At the Time100 Summit, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos boldly declared that the streaming giant is "saving Hollywood." Despite the exodus of film production from Los Angeles, the shrinking theatrical window, declining audience experiences, and inconsistent box office performances, Sarandos firmly believes that Netflix is the industry's savior. He emphasized that Netflix is a "very consumer-focused company" that delivers content in the manner viewers prefer.

Sarandos also touched on the declining box office sales, rhetorically asking, "What is the consumer trying to tell us?" He suggested that audiences prefer watching movies at home, while acknowledging his personal enjoyment of theatergoing. However, he described the traditional cinema experience as "an outmoded idea, for most people," though he noted it's not a universal sentiment.

These views align with Netflix's business interests, which prioritize streaming over traditional cinema attendance. Hollywood's challenges are evident, with family-oriented films like "Inside Out 2" and video game adaptations such as "A Minecraft Movie" supporting the industry, while even Marvel movies, once guaranteed blockbusters, face unpredictable success.

The debate over the relevance of movie theaters continues. Last year, actor Willem Dafoe lamented the shift towards home viewing, pointing out the difference in audience attention and the loss of the social aspect of cinema-going. He expressed concern that more challenging films suffer without a dedicated audience, and missed the communal experience of discussing films post-viewing.

In a 2022 discussion, acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh offered insights into the future of movie theaters amidst the rise of streaming. He acknowledged the ongoing appeal of the cinematic experience but stressed the importance of engaging younger audiences to ensure the longevity of theaters. Soderbergh highlighted the need for strategic programming and engagement to maintain the allure of cinema-going, independent of the theatrical window.

The conversation around the future of movie theaters versus streaming remains dynamic, with industry leaders like Sarandos and Soderbergh offering differing perspectives on how to navigate the evolving landscape of film consumption.