While it’s still common for movie theaters to be packed on the opening weekend for a much-anticipated new release, a recent study conducted by HarrisX for IndieWire found that only 34% of adults in the U.S. prefer to watch movies in theaters.
This means that as many as two-thirds of U.S. adults would prefer to wait until the season’s hottest movies come out on their favorite streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, or Amazon Prime.
People are Still Interested in Movies… Just Not Theatres
This recent HarrisX poll doesn’t imply that people are less interested in movies than they were in the past, however.
In fact, the same study found that 30 percent of U.S. American adults stream a movie at home as often as two or more times per week.
By comparison, the same number of adults (30 percent) report going to the movie theatres only a few times per year.
This suggests that Americans are more interested in great movies than ever. They simply aren’t interested in going to theatres to watch them.
Why are Theatres on the Decline? X Users Chime In
Recently, X (formerly Twitter) user JJ asked “I’m curious: if you identify as one of the 2/3 of American adults who prefer streaming things at home, why is that?”
Not surprisingly, the answers came pouring in. While a few people admitted that theatres do have their perks (including the top-notch sound system, the movie theatre experience, and the ability to escape distractions at home), hundreds of people were quick to list several reasons why watching movies at home is far superior to watching movies in a theatre.
The reasons varied wildly, but the picture was clear: Waiting to watch movies at home offers some serious benefits.
1. Movie Theatres are Too Expensive
One of the most common answers? Watching movies in a theatre is too expensive!
While there are ways to get movie tickets for cheaper (such as visiting during off-hours or purchasing a membership), it’s not always possible to find deals available for the times and movies you’d like to see.
For large families, the cost of tickets and snacks adds up quickly. Alternatively, arranging and paying for a babysitter isn’t much cheaper.
2. Watching Movies at Home is More Comfortable
Another common reason people prefer to watch movies at home is because home is far more comfortable!
You don’t have to get dressed up, shower, put on makeup, or wear shoes. You can relax in your cozy pajamas on your own couch with tons of pillows, blankets, and snacks on hand. Pause at any time to use the restroom (without missing a crucial scene), adjust the temperature as needed, or cuddle up with your spouse or pet.
Watching movies at home is the ultimate in comfort!
3. Watching Movies at Home is More Convenient
In addition to the comfort factor, there’s also the convenience factor.
When you watch movies at home, you don’t have to rush home from work to get ready so you can make the movie in time, and you don’t have to stay up far too late to catch a later screen time. You don’t have to fight traffic, find a parking spot, or stop by the ATM.
Simply choose your favorite movie, start it whenever you’re ready, and pause, rewind, or fast forward whenever you’d like!
4. Movie Theatres Can Be Overwhelming
For some, visiting in-person movie theatres can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.
Depending on when you visit, you might encounter long lines, crowded lobbies, or sticky floors. There’s no way to adjust the lighting or volume on the movie, and you never know when you might be seated next to a smoker, someone wearing too much perfume, or someone coughing and sneezing.
While these issues may only be mildly annoying for some movie-goers, for those with chronic illness, autism, anxiety, sensory issues, or other special needs, attending an in-person movie simply isn’t a good option.
5. Watching Movies at Home is Safer
Movie theatres aren’t known for being particularly dangerous. However, it’s easy to see that watching movies at home is safer.
You don’t have to worry about germs, food allergies, or tripping hazards. The environment is cleaner, and there’s no risk of harassment, violence, or public health emergencies.
Safety may not be only reason people choose to stay home, but it is a nice bonus.
6. You Can Avoid Annoying Strangers
Has your movie-going experienced ever been ruined by someone talking loudly, stepping over you, or blinding you with their cell phone?
If so, it’s easy to understand why some people prefer to watch movies at home so they can avoid the obnoxious people you sometimes find in public places.
7. Streaming Services Offer a Greater Selection
Not sure if this year’s hot new release is going to be any good?
When you visit an in-person movie theatre, your only options are to stay through the movie or walk out, forfeiting your time and money.
When you watch movies at home, however, you can easily switch movies or fast forward through questionable parts for any reason (or no reason at all).
8. Watching at Home Offers the Ability to Talk… or Not
Many commenters mentioned how they hate overhearing others’ loud conversations during a movie… yet, sometimes they’d like the ability to talk about or comment on a movie themselves.
When watching a movie at home, you get the best of both worlds! You don’t have to listen to strangers’ talking, but if you want to discuss the movie with your friends and family, you can. Simply pause the movie first so you don’t miss a second of the action!
9. Watching at Home Allows You to Multitask
For some, watching a movie sounds fun and relaxing — but who has the time?
One great perk of watching movies at home is that you can multitask.
No longer do you have to wait until you have an entire evening free to go out to the theatre. Instead, you can easily catch up on work, wash dishes, fold laundry, and more without giving up your entire night.
Have a Netflix Account? Don’t Miss These 10 Christian Films Out Now
With thousands of movies available in almost every genre, many families choose Netflix as their #1 streaming service. And while there is a “faith-based” grouping for movies on Netflix, it can take hours to find the right ones for your family!
So rather than spend your whole movie night searching for the right flick, here’s a list of 10 Christian-based movies that promote honest family values and teachings.
10 “Must-See” Biblical Films to Binge Watch This Weekend
10 Popular Faith-Based Documentaries Every Christian Needs to Watch
Looking for quality Christian programming that will make you think while challenging and encouraging your faith?
If so, here are 10 fantastic Christian documentaries you’ll want to catch up on this weekend.
10 Popular Faith-Based Documentaries Every Christian Needs to Watch
Guess Who! 10 Times Jesus Made an Appearance in Popular Movies
Throughout the history of movies, Jesus Christ has made an appearance in many different films. These portrayals of Jesus can be quite traditional or very creative, and they have a way of grabbing the audience’s attention. These movie depictions of Jesus are like tools that help tell a story in a strong and impactful way.
Guess Who! 10 Times Jesus Made an Appearance in Popular Movies
Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author and founder of Equipping Godly Women and Monetize My Ministry. She’s also a Christian speaker, podcaster, and conference host. Her work has been featured on numerous TV, radio, and online ministries, including CBN, MSN, Christianity Today, Evangelical Alliance, Patheos, Crosswalk, and more.
