In Singapore and around the world, a quiet revolution is happening — right in our living rooms. As high-definition smart TVs become more affordable and streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and HBO GO offer endless entertainment at our fingertips, many are asking: is this the beginning of the end for cinema theatres?
The COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated the shift, but even now, long after restrictions have lifted, audiences are not returning to cinemas in the same numbers as before. And the reasons go far beyond just public health fears.
Is cathay cinema closing down – Big-Screen Experience Now Fits in Your HDB Living Room
Ten years ago, watching a blockbuster at home couldn’t compare to the big screen. But today? You can buy a 65-inch 4K smart TV for under S$900, with Dolby Atmos soundbars going for even less. The visual and audio experience at home is now good enough that many simply don’t see the point in spending extra on cinema tickets, especially for families.
For the price of two weekend tickets and popcorn — easily over S$40 in Singapore — you could pay for two months of a premium streaming subscription. That’s hours of content versus one film in a dark room with strangers.
Streaming Kills the Wait — And the Spoilers
Remember waiting months for movies to come out on DVD or VCD? Those days are gone. Most major titles are now released on streaming platforms within weeks, or even simultaneously. Disney+ launched Marvel and Star Wars series directly to their platform, bypassing theatres altogether. Netflix continues to drop original films that rival — or sometimes outperform — traditional blockbusters.
Consumers have grown used to convenience. They can pause for toilet breaks, binge-watch sequels, or skip content they don’t like. No queues, no noisy moviegoers, no overpriced nachos.
Cinemas Struggling to Justify the Cost
Cinemas in Singapore have tried to reinvent themselves. Think luxury recliner seats, premium halls, in-seat dining, and IMAX upgrades. But these enhancements often come with higher ticket prices. And with household costs rising, many are choosing to stay home instead of splurging on the big-screen experience.
Golden Village, Shaw, and Cathay Cineplexes are still around, but they’re not immune. In 2023, several cinema chains in Asia and the US closed outlets due to low footfall and rising rents. Singapore could be next in line if the trend continues.
Is There Still Hope for Theatres?
Cinemas won’t disappear overnight. They still offer something special — the communal experience of laughing, crying, and gasping together with strangers. Major blockbusters like Avengers, Avatar, or local hits like Ah Girls Go Army can still draw crowds.
But for smaller films, romantic comedies, or documentaries, the economics don’t make sense anymore. These are increasingly moving straight to digital platforms, where they can reach a wider and more engaged audience.
Final Credits or a New Beginning?
Unless cinema chains evolve into true lifestyle experiences or pivot to niche events — like retro screenings, indie film festivals, or interactive fan nights — their survival looks bleak. The reality is that content consumption habits have changed forever. And when comfort, cost, and convenience all favour staying home, it’s only a matter of time before the traditional cinema becomes a novelty of the past.
The golden age of streaming is here. The red velvet seats? They might soon be empty.