Streaming Surpasses Theaters for Movie Viewers, Poll Shows

Streaming is becoming the preferred way for Americans to watch newly released movies, according to a recent AP-NORC poll. About three-quarters of U.S. adults have opted to stream a new movie at least once in the past year, with approximately 3 in 10 doing so on a monthly basis. On the other hand, only two-thirds of Americans reported watching a recently released movie in a theater in the past year, with just 16% attending the theater monthly.

The shift towards streaming over traditional theaters has been accelerated by the convenience and cost-effectiveness that streaming services offer. Sherry Jenkins, a resident of New Jersey, finds streaming much more convenient as she can access a wide range of movies from the comfort of her home. “I can watch anything I want, I just have to wait a month or two after the movies are released because they usually go to streaming pretty quickly,” Jenkins shared.

In the post-pandemic era, movies are reaching streaming platforms much quicker than before. While exclusive theatrical windows used to be around 90 days, now theaters are aiming for a 45-day window. However, the timing varies for each movie, with some becoming available for streaming within 40 days of the theatrical release.

For many, the cost of movie tickets is a significant factor in their decision to opt for streaming over theaters. The average cost of a movie ticket in the U.S. is $13.17, making it a less affordable option for some. Lower-income Americans are finding streaming to be a more accessible choice compared to pricey theater tickets.

Younger adults, in particular, are more inclined towards streaming, with nearly half of adults under 30 preferring to watch a new movie on streaming rather than in a theater at least once a month. Eddie Lin, an 18-year-old student from Texas, enjoys the communal experience of theaters for big releases but mostly watches movies at home on various streaming platforms.

Despite the growing popularity of streaming, there is still interest in the unique experience that theaters offer. While streaming services provide convenience and accessibility, there is a certain charm to watching certain films in theaters, especially on premium format screens. The North American box office may be facing challenges, but the appeal of the theater experience continues to resonate with many movie enthusiasts.