A recent global survey by the Global Cinema Foundation (GCF), covered by Variety, has illuminated something we’ve passionately believed at Cocktails & Movies: audiences genuinely crave more comedies, thrillers, and action films at the movies.
Key Findings from the GCF Cinema Study:
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Movies in theaters still a great value: 72% of respondents believe going to a theater provides excellent entertainment value.
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High demand for key genres:
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55% want more action and adventure films, despite their regular theatrical presence.
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51% would love to see more comedies return to theaters.
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46% are eager for more thrillers and suspense-driven movies.
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Audience Demographics and Movie Preferences:
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Moviegoers aged 45 and older often feel underserved despite their willingness to visit cinemas frequently.
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Younger audiences (under 34) remain enthusiastically optimistic, with 83% excited about upcoming movie releases.
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Streaming vs. Cinema Preferences:
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An overwhelming 64% of respondents see no barriers to attending cinemas when compelling films are available.
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Only 6% prefer streaming at home over experiencing films on the big screen.
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Streaming Releases: Missed Opportunities at the Box Office
Recently, several significant films skipped theaters entirely, debuting directly on streaming platforms. While convenient, this approach may have missed valuable theatrical revenue opportunities. Consider:
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“The Gorge“ (Apple TV+): Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller, this romantic sci-fi thriller skipped theaters entirely, debuting exclusively on Apple TV+.
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“Rebel Moon Parts I & II” (Netflix): Zack Snyder’s visually ambitious sci-fi epic could have been a powerful theatrical draw but instead went straight to streaming.
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“Nightbitch” (Hulu) and “Juror #2” (Max): Both films had minimal theatrical presence before quickly shifting to streaming platforms, possibly limiting their potential box office impact.
- “The Electric State” (Netflix): Rumors are that it cost $320 million to make. Why not let it get a go at the big screen?
Why Theatrical Releases Still Matter
The GCF study emphasizes that the issue isn’t audience reluctance to attend theaters but the lack of genuinely engaging movie options. Films like “The Gorge” or “Rebel Moon”—visually stunning, narratively rich, and perfect for communal viewing—highlight the experience that only theaters can provide. There’s a clear desire for more theatrical releases, and streaming-only approaches could be leaving significant revenue on the table.
As GCF Chairperson Jane Hastings notes, the simple solution to drive cinema attendance is offering more movies audiences genuinely want to watch. She asserts, “Our customers are telling us that they have no barriers to going to the cinema when there is a movie they want to see.”
Cocktails & Movies: Enhancing Your Movie Experience
At Cocktails & Movies, we’ve always celebrated movies as not just entertainment, but events—opportunities for laughter, suspense, excitement, and social connection.
Our philosophy is simple: match great movies, and friends – both new and old – with creatively crafted cocktails to enhance the theater experience. From comedies that make you laugh together, thrillers that keep you on edge, to action blockbusters best enjoyed on a big screen, we’re dedicated to enhancing your cinema outing into something unforgettable.
Join the Movement—Make Cinema an Event Again
To us, here at Cocktailsandmovies.com, movies are about more than just watching—they’re about sharing moments and experiences. As audiences continue to voice their preferences clearly, we invite you to help lead the charge. Let’s support the films we love and the cinema experiences we crave.
Come out and join us for fun with friends, strangers, and cocktails! Let’s put movie theaters back where they belong: at the heart of our communities and social lives.
(Source: Global Cinema Foundation via Variety.com)
