Who goes to the movies anymore? Not senior Quint Crouch, who feels like he receives a better deal by waiting until the films come to Netflix or Redbox. “Why spend twenty bucks on a movie ticket when you can pick it up from Redbox for a dollar?” He said. Crouch’s opinion seems popular throughout the internet, with many people refusing to see new films in theatres, calling it a rip off and a waste of time. This begs the question: Does anyone go to the movies anymore?

Suprisingly, it seems the answer is yes. Out of the twenty FCHS seniors interviewed, all but one (the aforementioned Crouch) said they still go to the movies at least once every few months. For example, several, including seniors Shjon Best and Cayla Stevens, went to see the recent box office hit Deadpool, while even more had plans to see Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. Many saw Star Wars and 10 Cloverfield Lane in theatres. So, with all of these people still seeing movies in theatres, why do some still feel like movie theatre audiences are dying out?

Just look at the previous year, 2015, which had five films that grossed over 1 billion dollars, a feat only achieved by 24 films in the history of cinema. If no one goes to the theatres anymore, then why did Star Wars, The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Minions, Jurassic World, and Furious 7 break such a milestone? Very few waited for them to come to Netflix – most audiances went to see them immediately.

Some people feel like the theatre simply offers a better movie-going experience. “The movie viewing itself is unparalleled in a good theatre,” Best explained, “it’s unique compared to a simple couch and small TV.” Some cited the large room, others the giant screen, and others the surround sound as their excuses for coughing up the 12$ or more to see a movie in the theatre.

Besides, who wants to wait? Huffington Post reports that some major blockbusters can take up to two years to come on Netflix. That time has shortened recently, but it’s no news that it can take an average of six months for a major film to appear in Netflix’s library. True, Redbox gets films much sooner, but even then, waiting several months to see a film everyone else has already seen can be a bit of a downer.

So, are movie theatres dying out? Local consensus seems to agree: not in the slightest. Sure, theatres sell overpriced tickets and popcorn, but nevertheless, nothing seems to compare to the smell of butter and the cheers, gasps and sobs of people around you as a fantastic film unfurls before your eyes. “Go to the movies,” Best encouraged, “it’s an experience you won’t forget.”