BLOCKBUSTER ROUTE Movie Theaters Are Getting Cooked In These Streets As Folks Say They Can’t Afford A $250 Night Out

Movie theaters across the country continue to struggle as more people choose to stay home instead of heading to the big screen.

Many moviegoers say the biggest reasons are simple: ticket prices are expensive, concession prices are even worse, and streaming services now offer thousands of movies and shows without ever leaving the couch.

For families, a trip to the movies can easily cost more than $100 once tickets, drinks, and snacks are included. Online, people often point to the price of popcorn — which can cost close to $20 at some theaters — as proof that the experience no longer feels affordable.

The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu has only made things harder for theaters. Instead of paying for tickets, parking, and snacks, viewers can watch new content at home for the price of a monthly subscription.

Even major theater chains are feeling the pressure. AMC Theatres lost roughly $4.6 billion in 2020 during the pandemic and recently announced plans to close more “underperforming” locations in 2026. The company says it now expects to shut more theaters than it opens in the coming years.

AMC has already closed more than 200 locations over the past five years, while attendance dropped nearly 10% in 2025 compared with the year before.

Still, some movie fans say the theater experience isn’t completely dead. Big blockbuster films, giant screens, and packed audiences can still create moments that streaming simply can’t match.

But unless theaters can find a way to make the experience cheaper and more appealing, many people believe more locations will continue to disappear.