Movie theaters are a staple of small-town America, but in Griffith, some residents feel theaters aren’t doing their best to compete with the rise of streaming services and the growing number of ads before films begin.
After the slow end of the COVID-19 pandemic, theaters returned to the public eye—yet struggled to keep up with streaming platforms that allowed audiences to watch nearly anything from the comfort of home. While theaters resumed their usual routines of previews and famously overpriced food, several new changes emerged: required seat selection before tickets are purchased, a block of ads before previews even start, and the removal of many small arcade sections in favor of bars at AMC locations. All of this has sparked a lingering question for many: Is going to the movies still worth it?
For some moviegoers, the answer depends on timing rather than convenience. Twelfth-grade English teacher James Adams said, “It depends more on the time of year for me.” He explained that people often choose to go to the movies for a seasonal experience—whether escaping the summer heat or watching a new holiday film in December.
Others find themselves caught between streaming and the theater experience. Senior Logan Jimenez said, “I am in between. I like watching movies in the comfort of my own home. However, I also enjoy going to a theater because the theater gives a different enjoyment to the movie.”
Still, frustrations about the current theater experience are growing. Adams noted that some theaters now show “like, 30 minutes of ads before the previews,” which, combined with snack prices, can discourage audiences. With streaming becoming more appealing and affordable, Adams said, “It feels like there is no reason to go to the movies anymore.”
Attendance numbers reflect this struggle. October 2025 was the worst-performing month for theaters in 27 years—excluding the COVID shutdown—according to Yahoo. This is especially striking because October is traditionally one of the strongest months for new releases, thanks to the popularity of horror films.
The lack of draw is noticeable for casual moviegoers as well. Jimenez shared, “The last time I went to a theater to watch a movie was for Moana 2.”
As the industry evolves, opinions differ on whether theaters can bounce back. Adams is skeptical, saying, “I don’t think theaters will come back unless they add more to the experience.” Jimenez is more optimistic: “I think movie theaters will come back if more movies that are released strictly to theaters are made.”
Whether theaters introduce new in-person perks or studios increase theater-exclusive releases, both paths suggest the same truth: if theaters want to survive the streaming era, now is the time to adapt.
