Since movies were invented, we’ve been told that they’re an endangered species. But this year’s blockbuster summer is changing that.
Prognosticators and cynics said that the advent of television would sink the movie theaters. It didn’t. Then, the threat was pay television — the growth of cable, it was thought, meant doom for cinemas. It wasn’t. The VCR was the next prospective theater-killer — why would anyone go out if they can watch a movie of their choice at home?
Because movies are better in theaters, of course.
Are Movie Theaters Back?
More recently, skeptics believed that streaming would finish off in-person movie viewing once and for all. The peak of digital content’s dominance coincided with the beginning of the pandemic, fueling the fire for cinema’s doomsayers. Yet box-office business is booming in 2026; according to Variety, sales are up 10% overall from 2025 and summer receipts are expected to hit their highest level since 2019 (a particularly profitable, and pre-pandemic year for cinemas).
Brian Mendelssohn, owner of Row House Cinemas, says the difference over recent years is palpable. “From what I see, the box-office upswing is being driven both by stronger movies and by people’s growing desire for communal experiences.
“This year’s films are well balanced between original content, sequels and a new generation of horror directors coming into their own — including Ari Aster, Robert Eggers, Jane Schoenbrun and Osgood Perkins.”
In general, Mendelssohn says, the public is getting sick of their couches. “As we continue moving beyond the pandemic and people grow more fatigued with social media and isolated entertainment, folks are wanting the energy and joy of watching a movie with other people in a great movie house.”
While there are still some major releases yet to come — including Marvel’s next Spider-Man film, due out July 31 — here are the five biggest summer hits of the season and where you can see them.
Where to Watch the Best Summer Blockbusters of 2026
Toy Story 5
Box Office to Date: $431 Million Domestic (#1 Overall for 2026)
Our Review: “This world is so rich and charming that story flaws can’t sink the ship. The performers are clearly happy to be back, and newcomers including Conan O’Brien, Craig Robinson and Melissa Villaseñor fit right in. A marvelous score, once again by Randy Newman, helps ground the action.”
Why Did It Hit?: Nostalgia and timing. There’s plenty of affinity for the Toy Story characters, and that feeling is strongest amongst Millennials now of parenting age; members of the target audience for the original film’s 1995 release are now between 35 and 45 years old. That means that generation has plenty of money to spend at the cinema … and many have kids of their own to bring along.
Where to See It Now: Still in theaters.
Go to the Cinema or Wait?: Go to the cinema. The score and sound are so enchanting, and the world so richly envisioned, that the in-theater experience will definitely help. (And, to be honest, this chapter has some slow stretches; you or your kids might lose interest at home.)
Looking to learn more? Read the full review.
Obsession
Box Office to Date: $258 Million Domestic (#5 Overall for 2026)
Our Review: Believe it or not, we didn’t focus on Obsession when it debuted on May 15; we reviewed the very good, but not very successful, Is God Is.
Why Did It Hit?: It’s very good — and it’s shocking in a way that spurs conversation. Obsession is a Monkey’s Paw tale gone maniacally wrong; a young man wishes that his crush would love him, only to make her murderously obsessed with him instead. There are jaw-dropping moments aplenty and unanswered questions to debate; that means missing Obsession feels like being out of the loop. That kind of word-of-mouth buzz often translates to ticket sales. (Plus, horror is having a big moment right now.)
Where to See It Now: Obsession is still rattling around cinemas, a full 10 weeks after its release; it remained in the Top 10 last weekend. It’s also now streaming on Peacock and can be rented from digital on-demand services.
Go to the Cinema or Wait?: Seeing it at a local drive-in would be a particularly creepy experience. Obsession is great in the theater, but a claustrophobic home viewing wouldn’t be bad, either. (Just turn the lights out.)
Backrooms
Box Office to Date: $196 Million Domestic (#7 Overall for 2026)
Our Review: As was the case with Obsession, we turned our focus elsewhere on May 29, reviewing the complete flop that was Nate Bargatze’s The Breadwinner.
Why Did It Hit?: Internet buzz for a topic born of the internet. Backrooms is based on a viral internet meme born of a single, unsettling image and turned into a crowdsourced world of mythology about mysterious liminal spaces and the dangers within. Unlike many theatrical offerings, Backrooms feels truly fresh and novel — a lurch forward in spooky cinema.
Where to See It Now: An extended edition of Backrooms, with bonus footage after the credits, was released in theaters two weeks ago. It likely won’t remain in cinemas for very long, though, so catch it while you can — or rent it at home through Prime or Apple.
Go to the Cinema or Wait? While your chances to catch Backrooms on the big screen are running out, you should do so if you can. The long hallways, endless echoes and fluorescent hum are much better served by watching in a cavernous space. If you can’t find a theater, though, the found-footage moments of the film will translate well to home viewing.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Box Office to Date: $177 Million Domestic (#8 Overall for 2026)
Our Review: “This is a standalone tale that doesn’t require the audience to be familiar with the TV series. And there’s plenty of signature Star Wars fun here, from memorably weird aliens to thunderous battles between giant robots.”
Why Did It Hit?: While The Mandalorian and Grogu didn’t do quite as well as Disney would’ve liked (who predicted Backrooms and Obsession outgrossing Baby Yoda?), it’s the first theatrically released Star Wars film in almost 7 years — and the brand still has undeniable appeal. A built-in audience from one of the most successful streaming series in recent memory didn’t hurt, either.
Where to See It Now: At home. The theatrical window has all but closed for The Mandalorian and Grogu; it’s now available for digital rental and should drop on Disney+ in a few months.
Go to the Cinema or Wait?: On this one, you don’t have a choice — if you missed it on the big screen, you’ll be watching at home. On the plus side, the small screen was the birthplace for these characters, so it should be a smooth transition.
Looking to learn more? Read the full review.
The Odyssey
Box Office to Date: $124 Million Domestic (#10 Overall for 2026)
Our Review: “Many of the typical hallmarks of blockbuster cinema are deliberately absent here; wonder has been sacrificed to Athena, replaced with pervasive dread. It’s an odd and deeply affecting experience — yet one made with remarkable skill and, perhaps, a bit of magic. Or at least prophecy.”
Why Did It Hit?: Audiences were extensively surveyed on that question … and they named the director. With his inherently cinematic, visually rich films, Christopher Nolan has become the standard-bearer for the in-theater experience. Audiences know that these are movies that must be seen in the cinema, ideally on the most technologically advanced screen possible. At the moment, Nolan is the closest thing in Hollywood to a surefire box-office bonanza.
Where to See It Now: In every movie theater on the planet. The Odyssey just debuted last weekend, winning its first weekend with a gargantuan (or Cyclopian?) haul. It’s 10th for the year as of this writing, but it could well crack the Top 5 after another week or two — so cinemas are going to hang onto it for as long as they can.
Go to the Cinema or Wait?: Watching a Nolan movie at home is like listening to a symphony through your cell-phone speakers. You’ll want to see every detail and appreciate every stroke of filmmaking bravado; get to the cinema now.
Looking to learn more? Read the full review.
Story by Sean Collier
Photo From Melinda Sue Gordon / Universal Pictures
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