It has never been easier to watch new releases at home. The convenience of streaming services such as Disney Plus and Netflix is enough to keep some viewers away from movie theaters. But some people still go to movie theaters. According to Rentrak, an entertainment research company, ticket sales are booming: They are tracking 10% higher this summer than they were in 2025. So where do kids stand? Is going to a theater an outdated way of enjoying a movie? We asked TFK readers for their thoughts.
Melissa Chi, 11
Irvine, California
Movie theaters are outdated, because you can just watch a movie from the comfort of your own couch now. You can lie down, unlike at movie theaters, where you have to sit up. Also, it is more convenient, since you don’t have to drive all the way to a movie theater. This takes time and energy, which makes it inefficient. And watching a movie at a movie theater is expensive. By contrast, you can watch unlimited movies from Netflix at home. Some streaming plans cost less than $10.
Ben Hansen, 11
Stanhope, New Jersey
I say movie theaters are not outdated. They bring communities together, because many people can watch the same movie at the same time, which is something streaming will never achieve. Usually, movie theaters use modern projectors. Even if they don’t, it's good to appreciate how much work goes into making these movies. Plus, movie theaters don’t allow cell phones. That means a break from the grasp of TikTok doomscrolling or mobile game prison. It ensures that you pay attention to something for more than 10 seconds.
Vihaan Shroff, 11
San Jose, California
Movie theaters are outdated, because most of the movies you watch in a theater can also be watched in your home, with homemade food, friends and family, and your pets. Movie theaters require you to pay a lot of money. At home, you don’t need to. The only catch is that at home, you sometimes have to watch a new movie later. But that doesn’t matter, as long as you are getting to watch it.
Aja Rodgers, 11
Atlanta, Georgia
Movie theaters aren’t quite outdated. While movies can be watched at home, movie theaters have special events and previews that get people excited. Also, the experience of enjoying a special treat or snack can be enough to get people to buy tickets. Some theaters even have 3D viewings or cool effects that you just can’t get at home. While the price of movie theaters is becoming more questionable, the memories made at a movie theater will usually beat the cost.
*Submissions have been edited only for length and clarity. They are not intended to reflect the views of TIME for Kids. Ages are accurate as of the time of submission.
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