Are movie theaters worth it anymore?

Are Movie Theaters Worth It Anymore?

Why Theaters Still Matter

NPR's Bob Mondello and Marc Rivers explore the enduring appeal of movie theaters in an era of streaming. They discuss why audiences still venture out for the theatrical experience and what makes it irreplaceable.

The Personal Experience

Last year, the author went to see the movie “It Ends With Us.”

JUSTIN BALDONI (as Ryle Kincaid): I want to see you again.

BLAKE LIVELY (as Lily Bloom): Now you see me.

BALDONI (as Ryle Kincaid): You know what I mean.

The film centers on a toxic relationship. Although the author had mixed feelings about the movie itself, the in-theater experience was deeply frustrating. A family with three young kids kept talking, laughing, and moving around. At one point, a child even shined a flashlight at the screen. That chaos led the author to swear off theaters entirely.

The Streaming vs. Theater Debate

Watching at home—on a couch or even a laptop—can feel simpler, cheaper, and far more comfortable. Still, the author admits that a big screen surrounded by fellow viewers offers something streaming cannot: shared emotion and immersion.

The Takeaway

Streaming wins on convenience and cost.
Theaters deliver scale and collective experience.

Conclusion

Despite drawbacks, cinema remains a space where art meets community in ways home viewing cannot fully replicate.

Author’s summary: Even as streaming dominates entertainment habits, theaters preserve a communal and emotional magic that keeps them culturally relevant.

NPR — 2025-11-03