For years, Netflix has been a juggernaut of the entertainment industry. The streaming giant has revolutionized the way people consume television and movies. But one question remains: Is Netflix killing the movie theater?
In many ways, it’s hard to argue that Netflix isn’t having an impact on movie theaters. The most obvious case is ticket sales.
According to the Motion Picture Association of America, overall ticket sales in North America dropped 4% in 2019—the fourth straight year of decline. It’s no secret that streaming services are becoming more and more popular, and many people are choosing to stay home and watch movies on their couch rather than going out to the theater.
There are other factors at play, too. With the rise of big-budget superhero movies and special effects-heavy blockbusters, movie tickets have become increasingly expensive. This can make going out to the movies a pricey proposition for many people—especially families with young children—and can drive them away from theaters.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for theaters. Despite declining ticket sales, there are still plenty of people who prefer seeing a movie in a theater over watching it at home.
There’s something special about being in a theater with hundreds of other people, sharing an experience together. Plus, there’s nothing quite like watching a big blockbuster on a huge screen with great sound.
Conclusion:
The answer to whether Netflix is killing movie theaters is complicated. On one hand, streaming services are undoubtedly having an impact on ticket sales; on the other hand, there will always be those who prefer the experience of going out to the theater over watching from home. Ultimately, only time will tell how much of an effect Netflix has on movie theaters—but for now, it seems as though both will continue to coexist for years to come.