Video Killed The Radio Star: How Streaming Killed The Movie Experience

There was a time when going to the movies felt like an event—waiting in line for tickets, the smell of fresh popcorn, the excitement of watching a film on the big screen with a crowd. But today, streaming has taken over, and the theater experience is fading. By June 2020, only 14% of adults strongly preferred theaters, while 36% preferred streaming. In 2021, global theater attendance dropped by 4%, in part due to the availability of films on streaming platforms, and 72% of Americans said they would go to the movies more often if tickets and concessions were cheaper. On March 31, 2025, I saw The Woman in the Yard in theaters, and there were fewer than 15 people in the screening room. This eerie psychological horror film, which deserved more attention, is just one example of how unique movies struggle in an era where people would rather watch from home.

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, The Woman in the Yard follows a grieving widow, Ramona, who isolates herself in a farmhouse after her husband’s death. A mysterious woman in black appears in her yard, haunting her every move. The film blends psychological horror with themes of grief and isolation, making it more than just a typical scary movie. Unfortunately, in the age of streaming, films like this struggle to find an audience.

One reason for the decline of theaters is convenience. Streaming allows people to watch movies instantly without driving, waiting through previews, or paying for expensive tickets and snacks. A single movie outing can cost $20–$30 per person,  less than the price of a month’s subscription to a streaming service. Families find it hard to justify spending that much when they can access hundreds of movies from home. The way people consume entertainment has also changed. Many don’t have the patience for long, slow-burning films, and at home, they can pause, skip, or multitask if a scene doesn’t hold their attention.

Theaters also haven’t adapted enough to different audiences. One in 36 children and one in 45 adults in the U.S. have autism, but movie theaters haven’t done much to accommodate them. Some people also feel that theaters should offer different types of experiences to make moviegoing more engaging. Instead of just sitting quietly for two hours, some audiences might prefer an environment that’s more relaxed, interactive, or themed for specific types of films.

Theaters don’t have to die completely, but they need to evolve. Lowering prices would make a big difference since the high cost is a major reason people stay home. Subscription-based memberships like AMC’s A-List have helped, but more affordable ticket options would bring hesitant audiences back. Making theaters more exciting with better seating, immersive elements, and new ways to watch movies could also help. Some people already see movies as more than just sitting in a chair—it’s about the whole experience. If theaters leaned into that idea, more people might be willing to return.

Streaming may be convenient, but it can’t replicate the feeling of watching a great movie on a massive screen with an engaged audience. Theaters still have a chance to survive, but only if they modernize, lower costs, and create a more immersive and inclusive experience. If they fail to do so, moviegoing will become a thing of the past—just another forgotten tradition, replaced by the convenience of a couch and a remote.

Sources (MLA): 

1. FilmTrack. “Streaming Platforms and Their Impact on the Film Industry.” FilmTrack, 25 Jan. 2023, https://blog.filmtrack.com/industry-insights/streaming-platforms-and-their-impact-on-the-film-industry.

2. “The Impact of Streaming Services on the Movie Industry.” Motion Picture Institute, 19 June 2023, https://motionpicture.edu/socialcinema/2023/06/19/the-impact-of-streaming-services-on-the-movie-industry/.

3. “Home vs. Theater for Movies: What’s the Better Experience?” Octane Seating, https://octaneseating.com/blog/home-vs-theater-for-movies/.

4. Tuteur, Sarah. “Texting, Weed, and Sing-Alongs: Four Ways Movie Theaters Have Changed.” Yahoo Entertainment, 7 May 2024, https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/texting-weed-sing-alongs-four-192053954.html?guccounter=1.