The smell of buttery freshly popped popcorn, the seemingly never ending trailers, and the thrill of the film on the large screen all ended when theaters across the country shut down last spring.

Now, you can pause the film, not have to pay for treats, and watch any time. But you are surrounded by distractions, bright lights, and have a small screen.

The first film to be released through a streaming service was Mulan, which was released to Disney + in September of last year. Though it cost 30 dollars to watch, the film only made 70 million, despite a production budget of 200 million.

While Mulan was the first major film to be released, it is not the first. Prime Video, HBO Max, Netflix, and Hulu have been  releasing original films as well.

Netflix even announced this year that they would be releasing a film a week throughout this year.

But the problem with the pandemic was the theatrical releases. Companies like Disney and Warner Brothers were able to release their films: Mulan and Wonder Woman 1984 through their respective platforms, Disney + and HBO Max. Films without release platforms, such as the latest Bond installment, No Time to Die, are delayed.

Wonder Woman 1984 was a major theatrical release which was released to HBO Max Christmas Day. The film was largely disliked by fans. The film appeared to have different stories happening simultaneously and projected themes which fans disliked.

Yet another aspect to the failures of Mulan and Wonder Woman could be the loss of the theatrical aspect. Both films include action scenes which appeal directly to the large screen and loud speakers.

Movie goers hope for theaters to reopen in anticipation of films which are being delayed, but until then, fans will have to simply open an app.