This past weekend highlighted a growing trend: audiences are eager to visit theaters, even when films are available for streaming at home. The theatrical release of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s "Hamilton" debuted at No. 2 at the box office, earning $10 million. This success is notable given that the film has been accessible on Disney+ for over five years.

The recent screenings of "KPop Demon Hunters" and the 50th anniversary re-release of "Jaws" mark the third consecutive week where a top box office film was also available for home viewing. This trend suggests that streaming may not be the end of traditional moviegoing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many feared that the shift to streaming would diminish theater attendance. The $100 million earnings from "Trolls: World Tour" indicated that audiences were willing to pay to watch new releases from home. However, box office numbers for films like "Oppenheimer" and "Sinners" show that viewers still prefer the theater experience for certain films, even knowing they will soon be available on streaming platforms.

Big-screen spectacles continue to attract audiences, as seen with hits like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Deadpool and Wolverine." Smaller films have also found success in theaters despite being available for streaming. For instance, "The Super Mario Brothers Movie" remained in the box office Top 5 weeks after its release on premium video on demand. Similarly, horror films like "Halloween Ends" and "Five Nights at Freddy's" performed well at the box office while also debuting on Peacock.

The success of films like "Sinners," "Weapons," and "The Conjuring: Last Rites" indicates that audiences still seek the thrill of watching horror movies in a theater setting. The communal experience of sharing reactions with a crowd enhances the enjoyment of these films.

Re-releases of classic films are also gaining traction. Historically, re-releases were less common due to the availability of home video. However, recent box office successes, such as the IMAX re-release of "Interstellar," demonstrate that audiences are willing to revisit beloved films on the big screen. The upcoming re-release of "Avatar: The Way of Water" is expected to attract viewers eager to experience the film in its intended format.

The trend of re-releasing films allows audiences to enjoy familiar stories in a communal setting. For example, the 40th anniversary of "Back to the Future" will be celebrated with an IMAX release, appealing to those who grew up watching it on home video. Disney is also banking on nostalgia with the 30th anniversary of "Toy Story," encouraging fans to see it in theaters.

The revival of classic films in theaters offers a unique experience that streaming cannot replicate. Many theaters are now hosting regular revivals, showcasing a different classic film each day. This strategy not only serves as a marketing tool for studios but also keeps theaters active during slower months.

While the relationship between streaming services and theaters remains complex, the recent successes suggest that fears of streaming killing the theatrical experience may be overstated. As long as studios and theaters continue to innovate with cinematic events and re-releases, audiences appear willing to attend films they could easily watch from home.