Stat: US cinema executives predict the end of traditional movie-going within 20 years 

US – Over half of cinema executives in the US believe the traditional cinema model will no longer be viable within the next 20 years, according to a new industry survey. Conducted by analyst Stephen Follows in partnership with Screendollars, the poll gathered responses from 246 film industry executives to assess the future of movie-going amid streaming dominance and post-pandemic recovery. 

About 55% of respondents who work directly in cinemas (exhibition executives) forecast a timeline of fewer than 20 years for the current model, while those working in sales and distribution were even more pessimistic, with 60% predicting its decline within that period. But respondents drew distinctions between standard cinemas and premium experiences such as Imax or 4DX, leading Follows to suggest that the traditional cinema experience ‘evolves and changes with the times, meaning that the people, companies and locations survive but in a different form’.

Nearly 90% of cinema executives reported that revenues have not returned to pre-Covid levels. Meanwhile, 81% support a minimum six-week exclusive theatrical window for new releases and 77% believe simultaneous streaming releases harm cinemas. 

Read our Streaming’s New Frontier report to understand where attention is shifting and how platforms can evolve to keep audiences engaged, loyal and subscribed.