As COVID-19 continues its worldwide spread, it seems no business has been spared from its warpath. Among them, are the movie theater chains around the world.

“The thing I miss most about movie theaters is the experience,” Junior Michael Coppinger said via text. “I think going to the movies at the theater offers an experience that you can’t get from Netflix or other home streaming services. Going to the theater was an event that you could look forward to, whereas watching a movie at home seems a lot more casual.”

Michael also believes the rise of streaming services is hurting the movie theater business along with COVID.

“I think it’s very sad that these businesses have taken such a hit from the pandemic. I think that when we come out on the other side, the culture may have shifted a little bit in that it is less common to go see movies in theater, and more common to watch from home. I think the theaters may permanently lose a large share of the industry to the streaming services, which I believe is a big loss.”

While people like Michael are saddened by the decline of the theater industry, some, like freshman Cade Krug, view the closures as safe and necessary.

“I think that the mass closure of movie theaters local and worldwide is smart because they usually have a large amount of people in them, and even though not all of them might be talking, but they’re still pretty close together.”

While many miss the movie theater experience, others like sophomore Takumi Harima welcome the new normal of streaming at home.

“ I usually don’t watch movies,” Takumi said via text. “When you have to buy overpriced tickets and popcorn, it would be much better to watch a movie at home.”