Date: April 29, 2025
Netflix CEO Declares Theatre Culture is “Outdated”
The End of Traditional Moviegoing? Netflix CEO Sparks Debate
In a post-pandemic world, movie theatres are facing an identity crisis. With declining footfalls and box office struggles, industry leaders are beginning to voice concerns and offer bold predictions about the future of cinema. One such leader is Ted Sarandos, the Co-CEO of Netflix, who made headlines with his recent comments on the relevance of theatrical releases.
Ted Sarandos: “Theatre-Going is Becoming Outmoded”
Speaking at the prestigious TIME100 Summit, Sarandos offered a blunt assessment of current entertainment trends. He stated that traditional moviegoing is becoming “outmoded”, and viewers increasingly prefer the comfort and flexibility of home streaming. According to him, Netflix is “saving Hollywood” by adapting to what consumers actually want—on-demand entertainment without leaving their homes.
He acknowledged that while the communal aspect of watching a film in a theatre still holds nostalgic or cultural value for some, it is no longer the mainstream preference for the majority of viewers. The shift, according to Sarandos, is clear: streaming is no longer an alternative—it’s the new norm.
Netflix CEO: Global and Indian Trends Mirror Each Other
Sarandos’s comments resonate even more deeply when seen in the context of the Indian film industry. Except for large-scale spectacles and star-driven blockbusters, most Indian films are struggling to attract crowds to theatres. The audience now prefers to wait for digital releases, especially for mid-budget or content-driven films.
Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and JioCinema are dominating the consumption landscape. Theatres, meanwhile, are left grappling with empty seats and unsustainable operational costs.
Is This the Death of Cinema or Its Evolution?
Rather than viewing it as the death of cinema, Sarandos suggests this is a natural evolution of how stories are consumed. While some filmmakers and cinephiles may mourn the decline of theatres, the shift to streaming allows for wider global reach, instant accessibility, and creative freedom for storytellers.
The Verdict: Streaming Is Here to Stay
As viewing habits continue to evolve, the entertainment industry is being forced to rethink its traditional models. Whether this change is embraced or resisted, one thing is clear: the audience is voting with its remote control. And according to Netflix’s top boss, the future of film is digital, personal, and on-demand.