When was the last time you actually went to the movies, sat back, ate some snacks and just got lost in a movie without constantly reaching for your phone? Let’s be honest, for a lot of us, it’s been a minute or two. I mean, why bother going to AMC or Cinemark
when you can just wait a few months and watch the same movie at home, right? But here’s the thing: streaming services can’t replicate the real magic of going to the movies.
For Gen Z, the idea of heading to the theaters may not seem as easy as streaming something at home. According to a survey of Gen Z’s movie-going habits in 2022, 29% of people surveyed stated they visited movie theaters 1-2 times a year or even less; another 14% said they never go to the movies. Now look, this could be true for a lot of reasons, from not being able to drive, prices for tickets or where the nearest movie theater is. I’m not going to lie, tickets can be pricey, but before you decide to sit in your room and watch the same show you’ve been bingeing on for the tenth time, think about what you might miss.
Movie theaters have a way of creating unforgettable experiences, and social media has made that crystal clear. If you’re like me, 
when Barbie hit theaters, my timeline was flooded with videos of people crying, laughing and just soaking up that movie in real-time. And don’t even get me started on the real movie magic. The shared energy of the audience is crazy (in a good way); whether it’s crying or laughing, everyone is sharing the experience. It’s even stronger when you’re watching a movie that’s been hyped up for a while. For example, I went and watched Deadpool & Wolverine in theaters when they came out, and it was probably one of the best movie experiences I’ve had. The way everyone got hyped up from the music and the action was incredible to see; that and the fact that the movie was so good (definitely give it a try if you haven’t seen it). Experiences like that have truly stuck with me even after I left.
One of the biggest reasons why going to the movies beats streaming at home is the full-on escape. When you walk into a movie theater, it’s like stepping into a whole new world (and I know it sounds a little cliche, but stick with me here): the huge screen, booming sound and ZERO distractions. At home, you can get distracted with texts, parents or even just spacing out and not watching the movie you told yourself you would watch months ago. But at the movies? You’re locked in, no interruptions, just pure movie magic. It’s almost like you hit “pause” on life for a couple of hours. You forget about tests or homework for just a little while. The experience can be even better when you go with the right people. I tend to watch movies with my brother.
The movies offer an escape you can’t get at home, distractions, no delays, just a larger-than-life experience. Sure, streaming is convenient, but sometimes it’s the trip to the theater that really makes the movie magic happen. So, next time you’re debating whether to stream from the comfort of your couch or head out to the movie theater, remember: it’s not just about watching a movie; it’s about experiencing it.