“Movie Theaters Will Not Survive the Streaming Era” – A Critique

Written by Liv Schwaber

A Night at the Movies—Then and Now

Remember when going to the movies was a whole event? You’d gather your friends, argue about what to see, grab snacks, and race for good seats before the trailers started. The lights dimmed, the room hushed, and for a couple of hours, the world outside disappeared. It wasn’t just entertainment. It was an experience.

Today, that same ritual competes with sweatpants, takeout, and a couch. And sure...why pay $15 for one movie when you could stay home and binge a dozen for the same price? Global box office numbers are still down nearly 40% compared to pre-pandemic levels (Statista), and people are quick to declare the end of theaters as inevitable.

But here’s the thing: declaring movie theaters dead is more than just premature, it’s a narrow view of a much more complex shift in how we consume media.

We must remember that the rise of streaming doesn't automatically mean the fall of theaters. To suggest otherwise oversimplifies the many other elements tied to the big screen.

So, let’s take a deeper look at this popular narrative, and the larger assumptions behind it.

The Assumption: Streaming is Killing the Theater

It’s no secret that streaming changed everything. Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu have reshaped our habits. We have endless options, no crowds, no overpriced popcorn. It’s convenience at our fingertips (literally).

Then came COVID-19. When theaters shut down, studios had to adapt quickly. In 2021, Warner Bros. shocked the industry by announcing all their movies would be released in theaters and on HBO Max on the same day (The Verge). For audiences? A win. For theaters? A punch in the gut punch.

The longer we stayed home, the more normal it became. Today, many people would rather snuggle up with a remote than trek to a theater. And honestly, can you blame them?

But let’s pause here.

Yes, streaming has made watching movies easier. But ease doesn’t always equal better. And, it doesn’t mean the traditional theater model has no value. The argument that theaters can’t survive ignores the ways theaters have already shown their adaptability, as well as the unique experience they offer, and the consequences of losing them, in all.

Theaters Are Not Going Down Without a Fight

Theaters haven’t just accepted their fate. They’ve evolved in creative, meaningful ways.

Subscription models like AMC Stubs A-List and Regal Unlimited allow viewers to see multiple movies each month for a flat fee. AMC reports this has played a huge role in bringing regulars back post-pandemic (AMC Theatres).

Theaters are also leveling up the experience. We now have recliners, cocktails, full meals, and even themed nights. Alamo Drafthouse combines dinner and a movie into one sleek night out (Vox). IMAX and Dolby Cinema offer impressive visuals and surround sound that streaming just can’t replicate. And people are noticing. IMAX attendance is growing, especially for blockbusters (IMAX).

These shifts suggest that what audiences want isn’t just movies, it’s moments. A shared, immersive experience. And theaters are leaning into that.

But despite these efforts, headlines still ring out: “Theaters Are Dead.” Regal closed 39 theaters in early 2023 (CNN), which is a sign that challenges remain.

Yet rather than seeing this as proof of inevitable collapse, we should see it as a call to reimagine (not abandon) what theaters can be.

What Are We Losing Along With Theatres?

The argument that theaters are outdated misses the broader impact of their disappearance. It’s not just about where we watch movies, it’s about what kind of movies get made, who gets employed, and how we experience art and community.

Big-Budget and Bold Films: Blockbusters rely on box office returns. Without theaters, studios won’t take as many creative risks. As a result, studios are playing it safer: more sequels, fewer experiments (Variety).

Industry Jobs: Theaters are part of a much larger ecosystem. Over 2.5 million U.S. jobs are tied to film and television (Medium). Without box office revenue, productions slow down, and everyone from set builders to editors are affected.

Local Communities: Theaters are economic anchors. Before the pandemic, the industry pumped $63 billion into the U.S. economy, including $5 billion to businesses around theaters (NATO). If we lose the theater, then we lose the foot traffic that fuels downtown life. This isn't just nostalgia talking, it’s economics, art, and connection.

A Hybrid Model- The Compromise

Some studios now experiment with shorter theatrical windows. Universal releases films in theaters for just a few weeks before streaming (Variety). It’s a middle ground that honors both accessibility and experience.

Event cinema is also rising: concert films, anime nights, classic re-releases. These aren’t just about the movies, they’re about the community moments streaming can’t offer. Try hosting a Taylor Swift Eras Tour watch party in your living room with 200 fans dressed in sequins and trading friendship bracelets. It won't quite hit the same.

Why the Argument Falls Short

The idea that streaming killed theaters implies a binary: one wins, one loses.  In reality, I believe we’re seeing the evolution of movie theaters. They are adapting. Streaming dominates daily consumption, sure. But theaters tap into a deeper emotion, spectacle, and community.

My Final Thoughts: So... Are Theaters Doomed?

No, I don’t think so. But they are being challenged to grow. Streaming services aren't the bad guys here. It’s a tool that serves a different purpose. We also shouldn’t let convenience kill culture. Theaters still offer something irreplaceable. If we stop showing up, we lose not just a venue, but an experience that connects us through collective emotions.

So the next time you’re tempted to binge-watch The Office for the 40th time, maybe try something different. Grab a friend, pick a theater, and let the lights dim.

You just might remember why it was so exciting in the first place.