Blog #38 If Cinema is Dying, What will Replace it? These 5 things.

Cinema is dying, according to some, which begs the question: what/who will replace it?

First, a statistic: “Cinema ticket sales decreased by 8.8 percent globally in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the first annual decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by the European Audiovisual Observatory (EAO) in Cannes on May 15.“ (seen here: https://www.torontofilmmagazine.com/post/global-cinema-attendance)

You’re reading this in 2026 or later, which means the number is going to have fallen further, given the latest trends.

Time to panic?

If you are the owner of a cinematic theatre…more than most.

But!

I don’t see why they couldn’t diversify. Cinemas are terrific structures with leading audiovisual equipment; a proper businessman/woman would see that equipment as an opportunity. Why not use some auditoriums as a venue for comedians/music acts/speakers? Couldn’t one rent out their screens to local film groups/organisations? How about community/business meetings?

The list goes on. I don’t see why a venue couldn’t diversify; it might save their business!

Anyway, let’s dive into where people will be when they’re not in cinemas anymore.

Here’s my best guess: at home.

So…if they’re at home, what will they be doing that will replace their need for entertainment?

Instead of giving one answer, I will give multiple, because I believe there are a few different ways people will fill the time. Here are the top 5:

1. Content—in 2026, creators access to equipment will have increased tenfold compared to just 10 years ago. This means there will be more of it than ever before, filling the void left by cinema. It will also justify larger productions, because there will be a larger audience to view them and more revenue to encourage creators splurging out. I include Netflix in this category as well—they don’t seem too worried about the death of the theatre. I wonder if they even encourage it; they released Frankenstein (2025) on demand only…

2. Books—there’s never been a better time to read a book than now; there are tons of online/offline communities and reading groups. Books are cheap to create and give a similar experience to a movie—consuming, talking about it with friends, and mulling it over when it’s done. There’s never been a better time to dive into the world of books; just make sure you come up for air.

3. Crafts—this depends on the person and also the region. For example, Lego is hugely popular in Japan; people will spend hours every day building with it. Others will prefer to start from scratch, creating medieval castles from foam blocks or weaving string to make artisan hats. The latter is much more affordable than Lego, and more fulfilling. I’m constantly amazed by projects I see online: people creating Middle-Earth from resin or Hogwarts castle with individual blocks. It’s a never-ending rabbit hole.

4. The Gym—I don’t count myself as one of these people; I don’t own a gym membership. However, many people spend more time in the gym than they do with their family—it’s a growing religion. It feels good (for a while) and you look better in the mirror, but it’s expensive (and kind of boring). Others will spend time exercising in different ways, like running or playing sports. Either way, they won’t be sat in the cinema.

5. Onlyfans—it’s true. According to: ONLYFANS WRAPPED 2025 – A global analysis of who’s spent the most on Onlyfans in 2025 (seen here: https://onlyguider.com/blog/onlyfans-wrapped-2025/), spending on Onlyfans rose to 7.2B$ in 2025, up from 6.6B$ the previous year. I’m sure you’re familiar with the site “OnlyFans“, but I was surprised to see how popular it is in Europe. Finland is number 1 in spending per capita, IN THE WORLD! What’s driving that spending? My best guess: loneliness and a void of meaning (which OnlyFans is more than happy to cash in on). I was surprised to see Ireland in number 8 also. Maybe it’s time to talk with the kids…

Onlyfans

There you have it—the truth. People’s habits are changing. Like the pub in Ireland, cinemas are going to have to downsize and diversify; the market isn’t there anymore. The cinema was a fantastic experience when it arrived but it has grown stale and failed to adapt to the test of time.

Those are my thoughts. I find this stuff fascinating. Hope you found something useful in here.

Thanks for reading and if you’ve any comments, let me know down below.

Good luck out there.

-D.C.