New Ways People Watch Movies and Shows

Movies are still popular, but the way people see them is changing fast. Ticket sales in the U. S. grew only a little after the pandemic, and next year’s films may bring about nine billion dollars worldwide. Some big names like Disney, Warner Bros. and Paramount are investing more money to keep viewers interested. Because of the rise of short‑form videos, many kids love cartoons and superhero films that come out every year. Adult dramas are moving to streaming services, so fewer grown‑ups go to the theater. The average price of a ticket is higher now, especially for big screens like IMAX. Streaming is beating traditional TV. In May 2026, about forty‑five percent of people watched shows on streaming platforms, while broadcast TV only had twenty percent. Netflix has the most subscribers worldwide and is buying other companies to keep its growth going. Disney’s streaming service is slower to grow, even though it owns many famous brands.Other companies like Paramount and NBC are also trying to get more subscribers. They spend a lot on sports shows, foreign programs and popular actors. Because they pay more for content, their subscription prices are likely to rise. Free streaming services that show ads are also growing. Platforms such as Tubi, Pluto TV and Roku offer many channels for no cost. They feel more like old‑style television but are on modern devices. A new trend is the use of artificial intelligence to make videos. Tools from OpenAI and Google let people create movies on any topic quickly. YouTube has many creators using AI, but it also warns against low‑quality copycats. The industry is testing AI for writing scripts, making effects and even producing whole movies. Actors, writers and directors are worried about these changes. They fear that AI could replace human jobs in the entertainment world. The debate over how to use AI safely is just beginning.