In a post-COVID-19 shutdown world, the movie watching experience for many has changed.

Today’s high prices are causing moviegoers to adopt a new approach to keep their entertainment alive. 

According to a poll conducted by Adweek, roughly 70% of Generation Z and millennials would consider waiting for a movie to hit a streaming service, rather than seeing it in theaters. 

This shift demonstrates an overall decreased interest in going to theaters and an increased interest in streaming services. 

The very few cinemas and drive-ins that still exist have been struggling to stay in business. Box offices across the nation have struggled to reach the profits they made pre-COVID.  

“There are movies I enjoy watching, but the price of tickets is not justifiable for me due to having to pay back bills and loans,” Emily Bryce, Baruch College marketing student, said. “I will wait for the movie to come to streaming or watch it with a friend who has the movie for free.” 

Prices aren’t the only factor driving people away from movie theaters, however. For certain moviegoers, that movie theater charm has faded since the onset of COVID-19.

Leon Walkers, a Baruch student majoring in finance, said, “Over the years, I have attended many movie screenings and paid to get front seats for my favorite films. But after COVID hit, the mindset of going outside and paying a huge price just left. I feel like the appeal isn’t there anymore.” 

Streaming platforms are now seeing record profits, with companies such as Netflix, Paramount and Disney having reported an increase in profits from streaming, with Netflix taking the top spot.

Warner Bros. reported its streaming profits for the first time since 2024. WBD’s DTC business made a profit of $677 million, compared to a 2023 profit of $103 million.

The next time a new hit movie drops, people are likely to stream it from the comfort of their own living room rather than purchase tickets for the big screen experience.