Movie theaters experienced a resurgence as artists, filmmakers and audiences worked to preserve the theatrical experience after attendance declined with the rise of streaming services.
Many in the film industry said movies were intended for the big screen, and audiences, particularly younger viewers, increasingly shared that belief.
The creative and cultural value of theatrical screenings led many performers and filmmakers to favor in-person releases over streaming platforms. Some moviegoers reduced or canceled streaming subscriptions in favor of attending films in theaters
Katie Barrett, freshman public relations major, said streaming platforms made movies more accessible but lacked the intentional atmosphere of a theater.
“The way that they market makes it feel like it’s more at your fingertips than maybe going to a movie is,” Barrett said. “But films in theaters are nostalgic because that is how we originally designed movies to be.”
Barrett said filmmakers created movies with large screens and shared audiences in mind.
“You’re with an audience that you don’t have at home,” Barrett said. “You can take a group of people that have nothing to do with each other, and they get to bond over this emotional or hilarious movie and have that moment together.”
Streaming services reshaped how audiences consumed films. Ashley Villarreal, freshman political science major, said streaming offered convenience and flexibility.
“I’m able to pause the video whenever I want and rewind,” Villarreal said. “Being able to watch it anywhere at any time is very convenient.”
Despite that convenience, Villarreal said theaters provided added value.
“They allow us to have 3D films or have the film feel like you are part of it,” Villarreal said.
Villarreal also said theaters created social environments that streaming could not replicate, including opportunities to meet friends, watch movies with family and enjoy arcade spaces offered at some locations.
A Vox article by Kyndall Cunningham reported that Gen Z audiences contributed to the resurgence.
“In recent years, Gen Z has shown their willingness to splurge on live events, like concerts and sports, partially for a fear of missing out,” Cunningham wrote. The article also notes that theaters have adapted by making movie-going “its own sort of unique outing that consumers want to be a part of.”
Barrett said post-pandemic social isolation also played a role in renewed interest in theaters.
“Post-COVID, a lot of people are more interrelating,” Barrett said, noting that many popular books are being adapted into films, encouraging audiences to return to theaters.
Villarreal said the resurgence could be temporary as streaming platforms released movies shortly after theatrical debuts.
“People can watch whenever they have time and as many times as they want,” Villarreal said.
As the discussion continued, theaters reclaimed their role not only as places to watch films but as shared cultural spaces where audiences experienced stories together.
