For those who follow this site, you’ll know I greatly enjoy watching films at the cinema. While I was already writing a post about the benefits of seeing films on the big screen, I came across a few online articles where Matt Damon discusses films made for Netflix. They’re well worth a read, as he highlights some key differences between cinema and streaming.
Watching films in cinemas obviously comes with clear advantages: access to the latest releases, huge screens, and immersive Dolby sound. Some cinemas now offer reclining chairs, sofas, and even food delivery to your seat. Others provide 3D, 4DX, and enhanced sensory experiences. But beyond these obvious perks, there are several less-discussed benefits too. Many of these reflect my own experiences and interestingly align with Matt Damon’s comments. Link to the Guardian article at end.
Reduced distractions / better concentration
At home, it’s easy to pause a film, scroll through your phone, or get distracted by family life. In the cinema, concentration comes more naturally. Good cinema etiquette encourages phones to be put away, meaning fewer interruptions and a greater chance of fully engaging with and actually finishing a film in a single sitting.
Cost
Buying digital films or subscribing to services like Sky Cinema and Netflix isn’t cheap, and multiple streaming subscriptions quickly add up. One of the most cost-effective ways to see new releases is with an unlimited cinema pass. For £18 a month (that’s what I pay), it costs less than two standard cinema tickets and allows me to watch as many films as I like.
Experience – picture and sound
Even a standard cinema screen offers superior picture quality compared to home viewing. Finer details are easier to notice, and the immersive sound helps pull you fully into the film. Added features, such as seat vibrations, can further enhance the experience.
Comfort
Cinema seats are comfortable, but you’re far less likely to fall asleep than when watching from your sofa. I also tend to finish films at the cinema unlike at home, where I often start something and never return to it.
Shared experience
While cinemas aren’t exactly social spaces, they do create a shared experience. There’s something special about being in a room full of people reacting together, laughing, gasping, or sitting in silence during powerful moments.
Unedited viewing
How often do films shown on TV get edited or interrupted? In the cinema, you see the film as it was intended and with no ad breaks once it starts.
It’s also interesting to learn that Netflix films (scoring to the Guardian piece below) are sometimes altered to suit distracted streaming audiences, with repeated plot points and early action sequences designed to grab attention. That’s another strong argument for supporting films made for cinema rather than those designed primarily for streaming.
There are undoubtedly more subtle advantages than those listed here, not least the cinema snacks you can’t quite replicate at home. And if you haven’t read Matt Damon’s comments, you can find the article here:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jan/19/matt-damon-netflix-plot-explained-phones
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