Movie theaters across South Florida are seeing a steady decline in attendance as more audiences turn to streaming platforms for their entertainment.
For many, the appeal comes down to convenience and cost. Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ made it easier than ever for viewers to watch new releases from the comfort of their home, offering on-demand access to a wide range of films and series at a fraction of the price of a traditional movie ticket. Viewers can also pause, rewind or choose content on their own schedule — a level of control that theaters cannot match.
Once-busy venues, including the movie theater at The Shops at Sunset Place, have seen reduced foot traffic, reflecting a broader national trend affecting the theater industry.
Still, some moviegoers say the theater experience cannot be replaced.
“Getting to watch a movie on the big screen is very sanctimonious,” said Justin Lieberman, emphasizing the immersive quality of cinema that streaming cannot replicate.
As the industry continues to evolve, theater owners are now facing a critical question: how to bring audiences back in an era where entertainment is just a click away.
Correction: The video in this story misspelled the name of Justin Lieberman as Justin Liverman. The correct spelling is Lieberman.
