Once upon a time, going to the movies was a rare treat. You got to see your favorite actors onscreen, sat in a comfy chair, and stuffed your face with popcorn smothered in butter. The theater held the same joy as a Blockbuster; movies were an event, and the whole family got together to enjoy them.
But somewhere along the way, the magic died. Sure, your favorite actors are still onscreen, but now they’re in another remake no one asked for. Those once-comfy seats are now covered in mystery stains. And don’t even get us started on the…let’s call it “butter.” So, did we just lose our sense of wonder? Unfortunately, it isn’t just about getting older—it’s about what the movies became.
Who Wants to Pay All That Money?
When we have rent and groceries to pay for, who wants to spend upwards of $100 just to see a terrible film? Theaters used to lure customers in with half-off nights, and even if they played an old movie, it was worth it to soak in the nostalgia for under ten dollars. Now, though? The ticket itself is twice as much. Oh, and if you want to see something in IMAX, you’re looking at even higher costs.
That’s just to get in! Food options are also sparse, and customers are expected to pay at least five dollars for a bag of candy. To make matters worse, drink prices are akin to stadium costs, and it’s hard to get excited when moths fly out of our wallets.
It’s really no surprise that less than 10% of Americans are interested in even going anymore. We could blame TikTok or Amazon Prime, but at the end of the day, customers only have so much disposable income, and sticky floors just aren’t worth the cost.
Oh, Great—Another Remake
Before every executive caught wind of nostalgia’s worth, remakes and sequels were made at a reasonable pace. It used to be: you liked a movie, a sequel came out a few years later, and then, if you were lucky, you’d experience it 15-20 years later during a special viewing of the franchise. However, things are a little different in today’s world.
Now, we get remakes whether we like them or not! Oscar-bait and unwarranted sequels plague the lineup, and not everyone wants to shell out money for a so-so viewing. It didn’t take long for the novelty to wear off, either; when every movie becomes an obvious ploy for nostalgia, viewers cut through the veneer.
Indulging in variety was one of the coolest things about going to the movies. If anything, all those options were what enticed people to return! Every weekend was an event, whereas now, you’d be lucky to spot one title that drew your attention.
Theaters Lost Their Magic
Long before mandatory assigned seating, you hopped in line and bolted to the best seat in the house as soon as those doors opened. It was part of the whole experience! Nowadays, you’re stuffed into an assigned seat that you have to order online (and if you’re really unlucky, you can’t even refund them without downloading the app first).
Theaters also used to divide themselves between blockbuster hits and lesser-known features. Maybe you wanted to see an international film. Maybe you wanted to see a movie months after its release. Smaller theaters had the option! They may not have been as fancy, but they also weren’t as expensive. In today’s world, conglomerates monopolize the scene and only let you see the biggest titles.
Streaming services also became the cool kid on the block. Why pay money in the theater when you could just wait a month or two and stream it at home? We can pop our own popcorn, we can mix our own drinks, and we can attend in our pajamas. Sounds like a win-win to us!
Movies Can Still Boast Their Old Charm
So, how do we recapture the magic of days gone by? One of the best things you can do is head into a movie blind. That means no trailers beforehand, no spoilers, and definitely no stalking social media tags. The less you know about a movie going into it, the better the experience becomes.
Going with the right people also turns a stagnant night into a fun-filled event. Grab dinner beforehand or indulge in the terrible theater food that costs too much. Once you know you’re going to have to shell out that money, you can enjoy the experience for what it is. (Don’t forget to sneak in your own snacks, too!)
Movies may have changed over the years, but you can still find nuggets of enjoyment! If anything, theaters are still one of the only places we can soak in an immersive experience with our friends. Just like how we know ballgames are expensive, sometimes, the cost is worth the event!
