Boston, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Independent movie theaters in Boston are gaining local support despite the dominance of streaming services and a struggling national box office. The Brattle and Coolidge Corner theaters have reported increased attendance and innovative strategies to attract audiences. Local fundraising and community engagement have bolstered their operations. While at-home viewing continues to rise, these theaters highlight the importance of the unique cinema experience, ensuring their survival in a changing landscape.
Boston — Independent movie theaters in Boston are drawing strong local support even as streaming services and a weakened national box office reshape how Americans watch films.
Key developments
A major nationwide trend continues to favor at-home viewing: Around 75% of U.S. adults watched a new film on streaming services in the past year instead of in theaters. Despite that shift, In Boston, independent theaters like The Brattle and Coolidge Corner are experiencing large audiences. Local leaders and managers report rising attendance at independent venues and targeted investments that have helped stabilize operations.
Attendance and revenue signals
The Brattle’s attendance in 2024 increased by nearly 55% compared to its 2008 attendance levels. At the same time, broader market data show persistent challenges for the theatrical business: National box office grosses are projected to not return to pre-COVID levels until at least 2029. Industry tracking also recorded a sharp seasonal decline, with This summer marked the lowest box office revenue in North America in over 40 years, yet the Coolidge Corner Theatre’s projections for 2025 indicate it will be its best-selling year in a decade.
How local theaters adapted
Local independent theaters adopted cost controls, programming changes, and community-driven funding to survive and grow. The popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu in the late 2000s and early 2010s negatively impacted local movie theaters significantly. In response, management at The Brattle took a series of specific steps to reduce expenses and expand revenue streams. The Brattle replaced paid ushers with volunteers and focused on new movies instead of classic films to reduce costs. The venue also added beverage service as part of its economic plan: The Brattle obtained a liquor license to increase revenue and compete with other entertainment options.
Community funding and facilities growth
Community support and fundraising have underpinned major projects. Coolidge Corner raised over $14 million in donations last year, allowing for a significant 14,000-square-foot expansion and addition of two new screens. Earlier efforts at The Brattle to modernize drew local backing as well: In 2013, The Brattle launched a Kickstarter campaign for new digital equipment, enhancing community engagement and support.
Local leadership and programming
Local leaders emphasize community ties and personalized customer service as strengths. Ian Judge, creative director of Capitol Theatre and Somerville Theatre, emphasized the personalized customer interactions at small independent theaters. Coolidge Corner’s leadership points to a long local presence as an asset: Katherine Tallman, Coolidge Corner’s executive director and CEO, noted the theater has been a part of the community since 1933. Managers also credit programming choices for attracting audiences. Coolidge Corner is one of four theaters in the U.S. screening Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” in VistaVision.
How streaming and community interact
While streaming services draw large audiences, local theater managers say streaming has also created benefits for small cinemas by increasing the range of films being produced. Katherine Tallman noted that streaming has benefited small theaters by promoting diverse filmmaking that might not otherwise be made. At the same time, community loyalty remains central: Community loyalty plays a crucial role in the survival of independent theaters, despite having fewer financial resources compared to larger chains.
What audiences still seek
Movie-goers continue to value the in-person experience for reasons that independent venues can deliver. Independent theaters offer a unique experience with fewer advertisements, historic architecture, and events that appeal to film enthusiasts. Local observers say the social and cultural aspects of seeing a film together remain important: Movie-goers still value the communal experience of watching films in theaters, even with the rise of streaming options. That mix of programming and place is reflected in local promotion of film variety: Ivy Moylan highlighted the rich diversity of cinema offerings in the Boston area, encouraging local audiences to explore their options.
Operational context
Managers also point to internal operational shifts. Ivy Moylan, executive director of The Brattle Theatre, mentioned the theater became frugal and careful to cope with financial losses. These adjustments, along with community fundraising and programming shifts, are cited as primary reasons independent theaters in Boston are registering renewed audience interest despite broader industry headwinds.
FAQ
How widespread is at-home streaming compared to theater attendance?
Around 75% of U.S. adults watched a new film on streaming services in the past year instead of in theaters.
Are Boston independent theaters seeing audience growth?
In Boston, independent theaters like The Brattle and Coolidge Corner are experiencing large audiences.
How did streaming popularity affect local theaters?
The popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu in the late 2000s and early 2010s negatively impacted local movie theaters significantly.
What operational changes did The Brattle make?
The Brattle replaced paid ushers with volunteers and focused on new movies instead of classic films to reduce costs.
Did The Brattle take other revenue steps?
The Brattle obtained a liquor license to increase revenue and compete with other entertainment options.
Has The Brattle used crowdfunding?
In 2013, The Brattle launched a Kickstarter campaign for new digital equipment, enhancing community engagement and support.
How has The Brattle’s attendance changed?
The Brattle’s attendance in 2024 increased by nearly 55% compared to its 2008 attendance levels.
When will national box office return to pre-pandemic levels?
National box office grosses are projected to not return to pre-COVID levels until at least 2029.
How did this summer’s box office perform and what are Coolidge Corner’s prospects?
This summer marked the lowest box office revenue in North America in over 40 years, yet the Coolidge Corner Theatre’s projections for 2025 indicate it will be its best-selling year in a decade.
How long has Coolidge Corner been part of the community?
Katherine Tallman, Coolidge Corner’s executive director and CEO, noted the theater has been a part of the community since 1933.
What fundraising supported Coolidge Corner’s expansion?
Coolidge Corner raised over $14 million in donations last year, allowing for a significant 14,000-square-foot expansion and addition of two new screens.
What do local theater directors emphasize?
Ian Judge, creative director of Capitol Theatre and Somerville Theatre, emphasized the personalized customer interactions at small independent theaters.
What distinctive experience do independent theaters offer?
Independent theaters offer a unique experience with fewer advertisements, historic architecture, and events that appeal to film enthusiasts.
Is Coolidge Corner showing notable special formats?
Coolidge Corner is one of four theaters in the U.S. screening Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” in VistaVision.
Has streaming helped small theaters in any way?
Katherine Tallman noted that streaming has benefited small theaters by promoting diverse filmmaking that might not otherwise be made.
What role does community loyalty play?
Community loyalty plays a crucial role in the survival of independent theaters, despite having fewer financial resources compared to larger chains.
Do audiences still value theaters?
Movie-goers still value the communal experience of watching films in theaters, even with the rise of streaming options.
How does The Brattle describe local cinema offerings?
Ivy Moylan highlighted the rich diversity of cinema offerings in the Boston area, encouraging local audiences to explore their options.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Streaming reach | Around 75% of U.S. adults watched a new film on streaming services in the past year instead of in theaters. |
| Local audience trend | In Boston, independent theaters like The Brattle and Coolidge Corner are experiencing large audiences. |
| The Brattle attendance | The Brattle’s attendance in 2024 increased by nearly 55% compared to its 2008 attendance levels. |
| Coolidge Corner expansion | Coolidge Corner raised over $14 million in donations last year, allowing for a significant 14,000-square-foot expansion and addition of two new screens. |
| National box office projection | National box office grosses are projected to not return to pre-COVID levels until at least 2029. |
| Recent box office context | This summer marked the lowest box office revenue in North America in over 40 years, yet the Coolidge Corner Theatre’s projections for 2025 indicate it will be its best-selling year in a decade. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Offers Wide Range of Student Discounts
Community Theater Warns of Fraudulent Ticket Sales
Additional Resources
- Daily Free Press: Boston’s Independent Movie Theaters Thrive
- Boston Magazine: Indie Movie Theaters
- Boston Globe: Top Pick Movie Theaters in Boston
- Time Out: Best Boston Movie Theaters
- Boston Uncovered: Boston Movie Theatres
- Wikipedia: Independent Film
- Google Search: Boston Movie Theaters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- Google Scholar: Independent Movie Theaters Boston
- Google News: Boston Independent Theaters
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
