Are movie theaters worth it anymore?

Are Movie Theaters Worth It Anymore?

NPR's Bob Mondello and Marc Rivers explore why movie theaters still hold value in the streaming era and what keeps audiences returning to the big screen.

Personal Theater Experience

Last year, I went to the theater to watch It Ends With Us. Despite the film’s complex theme about a toxic relationship, my viewing experience was disappointing.

Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid: "I want to see you again."
Blake Lively as Lily Bloom: "Now you see me."
Baldoni: "You know what I mean."

The audience included a family of five—two adults and three young children—who talked, laughed, cried, played with toys, ate food, left and re-entered multiple times. Most disruptive was when a child shone a flashlight on the screen.

Reflection on Watching Movies

That experience convinced me to avoid theaters in the future. Watching at home, even on a laptop, is easier, cheaper, more comfortable, and quieter. The convenience is unmatched.

The Theater vs. Streaming Debate

Still, watching a movie on a large screen with a crowd offers a unique atmosphere that streaming services like Netflix at home cannot replicate. This discussion highlights the continued relevance of movie theaters in the digital age.

Conclusion

Movie theaters provide an irreplaceable communal experience that complements the convenience of home streaming, making them still worth visiting under the right circumstances.

Would you like the tone to be more formal or casual?

NPR — 2025-11-03