New Ways People Watch Movies and Shows

Movies remain popular, but the way people watch them is shifting rapidly.

Ticket sales in the U.S. saw only modest growth post‑pandemic, and next year’s global box office is projected at $9 billion.
Major studios—Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount—are pouring more money into productions to keep audiences hooked.
Kids gravitate toward yearly releases of cartoons and superhero films, driven by the popularity of short‑form video platforms.
Adult dramas are increasingly moving to streaming services, reducing the number of grown‑ups visiting theaters.
Ticket prices have risen, especially for premium formats like IMAX.

Streaming Outpaces Traditional TV

In May 2026, 45 % of viewers watched shows on streaming platforms; broadcast TV captured only 20 %.
Netflix remains the largest subscriber base worldwide, acquiring other companies to sustain growth.
Disney’s streaming service grows more slowly despite its extensive brand portfolio.
Paramount, NBC, and others are aggressively seeking subscribers by investing heavily in sports, foreign programs, and high‑profile talent—factors that could drive up subscription fees.
Free ad‑supported services such as Tubi, Pluto TV, and Roku are expanding, offering a nostalgic TV feel on modern devices.

OpenAI and Google tools enable rapid creation of movies on any topic.
YouTube hosts many AI‑powered creators, though it cautions against low‑quality copycats.
The industry is experimenting with AI for scriptwriting, visual effects, and even full‑production pipelines.
Actors, writers, and directors express concern that AI could replace human roles in entertainment.
The debate over safe and ethical AI use is only beginning.