Are Movie Theaters Worth It Anymore?
Why Theaters Still Matter in the Streaming Era
NPR's Bob Mondello and Marc Rivers discuss the continuing role of movie theaters in the age of streaming and explore what keeps audiences returning to the big screen.
The Experience That Changed My Mind
Last year, I went to see the film It Ends With Us.
JUSTIN BALDONI (as Ryle Kincaid): I want to see you again.
BLAKE LIVELY (as Lily Bloom): Now you see me.
BALDONI (as Ryle Kincaid): You know what I mean.
The movie revolves around a toxic relationship, and although I had mixed feelings about it, my experience in the theater was awful. A family of five sat near me—two adults and three children—who talked, laughed, cried, shouted, played with toys, ate, left their seats, and returned repeatedly. The most shocking moment came when one of the kids shone a flashlight at the screen.
Shifting Toward Home Viewing
That incident convinced me never to go to a theater again. Watching movies at home—on my couch or even a laptop—is easier, cheaper, quieter, and more comfortable, and the convenience is unbeatable.
The Case for the Big Screen
Still, I understand that seeing a film in a theater, surrounded by an audience and an enormous screen, is a completely different experience than streaming a movie at home. That realization led me to talk with others about why—and when—going to a real theater is still worth it.
Author’s summary: This piece reflects on how one disruptive cinema visit contrasts with the unique, communal experience that keeps theaters relevant despite the ease of streaming.