Most Americans now stream new releases at home instead of theaters

WASHINGTON — Americans are increasingly choosing to watch newly released movies at home rather than at theaters, with about three quarters saying they streamed a new release instead of seeing it in a cinema at least once in the past year, according to a survey released this month by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll, conducted Aug. 21 through 25 of 1,182 adults, found roughly three in 10 watched new releases on streaming at least once a month, while about two thirds saw a recently released film in a theater in the past year and only 16 percent went to theaters at least once a month.

The shift reflects a combination of convenience and cost pressures that were accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and have persisted as studios and exhibitors redraw release strategies. "It is much more convenient," said Sherry Jenkins, 69, of New Jersey, who subscribes to multiple streaming services. "My TV is 75 inches, and I am comfortable. I am at home." For others, ticket prices remain a deterrent. Maryneal Jones, 91, of North Carolina, said she likes going to the movies but often opts to wait for a film on television or through a friend's streaming...