"We come to this place for magic."
Nicole Kidman's iconic words echo in the minds of movie-goers who frequent AMC Theatres. But in 2024, it seems as though movie theaters have been on the decline. For students especially, who already have commitments to school, social lives and work, the theater may be inching closer to obsolete — but some ASU students still find the time to visit.
It's no secret that since 2020, theaters have been struggling to hit pre-COVID ticket sales. In 2023, the U.S. domestic box office surpassed $9 billion in ticket sales, an increase from the year before. However, this number still falls short of revenue made in 2019 and before.
This summer, theaters were hit with all kinds of blockbusters for different demographics. "Inside Out 2" and "Despicable Me 4" were sequels to popular franchises, attracting mainly family audiences. "Deadpool & Wolverine" alongside "Twisters" in July and August satisfied action fans awaiting a new twist on beloved characters and stories.
"Movies that have a lot of hype around them, it's more fun to see them in the theater," said Iris Hobbs, a sophomore studying criminal justice. "You're with everyone else who hasn’t seen it either, and you're all experiencing it together."
Some students are influenced by blockbusters and pop culture, while others prefer selected films based on personal taste.
Conner Vollrath, a senior studying mathematics, admits he just hasn't found anything super interesting in recent months to make him go out of his way to the theater. It used to be Marvel, he said, but now even that "doesn't do it for (him)."
"It would just have to be a movie that really interests me, like a movie about one of my interests," Vollrath said. "I love sports, specifically football. I love streetwear."
Some students even gravitate toward lesser-known genres.
“Anything related to real-life events, movies like that," said Efren Trejo Pantaleano, a senior double majoring in social work and justice studies. "Anything animated too, so it's not that serious."
One thing most students agreed upon was the sense of community for viewers when in front of a silver screen. Memorable moments with friends and family make the experience worth it.
"For me, it's more just who I go with that makes it really fun," Vollrath said.
Hobbs said that she was surprised by shared reactions in the theater while watching the newest "Wonka" film.
"I remember it best because one of my best friends at the end, we were crying," Hobbs said. "Like, 'Willy Wonka' made us cry."
Although the theaters aren't on the minds of students every day, there is an understanding that when attending a film you're excited to see with the ones you love, it's worth it.
And there will certainly be opportunities for all types of fans with a packed slate of notable films releasing in late 2024, with sequels such as "Joker: Folie à Deux" and "Gladiator II." "Wicked" is also receiving its long-awaited live-action adaptation this fall with a stacked cast including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Ervio.
Recently, the National Association of Theater Owners announced it will invest more than $2.2 billion to upgrade theaters. The association represents the eight largest theater chains in America and Canada. These updates include new projection systems, improved sound quality, new seating and updated concession items. The association also announced plans for family entertainment such as arcades and bowling alleys in theaters.
This culmination of new releases and updates may just have 2024 be the year that brings back movie theaters to the beloved outing it once was for students and fans across America.
Edited by Andrew Dirst, Sophia Braccio and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at jagon128@asu.edu
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Jazlyn is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is her first semester with The State Press. She has also worked at Blaze Radio.
