Since March of 2020, the fate of movie theaters has been hanging in the balance. When the pandemic began, theaters worldwide closed for months, later re-opening at limited capacity. It wasn’t until the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home, though, that they were able to sell tickets in pre-pandemic numbers. But COVID-19 is not the only threat to movie theaters. Even before the global catastrophe, theaters were becoming less popular with audiences due to rising prices, online piracy, social media, the rise of streaming services, and a general disinterest in Hollywood movies. It didn’t help that Warner Bros. released every 2021 film on the streaming service HBO Max in addition to their thetrical releases.

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In spite of these many challenges, movie theaters continue to perservere, though with help from the government, as it’s truly a struggle for survival. From the nickelodeon to the multiplex, the theater has stood the test of time for over a century. So, is the movie theater still relevant today? Absolutely! There is nothing better than a night at the movies. With Netflix and pandemics keeping people box office numbers low, here are the main reasons in defense of movie theaters

Scale and Awe

     Babson Thought & Action

The sheer scale of movie theater screens and sound systems cannot, and should not, be understated. It is one of the main reasons why cinema became so popular in the early twentieth century. The magic of cinema comes from the sense of wonder it creates, and this is easier with an oversized crystal-clear silver screen. Movie directors use cameras specifically made to create images for massive screens, they compose shots and mix sound for the specific movie theater experience. While you can certainly watch films on your laptop or even a big home theater, you cannot replicate the experience of a true cinema palace (unless you happen to be a millionaire). There are days when a laptop and a bed are sufficient, but for those times when we want to have a truly immersive aesthetic experience, there is no substitute for the movie theater, which makes the difference between just watching a movie and truly appreciating it.

Communal Watching Experience

     Warner Bros. Pictures

There is something fantastic about hearing hundreds of people laugh at the same time, or seeing someone yell at a fictional character, or sharing sobs and cries with strangers in the middle of a sad scene. A big part of the movie-going experience is partaking in the communal ritual that it provides to moviegoers. Much like going to church or a concert, movie theaters allow us to have memorable, emotional moments while sharing a public space with strangers. Sure, sometimes fellow movie-goers can be loud and annoying, but these negative experiences are usually worth it because they also come with the potentially positive feelings of socializing with our communities. In a world of individualism and isolation, the movie theater is one of few public places left for people to share some time with strangers and learn more about their perspectives, even if you do need to wear a mask.

Concession Snacks

     Mental Floss

Overpriced and sometimes stale, concession snacks are perhaps the most controversial aspect of movie theaters. Why spend twenty dollars on popcorn and a soda when you can eat better food at home for a fraction of that price? While buying movie snacks may not be the most rational decision, there is something wonderfully unique about movie popcorn and drinks. Maybe it’s the old-school machines or the ratio of salt and butter to popcorn, but you simply cannot replicate the experience at home, which is probably why some movie theaters even sell their snacks on delivery apps, as Thrillist reported. The same goes for canned and bottled soda, both of which pale in comparison to their fountain counterpart. What really makes concession snacks great, however, is the feeling of splurging on yourself and living the full movie experience as you munch away while watching an action blockbuster or an all-star rom-com.

Escaping the Mundane

     Wallpaper

Whether you’re going on a first date or just spending some time by yourself, the movie theater is the perfect place for anyone who needs a break from normal life. Every time you walk into a movie, you make a conscious decision to tune out the world, to stop checking your social media and disconnect from the harshness of reality for a couple of hours. The escapist thrill of going to a movie theater experience is hard to imitate at home, perhaps even impossible.

A movie theater is a perfect place for those nights when you want to leave the house but you don’t want to party until dawn or spend hundreds of dollars at a fancy restaurant or bar. It’s an entertaining and immersive activity to enjoy with friends, family, dates, or alone. On top of that, you get to watch a movie right when it comes without having to wait for it to hit streaming services. What beats the thrill of seeing a new film before everyone else spoils it on social media? What is more helpful to the movie industry and to small businesses than paying to directly see a film at an independent theater? What other art form is so immersive and collective, yet entertaining and available within a few miles? Movie theaters are essential to art, culture, and the cinematic experience, and hopefully they remain that way.