Art by Tom Garrett; Shutterstock.com

Are Movies Better at Home or in the Theater?

Lindsay wants to go to the theater for family movie night. Her brother, Sam, would prefer to stream a movie at home. Whose side are you on?

By Catherine Schmitt

From the March/April 2026 Issue

Lexile: 500L-600L, 600L-700L

Featured Skill: Main Idea and Supporting Details

Standards

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Art by Tom Garrett; Maskot/Getty Images

Dear Sam,

I can’t wait for our family movie night! I know we usually stream movies at home. But I have an idea: What if we go to the movie theater instead this weekend?

To start, the snacks are better at the theater. Nothing beats the taste—or smell—of fresh buttery popcorn. We can also order a cherry slushie or nachos!

Second, going to the movies is more exciting. We can get tickets to see a brand-new blockbuster, like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. It’s only showing in theaters, so going to the movies is the only way to see it. Plus, we can watch it with other Super Mario fans. Maybe we can even dress up as our favorite characters, like Mario and Yoshi. That will definitely make our family movie night extra special.

Dear Sam,

I can’t wait for our family movie night! I know we usually watch movies at home. But what if we go to the movie theater instead this weekend?

First, the snacks are better at the theater. Nothing beats fresh, buttery popcorn. We can also order a slushie
or nachos!

Second, going to the movies is more exciting. We can get tickets to see a big new movie, like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. It’s only in theaters. Going to the movies is the only way to see it. Plus, we can watch it with other fans. Maybe we can dress up as our favorite characters. That will make our family movie night extra special.

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Finally, it’s easy to get distracted at home. Our neighbor’s baby might start crying, or our dog could start barking. In the theater, we can get caught up in the full experience. The high-tech sound system means we can hear everything loud and clear. And we’ll be able to see the action better on a big screen. Our home TV can’t compare!

Should I ask Mom to get us all tickets? (As Mario says: “Let’s-a go!”)

Your theater-loving big sister,

Lindsay

Finally, it’s easy to get distracted at home. Our neighbor’s baby might cry. Or our dog could bark. In the theater, the fancy sound system means we can hear everything. And we’ll be able to see better on a big screen.

Should I ask Mom to get us tickets?

Your theater-loving big sister,

Lindsay

Art by Tom Garrett; Ronnie Kaufman/Getty Images

Dear Lindsay,

I would love to see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with the family! But let’s wait until it’s streaming. I vote we keep family movie night at home. I’d even be OK with watching your favorite movie, Wicked, again. Here’s why.

First, it’s way more comfortable—and convenient—to watch movies from our couch. We can wear our matching pj’s and cozy slippers. And we could start the movie whenever we want! We wouldn’t have to be at the theater at a specific time.

Next, going to the movies is expensive! I’ve done some research. The average cost of a ticket is about $11. A bag of popcorn costs about $9. But it’s only about 75 cents to buy a bag of popcorn at the store. Stores also have way more snack options. Dad even offered to make us his famous grilled cheese sandwiches. (You can’t enjoy that at a movie theater!)

Dear Lindsay,

I would love to see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with the family! But let’s wait until it’s streaming. I think we should have a family movie night at home. I’d even be OK with watching your favorite movie, Wicked. Here’s why.

First, it’s more comfortable and easy to watch movies at home. We can wear pj’s and slippers. And we could start the movie when we want! We wouldn’t have to be at the theater at a set time.

Next, going to the movies is expensive! I’ve done research. A ticket costs about $11. A bag of popcorn costs about $9. But a bag of popcorn at the store costs only about 75 cents. Stores also have more snack options. Dad even said he would make us grilled cheese sandwiches. (You can’t eat that at a movie theater!)

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Besides, I actually find movie theaters more distracting than watching movies at home. Other moviegoers often slurp sodas loudly. Some people text—or even talk—during important scenes. At home, we can pause the movie if someone starts talking. We can also take breaks if we need to use the bathroom or microwave a fresh batch of popcorn. That way, we won’t miss any of the action.

Ready for a Wicked watch party?

Your comfy younger brother,

Sam

Also, I think movie theaters are more distracting than watching movies at home. Other people often drink sodas loudly. Some people text or talk. At home, we can pause the movie if someone starts talking. We can also take breaks if we need to use the bathroom or make popcorn. That way, we won’t miss any of the movie.

Ready for a Wicked watch party?

Your comfy younger brother,

Sam