According to a new poll, Americans are more likely to watch newly released movies from the comfort of their own houses than go to watch them at the movie theater.
About three quarters of U.S. adults said they watched a new movie on a streaming platform instead of in the theater at least once in 2024, according to a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. This included about 3 in 10 who watched new movies on streaming at least once a month.
In the meantime, about two-thirds of American adults said that they’ve watched a recently released movie in a theater, in 2024, and only 16% said they went at least once a month.
These results suggest that American moviegoers are more likely to stream a newly released movie rather than see it in the theaters. This shift was accelerated by COVID-19; it changed habits and people got used to staying at home. The pandemic merely accelerated a trend that was already starting.
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max make movies available instantly at home. Most people prefer the convenience of being able to pause, rewind, and not have the burden of traveling to and from.
Another reason in favor of at home streaming is the cost differences; in 2026, the average movie theater ticket cost approximately $16.08, a bottle of water costs about $5-$6, a medium popcorn is $8, and a medium soda or ICEE can be about $4-$6. With taxes, that is about $36 for one person (not including candy). This is definitely an extreme amount to pay when you could be sitting at home, comfortably watching for much cheaper.
An additional reason that is favoring relaxed residential streaming is that you are able to watch in your coziest pajamas, there won’t be any crowds, and no loud distractions. You also are able to have more control over your environment like volume control, choose your own seating, and as many breaks as you deem necessary.
However, movie theaters still offer something unique such as IMAX and 3D viewing options, big screens, surround sound, and shared audience reactions. Hopefully in the future, this will mean more hybrid releases (streaming & theater), theaters will improve on better seating, wider variety of food, lower prices, and an overall better experience.
A small poll of Raleigh Charter students was conducted, they were all asked: Would you rather go to the movie theater to watch a newly released movie or watch that same movie from the comfort of your home?
The poll revealed that 60% chose to watch a movie at the movie theater, while the other 40% chose to watch a movie from their house.
Freshman Rachel Park (on letterboxd as @SkyRachel) chose to watch the movie from the movie theater because, “I enjoy going to the movies with friends and bringing blankets, so it’s cozy and they have ICEEs.”
Freshman Ronan Scott also chose to watch the movie at the movie theater because, “I like the candy and popcorn they have there, and I enjoy the whole experience especially, the surround sound speakers.”
Freshman Sophia Lopez (on letterboxd as @sophiixa) chose to watch the movie from her house because, “I can be comfortable in my bed with my candles lit, a snack of my choice from my pantry, my nice ice cold water, perfect lighting, and my warming blanket. I can also watch whatever and whenever I want, and I don’t have to pay or leave the house. Movie theaters are always way too cold.”
Freshman Lauren Deans (on letterboxd as @laurendeanz) also chose to watch the movie from her home because, “My house is comfy and I have both of my cats! I also can pause whenever.”