Ever since COVID-19, I haven’t seen a movie theater full of audiences. 

While 1.3 billion tickets were sold in 2018, the year before COVID-19, 829 million tickets were sold in 2023, according to The Numbers. This 37% decline in audiences impacted the film industry. 

I watched the first “Moana” movie in 2016 with a full theater. Kids and parents were filled from the front of the screen to the back. However, watching “Moana 2” on Wednesday, Nov. 27, the cinema was much emptier. “Moana” sold $643 million worldwide, while “Moana 2” sold $600 million. 

Although most movies are available on streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu, nothing beats the theater’s enhanced experience with the film. 

My first movie theater experience was at 2 years old, and since then, I have watched all of my favorite movies in the cinema — “Frozen” at 4 years old, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” at 5 years old and “Beauty and the Beast” live-action at 8 years old — except during the COVID-19 pandemic when I mainly relied on streaming services that my family decided to buy since the start of the lockdown. 

After experiencing both streaming services and the theater, I noticed I get distracted easily and skip through the movie when I watch it through the former. 

During the notorious quarantine period, I would curl up in my fuzzy blanket with my flannel pajamas and play the Harry Potter series after a long day of doing absolutely nothing. 

With my phone by my side and a black TV remote in hand, I was unstoppable and had full control over the movie. I would skip through the movie and distract myself with Instagram Reels, which made me barely pay attention to the film on my flatscreen TV. 

After four years since quarantine, I went to the theaters for the first time again to watch “IU CONCERT: The Golden Hour.” With incomparably better sound and screen qualities at the theater, the movie seemed more appealing and allowed me to immerse myself in the scenes.

Before utilizing streaming services, I thought movie theaters only allowed me to watch a film on a big screen. However, this experience changed my perception, helping me realize the importance of cinemas, which helps me focus on the story’s small details, visuals and sound effects.

The theater experience incomparably excites me more than movies at home. The smell of popcorn in my hand, anticipating the movie with my family and watching ads waiting for the start, all make me enthusiastic for the film.    

The theater isn’t only a place to watch a movie. It’s a place of family bonding and creating new memories. Going to the theater together, watching the same movie and later discussing it allows us to build more connections. 

For example, when I watched “Venom: The Last Dance” with my family at CGV Buena Park, we dined at a restaurant and shopped in The Source OC mall before entering. On our way back after 109 minutes of running time, we discussed the entire film, pinpointing hilarious or interesting scenes. The whole process lasted as an unforgettable memory tied to the movie.

While theaters offer an immersive experience, streaming services provide a comfortable and convenient opportunity to watch movies with a selection of films. Video platforms are also cost-effective, without transportation fees and tickets. 

However, going to the theater eliminates distractions and the temptation to skip around the film and provides time together as a family.  

Grabbing a bucket of buttered caramel popcorn and taking a sip of Coke with a ticket in hand, I look forward to watching some more movies with my family in the theaters.