The atmosphere in the dark theater is electric. Every seat is filled. Fans are decked out in 1980s attire and “Stranger Things” T-shirts. The smell of popcorn wafts through the room. Everyone gasps in unison as a fan favorite hangs from a ledge up on the big screen.
“Stranger Things” watch parties are just one of the many special events movie theaters have to offer. As personal devices and streaming services have surged in popularity, local movie theaters have become neglected at times.
Recently, we have seen a revival in film culture. This is just the beginning of a new era of moviegoing. The theater is more than a place to see the movies; it’s a place that evokes an unwavering sense of belonging.
Overall, cinemas offer an experience that streaming services cannot. With their welcoming ambiance, inclusive events and buttery popcorn, movie theaters are a place where community thrives.
To start, let’s talk about the big screen experience.
Neither big-screen 3D nor IMAX effects can be replicated at home. They’re one-of-a-kind experiences. Even in a standard movie, the big screen makes every scene more engaging and exciting. There’s a reason movies you’ve seen in theaters are more memorable and, most of the time, more enjoyable.
There is more to the moviegoing experience, though! Many theaters have comfortable, reclining chairs and all kinds of snacks and drinks. There’s truly nothing like seeing a movie you’ve been highly anticipating in theaters with a popcorn bucket in hand.
Additionally, the movie theater is a way for people to get out of isolation. People can connect with others without even saying a word. One popular way this occurs is through rereleases. Theaters host watch parties for beloved movie franchises such as “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars,” “Twilight” and more. People even dress as their favorite characters.
Events such as these bring people of all ages and demographics together to appreciate something they love.
John Hogan, writing for Applied Consumer Neuroscience in 2023, stated that “Emotionally engaging stories trigger a neurobiological mechanism — the endorphin system — that regulates social bonding.”
Clearly, being a part of something makes us happy. A theater visit is a chance to become part of a temporary community.
The bigger question is, what makes community so important?
Samantha Stein, a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist, noted in 2023 in Psychology Today that a community can “help us to develop a sense of identity. When we’re part of a community, we learn about shared values and beliefs. … This can help us feel we have a place in the world.”
A sense of community teaches us to reflect passion and empathy. Plus, any community, even the mostly silent ones such as the moviegoing community, can foster social connection. You never know where or when you’ll meet a new friend.
Above all, community is fun. No matter how old you get, it always feels nice to fit in.
Some might say that at-home movie-watching is better because it can offer a less distracting, more comfortable environment. However, we as a society need to accept that comfortable doesn’t always mean healthy.
It’s no secret that as personal technology has become more common, mental health issues have skyrocketed in teens and young adults. Smartphones and other technology may be more comfortable at the moment, but that doesn’t make them the better choice.
Also, in terms of movie-watching, our homes are arguably more distracting environments than the theater due to loud family members and the allure of our phones. The cinema is much less distracting without these factors, without the ability to hit pause. It allows people to really focus in and absorb the art at hand.
I believe that movie theaters can be places where everyone belongs. It’s a fun night out and an easy way to reconnect. So, next time you’re craving a movie night in, think about heading out instead. There are even bargains such as Penn Cinema’s $8 ticket Tuesdays. Choose movie theaters over modern streaming services. Choose community over staying home.
Lily Baker is in the 11th grade at Warwick High School.