By Max McAuliff, Staff Writer
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the movie industry to face an impending threat head-on, the threat of streaming services. Even as movie theaters begin to reopen across the country, the debate over whether studios should release movies in theaters or on streaming services still exists.
However, this debate no longer needs to be held. Earlier this year, Warner Brothers and HBO Max announced that they would be releasing movies in theaters and on HBO Max on the same day for no extra charge.
The success of “Godzilla vs. Kong,” which premiered in theaters and HBO Max on March 31, not only proves that this release plan works, but that movie theaters and streaming services can successfully coexist.
According to Box Office Mojo, “Godzilla vs. Kong,” as of writing, has made $285 million and already recouped what it cost to make the film. The movie also had the best three-day opening during the pandemic raking in $32.2 million at the domestic box office.
At the global box office, “Godzilla vs. Kong” has already made 74% of what its predecessor “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” made. It’s safe to say that the movie will be a success at the box office, which is impressive as we’re still in the middle of a pandemic.
The success of “Godzilla vs. Kong” has been aided by a few things.
It is the first blockbuster movie to be released in theaters since they reopened in Los Angeles and New York City. While these two cities only represent a portion of the global theater market, they represent a rather large portion.
Another reason “Godzilla vs. Kong” has been successful is because it’s getting good reviews. Not only is it getting good reviews, but many of the reviews are encouraging people to see the movie on the biggest screen possible.
Those two factors, combined with the excitement of returning to the movies, have helped “Godzilla vs. Kong” break pandemic box office records.
The box office numbers aren’t the only impressive numbers that “Godzilla vs. Kong” put up. The movie broke the HBO Max record for streams in its first five days with 3.6 million households streaming the movie. It shattered the previous record which was held by “Wonder Woman 1984” at 2.2 million households.
Numbers aside, the important thing to take away is that there is hope that both movie theaters and streaming services can coexist with one another. Movie theaters have felt pressure ever since streaming services became popular and people could wait to watch movies at their homes.
Die-hard cinema fans who enjoy the movie theater experience will still be able to experience movies in theaters. Casual fans who might not feel safe going to a movie theater have the option to watch movies at home instead. This way everyone can be satisfied as opposed to debating which method is the best method.
Whether you like watching movies at home or on the big screen, one thing is for sure: movies are back!
mcaulimr18@bonaventure.edu
