khanlarov said.
Nostalgia can also be a factor in deciding whether a trip to the theater is worth it. Breger noted that movies that bring her back to her childhood make film watching more inviting.
“For example, movies from Pixar remind me a lot of films I watched when I was younger, so seeing a new Pixar movie can bring back those memories,” Breger said. “That sense of nostalgia can make me more interested in watching something, even if I might not normally go out of my way to see it.”
Many theaters have begun collaborating with streaming services to stream pre-released shows and movies, which can gain attraction due to the community of fans it creates in the audience.
“I actually went to ‘Stranger Things’ in the theater, and it was really fun. I think watching something like that in a theater with other fans would be cool,” Srinivasan said. “I don’t mind paying a little extra if it’s something special.”
Without the pre-existing fan base of major releases and popular franchises, Srinivasan believes smaller theaters may struggle to stay open. She suggested they should try different attractions to bring in viewers.
“I think it would be hard for smaller theaters without big collaborations because big movies bring most of the people in. But if they do cool events – old movie nights or special showings – I think they could still survive,” Srinivasan said.
Even for those who now watch movies at home, theaters still offer an experience that cannot be fully replicated. Breger stated that the shared environment of a theater can enhance the movie experience.
“Theaters offer a different experience, including the big screen, the snacks and the experience of watching a movie with a large audience. Those things can make certain movies feel more exciting,” Breger said.