This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UWindsor chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

For as long as I can remember, the cinema has always been worth the drive.

Despite having multiple streaming services, I always find myself heading back to the local movie theatre to see the newest releases. The trip always makes my day better, especially when enjoyed with some buttery popcorn, chocolate, and a cold soda.

When theatres shut down in the wake of COVID-19, it wasn’t clear when the film industry would recover. Even when they reopened, people were rightfully hesitant to sit in an enclosed room with others after over a year of social distancing. It was easy to favour the ease and safety of streaming at home over entering a public space.

However, the pandemic wasn’t the only issue. Hollywood strikes over the past few years also put many film productions on pause. Even in 2025, box office numbers and theatre attendance are still recovering, so it’s clear that Hollywood is still trying to make its revival.

In short, I think it’s time to fall in love with moviegoing again. Here’s why.

Stepping into the cinema is pure magic. It’s a third place between your home/school/work life where you can invest 2-3 hours into a unique story, sometimes filled with both laughter and tears.

If you go right when the film is released, you’re likely to be surrounded by a large crowd. Everyone is excited to experience the WOW factor of the big screen. It’ll feel incredibly immersive as people around you gasp and scream at jumpscares, as well as ‘ooh and aah’ at romance with you.

Going to the cinema also removes the temptation to check your phone. When you’re streaming at home, it’s easy to get distracted and fall back into doomscrolling habits. But at the theatre, the story on screen pulls you in completely. Everything else can wait, even if it’s only for a couple of hours.

Lastly, a theatre visit also provides an excuse to dress up, especially with the rise of the TikTok trend: “What movie are you here to see?” From pink outfits for Barbie to dressing up as Minecraft characters—moviegoers are coming together to make a fun outing even more enjoyable and fashionable too.

I personally love revisiting Imagine Lakeshore Cinemas, an independent theatre in Tecumseh. It’s got local charm, and you can remember your outings by saving the physical tickets you print out at the theatre. However, I also enjoy my time at Cineplex and Landmark Cinemas Windsor, as they both provide excellent seating and IMAX screens! Not to mention, I love taking advantage of ‘Cheap Tuesdays’ at the movies, when all ticket prices are discounted.

We’re living in a world dominated by new forms of media consumption. With social media, AI, and streaming services everywhere, traditional media is slowly fading, replaced by content that can be watched anytime, anywhere. Despite the convenience of new media, I urge everyone to revisit the tradition of going to the cinema. Even if it’s just a one-time visit or a movie you end up rating one out of five stars, it’ll be a night to remember.

(P.S: A lot of theatres play re-releases of classic films. So if you’re not into new movies, keep an eye out this December, as most theatres are playing iconic Christmas movies from the past!)

In Defense of the Big Screen

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