Goodbye to the Big Screens

An Article by Audevian Monda

There was a time when going to the movies felt magical. You’d buy overpriced popcorn, grab a sticky seat, and immerse yourself in stories too big for the small screens of home. But these days? Theaters are looking more like the Blockbuster stores of yesteryear, nostalgic, beloved, but woefully outdated. Blame it on Netflix, Disney+, or even the pandemic, but movie theaters are no longer the default choice for cinematic experiences. Instead, they’ve become underdogs, struggling to survive in a world dominated by streaming platforms.

The battle didn’t start yesterday. Streaming services have been around for over a decade, but they’ve supercharged their game in the last few years. Why? Convenience, mostly. Why fight for parking at the mall when you can stream Oppenheimer in your pajamas, with a bowl of ramen that costs less than theater popcorn? Add in the fact that streaming platforms drop entire libraries of films at once, cult classics, indie gems, and big-budget blockbusters alike…and it’s no surprise that audiences are staying home.

When the world hit pause, so did the cinemas

And then there’s the pandemic, which delivered the ultimate blow. During lockdowns, studios went straight to streaming, releasing films like Wonder Woman 1984 and Soul on digital platforms. This move wasn’t just a temporary fix…it was a cultural shift. Once audiences got a taste of the “watch-it-at-home-on-release-day” model, there was no going back. Why pay for a theater ticket when you’re already shelling out for three (okay, five) streaming subscriptions?But it’s not just convenience driving the decline of theaters. It’s also about the content. Let’s be honest: the theater industry has leaned heavily on reboots, sequels, and franchise films. Sure, it’s fun to see Fast & Furious 37: Electric Driftaloo on the big screen, but originality? That’s often hiding on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, where indie films and experimental projects are thriving. Streaming platforms are where filmmakers can take risks, something theaters can’t afford to gamble on anymore.

“Netflix and chill” – how the internet has transformed cinema, shrinking it to fit on home screens, tablets, and phones

Theaters aren’t just fighting against content competition, they’re battling changing cultural
norms, too. People today value flexibility. They want to watch Killers of the Flower Moon on their couch at 11pm or during lunch breaks on their phones (blasphemous as that sounds). The communal experience of sitting in a dark room with strangers has been replaced by Reddit threads, TikTok commentary, and YouTube film analysis videos. Who needs the shared gasps of an audience when you can argue with strangers online about the meaning of the last scene? That’s not to say theaters don’t still have a place. They’re just… niche now. Theaters shine forbig-budget spectacle films, the ones that demand IMAX, Dolby Atmos, and seats that vibrate when a spaceship explodes. Think Marvel, Star Wars, or Avatar. But for quieter dramas or quirky indie films? Audiences would rather watch from home, where they can cry without judgment.

To survive, theaters need to innovate. Some are already pivoting, offering luxury seating,
gourmet snacks, and even full-on dining experiences. Others are doubling down on nostalgia, hosting throwback screenings of classics like Jurassic Park or The Godfather. Still, the question remains: can theaters evolve quickly enough to avoid extinction? It’s a bittersweet moment for movie lovers. Theaters will always hold a special place in our hearts (and in pop culture). But as streaming continues to dominate, it’s clear that the big screen isn’t the undisputed champion it once was. Maybe theaters won’t die out entirely, but one thing’s for sure: their role in our lives has forever changed.