For much of the past year, “going to the movies” has meant staying home. After theaters across the country shut down in 2020, some studios released new movies straight to streaming services, so people could watch films like Soul in their living rooms. As theaters slowly reopen, many people are wondering if the way we watch movies should change forever.
Some people think theaters are a thing of the past. After all, they say, watching movies from home can save a lot of money. Some top streaming services offer dozens of movies for less than $10 per month. A single movie ticket in a big city can cost twice as much. Plus, many people prefer home viewing so they don’t have to deal with rude people talking and kicking their seats.
But others argue that after being stuck at home, people need theaters more than ever. They also point out that box office sales in the U.S. dropped more than 80 percent in 2020. If business doesn’t improve, it wouldn’t hurt only theaters. Fewer films might get made, meaning less work for everyone involved in making movies.