Impact of Streaming Services on Movie Industry

Impact of Streaming Services on the Movie Industry

Can you imagine life without Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime right now? I can’t! Gone are the days when our only option was catching a movie at the theater or waiting for it to premier on cable. Nowadays, you’ll often hear folks say, “Let’s stay in and watch Netflix.” We don’t even say, “Let’s watch a movie” anymore – the streaming services themselves have become a synonym for ‘movie’. Crazy, right? It clearly highlights the profound transformation the movie industry has undergone, thanks in large part to the rise of streaming services.

Convenience at our Fingertips

Ever since I snagged my first Netflix subscription – out of sheer curiosity and because everyone seemed to be raving about this ‘Breaking Bad’ show – my relationship with movies changed forever. The ease of picking from a vast selection of films and shows from the comfort of my couch was like nothing I’d experienced before. Traditional ‘movie watching’ suddenly seemed so dated. And I’m sure you can relate too. It’s the convenience of these platforms that really revolutionized how we consume films.

Avoiding Ticket Lines and Popcorn Stands

Remember the times we had to stand in long ticket lines, or the hassle of sold-out shows? Or how about those overpriced popcorn and drinks? And don’t get me started on those latecomers blocking the screen!

  • Less hassle
  • More comfortable
  • Immensely personalized

Henry Jenkins, a professor at USC and a media scholar, states that the rise of streaming platforms allows us to watch content how, where and when we want it, and this has redefined the age-old paradigms of movie-viewing. [1]

The Rise of Non-Traditional Movie Content

Not only has the experience of watching movies changed, but the kind of content we’re exposed to has expanded too. Before, blockbuster hits typically dominated our watch lists. Now, we’re increasingly exploring indie films, foreign language content, and documentaries. The barrier between mainstream and non-mainstream cinema is slowly fading. I, for one, find myself devouring Korean dramas one day and switching to German crime thrillers the next.

So, What Does This Mean for the Movie Industry?

While streaming services provide us with an undeniable convenience and a diverse range of content, the traditional movie industry has certainly been shaken up. Box office hits have always been the major revenue-generator for the industry. But now, the prominence of streaming platforms has the potential to disrupt this long-established model. [2]

Final Thoughts

Who knows what the future holds for the movie industry? But one thing’s for sure, streaming services have forever changed the way we watch and experience movies. And as we continue to stream our favorite flicks from comforts of our homes, it’s going to be interesting to see how the traditional movie industry revamps itself to withstand this storm.

Happy streaming!

[1] Henry Jenkins. “Welcome to Convergence Culture.” Confessions of an Aca-Fan, 19 Jun. 2006,

[2] A.T. Kearney. “How Movie Theaters Can Ensure Their Survival.” A.T. Kearney, 2018,