Great cinema is back! But not in a way we’ve ever seen. 

It’s easy to mistake a film shown in theaters as just any other random movie being streamed off of platforms such as Netflix or Max, but the real culture of film lives on in the theater. Although the idea of streaming has allowed for greater interest in theater releases, it’s not uncommon for people to prefer the comfort of their homes. 

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During the coronavirus pandemic, movie theaters, including chain theaters such as AMC and Cinemark, temporarily closed due to the mandated stay-at-home order. Prior to the lockdown, the theatrical window — the period between movies released in theaters and becoming accessible for at-home watch — was 70 days. This allowed movie theaters to distinguish themselves from streaming services that could be within reach. Over the past few years, the window has drastically shrunk by 40 days. 

Not only did such a historical event affect moviegoers and theaters, but many productions and showings were postponed. Now, the movie industry is presented with an audience that it could have only dreamed of seeing after a huge lack of theater attendees. In difficult times, theaters remained hopeful that audiences would stay faithful to the cinema viewing experience. 

In June 2020, according to Statista, 36% of respondents strongly preferred streaming movies in the comfort of their own homes, compared to the 14% who stated they strongly preferred watching movies in theaters. With an increase in isolation and accessibility, it’s expected that more individuals will choose an at-home viewing experience rather than making time to find a movie in theaters. 

With the shortening of the theatrical window, we saw less regard for the theater experience and the rise in praise for quick, accessible art rather than film that is intended to be indulged in and appreciated. Theater viewing is a process, it allows for a moment of waiting before the day of the screening and experiencing the movie itself without worldly distractions.

Sadly, it was anticipated that theaters would soon make their way out of the public sphere. More often than not, streaming platforms don’t prioritize the actual interests of viewers, and therefore, the quality of film can and possibly will decline one way or the other. It could be said that audiences choosing to watch newly released movies at home minimizes the importance of a good movie experience. 

After a long period of low theater attendance, in 2023 the cinemas saw the return of grand audiences, with films such as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Undoubtedly, these releases exemplified that theaters can be one of the most unifying places in the world where many can find themselves alongside people they may have never encountered in the public world. 

On July 21, 2023, many found themselves rushing to theaters in pink attire while others dressed the complete opposite, in formal suits and somber colors. The simultaneous release of the two films became a moment of enjoyment for all who participated. 2023 presented a great year for movies — the best since prior to the pandemic — which led many to be hopeful for the coming years.

Although films are available to stream, it doesn’t mean that we can’t partake in the simple art of watching movies as they were once intended to be seen; theaters have gained massive profits from films that eventized their premiere dates to the public. “Barbenheimer,” for example, became an overnight phenomenon leading both movies to great success within the theater, grossing over $2 billion in box office revenue. 

It seems that audiences don’t always prefer at-home films. It can become exhausting scrolling through Netflix trying to find the movie to watch. Now, audiences can slowly move toward a phone-free environment to watch award-winning films and be fully captivated by them like we once were.

There will always be someone to promote their art, whether it be musicians, actors, painters; it is now just a matter of how it’ll be presented to the world as time goes on. Although many inequities exist in the film industry, it’s no surprise that the public still finds movies to be one of the highest points of entertainment. 

Within the last decade, the world of film has changed dramatically, but the desire to experience new stories has stayed the same for consumers. Slowly but surely, individuals are being pulled back into the theater seats all over the world and many are expressing their love for film in online communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Letterboxd. 

Film and the art that is in-theater viewing has survived through tumultuous times, and it seems that many viewers certainly hope that it survives through more.