For years, people have debated whether the rise of streaming services, pandemic-era habits, and evolving entertainment trends have doomed the traditional movie theater experience. While the global box office has faced its share of challenges, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 and Hollywood strikes, the picture isn’t entirely bleak. In fact, in some parts of the world, in-person moviegoing remains a cherished and thriving experience. So, is the big-screen experience really dying? Or is it simply evolving?
A Grim Outlook for Theaters?
The pandemic hit cinemas hard. Lockdowns forced prolonged closures, and even when theaters reopened, many audiences were hesitant to return. In the United States, Sean Baker, director of Anora, lamented during his Oscar speech that the country continues to lose movie screens at an alarming rate. According to industry reports, theater attendance is still struggling to reach pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the world.
Streaming platforms, which gained massive popularity during lockdowns, have further reshaped viewing habits. With high-quality content available at home and the convenience of watching on demand, fewer people feel the urgency to visit cinemas. The rise of premium home theater setups has also contributed to this shift.
The French Exception
However, not everywhere shares the doom-and-gloom outlook. France, the birthplace of cinema, remains a beacon of resilience in the face of this industry shift. French audiences are returning to theaters in large numbers, with over 181 million admissions last year—an increase from 2023, but that’s still nearly 13% below pre-pandemic levels.
Paris, in particular, continues to be a hub for cinephiles, offering an unparalleled variety of screenings, from blockbuster premieres to retrospectives of classic filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and Frank Capra.
What’s driving this continued love for in-person cinema? Some attribute it to the French government’s strong cultural policies, which include subsidized movie trips for students and financial support for independent theaters. France also enforces a strict four-month window for theatrical exclusivity before films can be streamed, ensuring a steady flow of moviegoers.
Beyond policy, there’s something almost mystical about the French relationship with cinema. Many Parisians live in small apartments, making the big-screen experience more appealing. More importantly, moviegoing in France is seen as a cultural and social act, a way to engage with storytelling in a communal setting rather than a passive pastime at home.
Shifting Trends in The Global Box Office:
Even in countries where theater attendance has declined, the global box office tells a more complex story. Box office revenues are on the rise, expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels soon. This is largely due to the increasing popularity of premium experiences - IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and luxury recliner seating - all of which encourage audiences to spend more per visit.
Rather than a complete decline, we may be witnessing a shift in how people approach moviegoing. While casual visits to the cinema might be decreasing, audiences seem more willing to pay for a high-quality experience when they do go. Blockbuster spectacles, event-style releases, and unique cinematic experiences continue to draw crowds.
A Renaissance or a Slow Fade?
Some industry experts argue that the cinema industry is undergoing a renewal rather than a demise. Paris has seen numerous restorations of historic movie houses, like the recently reopened Pathé Palace and the ongoing renovation of La Pagode, an iconic art-house theater. These restorations suggest that the industry isn’t just holding on, it’s actively revitalizing itself.
Yes, the challenges facing in-person moviegoing are real. But the enduring passion for cinema, as seen in places like France, proves that movie theaters are far from obsolete. The future may not look exactly like the past, but the magic of watching films on the big screen isn’t dead, it’s just transforming.
So, what do you think? Is moviegoing fading into history, or is it simply adapting to a new era?