Movies

Movie Theaters May Not Survive Beyond 20 Years

BBG News

A recent survey has caused a stir in the world of movie theaters, with more than half of theater executives expressing concern that the conventional cinema experience could cease to exist within the next twenty years.

In collaboration with Screendollars, a platform catering to exhibitors, analyst and author Stephen Follows carried out a survey among 246 U.S.-based professionals within the film industry, covering areas such as exhibition, production, sales, and distribution. When inquired about the longevity of the “conventional movie-going experience” as a sustainable business model, around 55% of executives expressed pessimism, predicting that the cinema industry would have a lifespan of less than five years, between five to ten years, or between ten and twenty years.

It’s worth noting that executives working in television, production, and particularly those in sales and distribution expressed a higher level of skepticism compared to exhibitors. In fact, over 60% of these sales and distribution executives believe the conventional movie theater model might not survive beyond the next two decades.

In simpler terms, when we talk about “traditional cinema experience,” it’s often referring to going to the movies in a conventional way – at scheduled times, in regular theaters, and not through streaming or home alternatives. Some people might consider more luxurious options like IMAX, 4DX, or dine-in theaters as part of this category, implying that expanding premium experiences could be a potential direction for future developments.

According to what’s written, it seems that traditional moviegoing might adapt and transform over time instead of disappearing completely, allowing for the survival of audiences, businesses, and venues in altered forms.

The survey uncovered significant financial hardship in the realm of exhibitions. In fact, about 90% of U.S. theater managers openly acknowledged that their income has yet to recover to its pre-pandemic levels, over four years following the global health predicament that affected the entertainment sector profoundly.

In response to queries about the effects of present launch plans, most cinema owners and managers strongly objected to day-and-date streaming. An impressive 77% asserted that simultaneous digital releases negatively impact the traditional movie theater model, while a significant 81% advocate for a minimum exclusive theatrical release period of at least six weeks for new films.

The research emerges at a time when the film theater industry is facing growing uncertainties, as Hollywood studios are focusing on streaming content, narrowing the gap between theatrical releases and streaming platforms, and finding it challenging to produce regular box office blockbusters that used to keep exhibitors busy all year round. Simultaneously, the surge of streaming-first productions and binge-worthy prestige content has influenced consumer behavior, leading more people to prefer staying at home.

Despite the raised concerns, there are advocates who continue to support the traditional cinema experience. Interestingly, those directly involved in the exhibition sector appear more optimistic than professionals from other industries. When asked about the longevity of moviegoing, a larger number of exhibitors chose “more than 20 years,” indicating that they still perceive value in the cultural and commercial aspects of cinemas – even as they acknowledge the necessity for change.

The survey’s findings suggest that in order to survive, the movie theater industry may need to adapt by using premium formats, hosting special events, or rethinking their business structures. If they do not, they could become obsolete and be lost to time.

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2025-06-23 19:55

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