Is It Still Worth Going to the Movies?

[LordoftheRings]

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The Washington Examiner / Monday, October 09, 2023
OPINION
by Christopher Tremoglie, Commentary Writer
March 06, 2023 01:04 PM

"Two tickets, two soft drinks, popcorn, and pretzel bites totaled nearly $60. I can't imagine the cost of taking an entire family. One would probably need a second mortgage to afford such trips regularly.

The high price of going to the movies isn't anything new. It's been that way for quite some time. Yet the overall moviegoing experience for society drastically changed in recent years, as technology and the pandemic changed how viewers would watch cinema. It's a substantial improvement.

For the amount I spent on just two tickets and snacks, I could have paid for about four months of Netflix or another streaming site. And, with this, access to a catalog of hundreds of films and documentaries. Honestly, I would have been just as content with watching Barbie or Oppenheimer on my couch, with my kitchen only a few feet away, as I was driving to the theater, finding parking, and paying for the tickets and snacks.

That doesn't even take into consideration the quality of many of today's films. An abundance of remakes and reboots, a lack of creativity, overuse of CGI, and a surplus of superhero films over the last decade have contributed to a decline in Hollywood productions. Additionally, the incorporation of left-wing social justice themes has damaged the product on the silver screen. Movies have become propaganda instead of entertainment — they just aren't as intellectually stimulating as they used to be.

Society constantly evolves, and we've reached this point with cinema. Except for just a few movies in which, arguably, observing special effects on a large screen adds to the experience, staying home and watching movies is probably preferable. Streaming sites have evolved into the better option. People save a lot of money and can enjoy the latest hits in the comfort of their homes.

In 2023, going to the movies just isn't worth it anymore."

What sez you, personally you, and nobody else.

I Drink Alone - George Thorogood and the Destroyers - YouTube

[Gacivory]

Yep! No one’s stopping me from going to the movies!

[MuffinMcFluffin]

The theaters probably don't love this, but I have their subscription, see 5+ movies a month, and eat immediately before or after a showing and only drink water (naturally, I mean).

So while I am a patron, I am a "cheap" one.

And yes, I love going to the movies. I hope it never goes away, and I hope studios never return to day-and-date as a standard (personally crossing fingers that we're falling further away again).

[Lee A Stewart]

I no longer enjoy being in the company of others, so I avoid any occasion that would do so:

Movies
Restaurants
Concerts
Bars
Clubs

I food shop at odd hours when the store is pretty much empty.

[cinemaphile]

The 2 drinks, popcorn, and pretzel bites was probably $30 of his cost. So right there he could easily trim it in half. Nothing says you HAVE to eat food while watching a movie. I never buy food at the theater unless I was given a gift card or a free birthday popcorn or something. It's insanely overpriced.

That being said, movie prices are prohibitively expensive. If AMC A-List didnt exist, and at such a reasonable price, I would see FAR fewer movies in theaters. Most I would wait for streaming, especially since they come so fast now.

[GaragePoet]

yes

[jvonl]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

I no longer enjoy being in the company of others, so I avoid any occasion that would do so:

Movies
Restaurants
Concerts
Bars
Clubs

I food shop at odd hours when the store is pretty much empty.

As the saying goes: I used to be a people person, but people ruined that.

Movies? Saw two this year - Way of Water (no 3D at home) and Dial of Destiny. Enjoyed both, but once or twice a year is plenty. Nice local theater.
Restaurants? Nope. Same for bars and clubs.
Concerts? I've seen the great bands. I did livestream the entire Dead and Company final tour into my theater, and it was awesome! No travel, no crowds, great sound in comfortable seats, clean bathrooms. What's not to like?

I do shop during the day because it's just easier for me.

A hermit's life is the life for me. Especially these days...

[jess1581]

Matinee and eat before going to the show... Simple as that. Overall, I'm more choosy now with what I go see at the cinema. Last time I made the mistake of not waiting for Netflix it was the movie "65"... a very Netflix kinda movie that DID go to Netflix a few months after release.

[-JKR-]

Yes, it is. Case closed. Stay at home if you can't deal with the outside world.

[jak]

Not really. At least for me. I’ve got a very nice home theatre. More than the cost it’s the hassle of going and taking the chance of dealing with idiots in the theatre. They ruin the experience.

[nerdboyrockstar]

Honestly, yes. Now more than ever.

The ease of purchasing tickets and your seats ahead of time. The value of the subscription models like A-List. The quality of the projection from regular all the way up to Dolby/IMAX.

The worst part of the moviegoing experience is other people. But I feel like I've had less shitty experiences as of late. Maybe prices are weeding out more of the casual moviegoers and thereby adding to the premium experience.

[D00mM4r1n3]

Movie theater subscriptions exist for regular theater goers, my local theater does $5 Tuesdays which is what I use due to the drought of good films, but concession prices are insane. Soda at my local theater starts at $8.50, popcorn starts at $10.25. I don't bother with concessions anymore or just stop by the dollar store before going to the theater. Nothing beats seeing a movie on the big screen.

[DEERCOLLOPA]

I still love going to the movies. These days I only go to matinee premium showings. Really cuts down on the idiots. Been to 12 movies this year & all good experiences.

[Doc Samson]

Going to the theatres is still one of my favourite things to do. As long as they keep showing them, I'll keep seeing them.

[y2jman]

well ain't much to do in my little town yes i enjoyed going to the movies by myself if my brother didn't introduce me to amc a list to save money few years ago i'll prob won't be going to movies alot

if i can do double feature in 1 day yeah but normal just 1 movie either thurs or fridays

i am going to try get my parents wants to go see that new leo movie next week since true story about Indians despite its long if not i guess go by myself<-don't have any friends go to movies anymore used to have 1 friend but he stop coming over meh

[Mephariel]

Am I the only one who doesn't eat at the theaters? I only eat if the group I go with have kids.

[y2jman]

i used to take my popcorn bucket but nowdays if i see 1 movie i just get a large and a drink<-i normal bring that popcorn home my dad eats it

unless i haven't eaten anything i might get chicken tenders or 1 of those pizza's that's it only got old amc classic not dine in i missed the days could get hotdog with chili on it sometimes candy? no costly unless decide to get 1 out of the blue 1 day

now i do know that if i go amc dine in franklin tenn where my brother lives if go by myself he busy got something else to do i only gotten dine in seats like 1,2 times<-that's expensive to do just for a cheeseburger fries

[prkchopexpress]

Originally Posted by cinemaphile

The 2 drinks, popcorn, and pretzel bites was probably $30 of his cost. So right there he could easily trim it in half. Nothing says you HAVE to eat food while watching a movie.

these dinguses always act like they had the arm twisted and were forced at gunpoint to order food at the theatre lol.

[Dorklord]

Some of my greatest memories growing up and even as an adult have come from the movie going experience. Seeing Star Wars in 1977 with my family and all of us coming out all smiles and going out for desert after to discuss it. Being scared out of my wits at 11 years old in 1979 seeing 'Alien' with my older Sister. Seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981 with my Dad on a whim just because Clash of the Titans had sold out and being blown away by it. Seeing Back to the Future with a huge group of my High School friends in 1985. Etc. Etc...

Honestly the list of memories, fun and good times surrounding going to the movies in my life is nearly impossible to list... there's just so many. There is an excitement level for me that comes with going to the theater... especially around the 'BIG' release films. I love going on opening weekend with the crowds and feeling the electricity in the theater and hearing people chatter away on their thoughts after the credits have rolled. Or even sometimes hearing applause.

And even the smaller films can bring fun too... finding a hidden gem of a film that moves you... that ended up being a completely unexpected welcome surprise.

Yep... going to the movies is still very much worth it to me. It's a part of my life and one that I'll participate in as long as I can.

[CarbonUnitM78]

Yes, going to the movies is expensive, especially for me because I take an Uber or Lyft to the theatre, but I love the experience of watching a movie on the big screen with a good crowd. It's pretty much the only excitement I get in my meager existence in between of going to conventions twice a year. Like Dorklord said,

Originally Posted by Dorklord

Some of my greatest memories growing up and even as an adult have come from the movie going experience.

That's quite true for me as well!