advantages of watching movies essay

5 very real benefits of watching movies

Topic: Entertainment

With more entertainment options than ever before, we’re still going to the movies. We asked five experts why — and they said the benefits of watching films extend far beyond just having fun. ( ABC Everyday: Nathan Nankervis )

Although streaming services provide on-demand entertainment that would've been unthinkable even a few years ago, seeing a film with friends remains an important ritual for many of us.

In fact, if you're like most Australians, you're spending more time in the cinema than you did 10 years ago.

It's not just that we're going to the movies more often. We're also just as interested in film culture as we've ever been. Online searches for "Oscars nominations" have almost doubled in the past ten years, Google Trends data shows.

So what's behind our ongoing love of movies? And is it just about being entertained, or do we get something deeper from the films we watch?

Going to the movies is not only about blowing off steam and having a laugh, explain the five experts interviewed for this article. Watching a film can also be a way of appreciating art (in a format more accessible to many of us than a gallery) and learning lessons about ourselves and the world.

Here's how.

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Films help us learn

"We can learn a huge amount about certain moments in time or certain perceptions of moments in time" from watching films, says Adrian Danks, lecturer and associate dean of media in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University.

In other words, films can shape the way we're making sense of the world we're living in right now — regardless of the period they're set in.

Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, an Oscars Best Picture nominee about a black police officer who infiltrates the local Ku Klux Klan branch, for example, uses footage from Trump-era rallies at the film's conclusion, positioning the film as a meditation on contemporary politics.

"It's obviously a film set in the 1970s and it's able to bring some of those issues or relationships to connect to something that's happening in the current moment," says Dr Danks.

Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddie Mercury biopic, is one of several based-on-a-true-story blockbusters nominated for an Academy Award this year. ( (Twentieth Century Fox) )

How "fiction can explore historic events in different ways to a documentary" is a theme that has underpinned the career of Robert Connolly, the Australian director whose credits include Romulus, My Father (2007) and Balibo (2009). The former uses the story of a father-son relationship to say "something about that period of time, the immigrant experience, in that part of Australia," he tells ABC Everyday.

Mr Connolly points to Oscars nominee Roma — another biographical memoir, in this case inspired by filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón's upbringing in 1970s Mexico City — as an example of "an amazing film" that tells a real-life story in different ways to a documentary. The movie follows the story of a family's relationship with its live-in maid to raise issues concerning race, culture and class that remain relevant today.

Films can drive social change

Films have always inspired social change due to their ability to teach viewers about experiences outside their own perspective, inspire empathy, and raise politically charged questions.

"That's kind of their role, to be provocative," says Dr Danks.

In 2004, The Day After Tomorrow helped increase awareness on climate change, Yale researchers found . The 2013 documentary Blackfish sparked public outcry that culminated in SeaWorld announcing the closure of its controversial orca show, and in Australia, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (1994) was pivotal in introducing LGBT themes to mainstream audiences.

More recently, calls for action on racial hegemony and sexual harassment in Hollywood (see: the #OscarsSoWhite and #TimesUp movements) sparked new debates about racial and gender equality.

This led to audiences becoming "much more attuned to a non-binary understanding of gender, of different sexualities, of the importance of diverse communities," explains Scott McQuire, a media and communications professor in the School of Culture and Communication at the University of Melbourne.

Black Panther has successfully caused audiences to actively “think about certain issues of race and the way these kinds of films have represented identify previously,” one expert says. ( Marvel Studios )

"There's now an awareness that if you want diverse stories told, it's not just about hiring different actors," says Dr McQuire.

"You've got to have a diverse group of writers and other people involved in production."

Oscars Best Picture nominee Black Panther reflects that progress. According to #OscarsSoWhite creator April Reign , it "shatters the notion that black films can't travel".

What does all this mean for viewers?

When we buy a ticket to a film made by a diverse team, telling a story of a group of people not often represented on screen, we're encouraging Hollywood to continue making diverse films, says Dr McQuire.

This year's Oscar nominees list also features a number of stories of strong women: The Favourite (pictured), Roma and Suspiria are among them. ( Fox Searchlight Pictures )

Films help us process difficult life lessons

"Of course stress relief is a key function of films, and it's a major function for large audiences of blockbuster films," says Dr Danks.

But the therapeutic benefits of films can extend further.

Jillian Lynch, a psychotherapist based in Sydney, says films provide "an opportunity for viewers to recognise themselves in a character or some part of a film's narrative in order to undergo change".

Dr Lynch completed her PhD thesis on 'cinematherapy' — the practice of psychotherapists and psychologists using film in their clinical practices as an adjunct to therapy (a practice well known to anyone who's bought tickets to a comedy for some light relief or switched on a tragic love story to cry to after a relationship breakdown).

In other words, films can be "a safe space" where we can find alternative role models to identify with, and observe those characters' behaviours as they tackle challenges similar to our own.

Some viewers also find metaphors or symbols in films that help them grapple with major life challenges.

Dr Lynch's research found the symbol of the ring in Lord of the Rings, for example, has been used by recovering addicts as a way of understanding their struggle. (Frodo is "on that journey to destroy that ring, to overcome that ring, and he never does, he never overcomes it," one interview subject told Dr Lynch. "Even though he's able to get away from it, it still tempts him, it's still there.")

Films are (still) a social experience

Box office ticket sales are on the rise globally — and the fact we still pay $20 to go to the movies, despite the popularity of streaming services, shows just how important movie-going remains to our social lives, explains Dr McQuire.

"The other growth area has been what you'd call 'para-cinematic exhibition experiences' — movie events in bars, or rooftop cinemas," says Dr McQuire. "There is a real flourishing of this sort of thing."

Streaming movies is increasingly more popular. But with social media and online forums making it easier than ever to discuss films, that doesn't stop film-watching from being a social experience. ( Warner Bros. )

Even where we do stream movies at home, we increasingly find ways to connect with friends and communities over films — including on social media, online forums or pop culture websites.

Streaming has also facilitated some films to find a more mainstream audience than they otherwise would have.

"A film such as Roma, which otherwise might have been seen by considerably less people — through streaming is being seen by audiences from around the word. And that's certainly been critical to its popular recognition," says Dr Danks.

Films help us appreciate art

Films are often seen primarily as a form of entertainment, but it's worth remembering cinema is also an art form.

Because the medium can be understood as a "combinatory art form" (a type of art that combines other mediums) watching a movie can allow us to appreciate elements of, say, costume and sound design, architecture and theatre.

Simply watching a film can be a way of appreciating art and heightening your cultural awareness — in a format that is more accessible to many of us than a gallery.

Movies are simply "easier to take in" than books or other forms of storytelling, says Ian Davidson, president of the Australian Council of Film Societies.

When we watch a film, we're not just being entertained: We're also admiring something beautiful; learning about the world and ourselves; connecting with communities; and contributing to positive social change.

And, as Mr Davidson points out, "it's all over and done with in two hours."

Essay on Impact of Cinema in Life for Students and Children

500 words essay on impact of cinema in life.

Cinema has been a part of the entertainment industry for a long time. It creates a massive impact on people all over the world. In other words, it helps them give a break from monotony. It has evolved greatly in recent years too. Cinema is a great escape from real life.

Furthermore, it helps in rejuvenating the mind of a person. It surely is beneficial in many ways, however, it is also creating a negative impact on people and society. We need to be able to identify the right from wrong and make decisions accordingly.

Advantages of Cinema

Cinema has a lot of advantages if we look at the positive side. It is said to be a reflection of the society only. So, it helps us come face to face with the actuality of what’s happening in our society. It portrays things as they are and helps in opening our eyes to issues we may have well ignored in the past.

Similarly, it helps people socialize better. It connects people and helps break the ice. People often discuss cinema to start a conversation or more. Moreover, it is also very interesting to talk about rather than politics and sports which is often divided.

Above all, it also enhances the imagination powers of people. Cinema is a way of showing the world from the perspective of the director, thus it inspires other people too to broaden their thinking and imagination.

Most importantly, cinema brings to us different cultures of the world. It introduces us to various art forms and helps us in gaining knowledge about how different people lead their lives.

In a way, it brings us closer and makes us more accepting of different art forms and cultures. Cinema also teaches us a thing or two about practical life. Incidents are shown in movies of emergencies like robbery, fire, kidnapping and more help us learn things which we can apply in real life to save ourselves. Thus, it makes us more aware and teaches us to improvise.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of Cinema

While cinema may be beneficial in many ways, it is also very damaging in various areas. Firstly, it stereotypes a lot of things including gender roles, religious practices, communities and more. This creates a false notion and a negative impact against that certain group of people.

People also consider it to be a waste of time and money as most of the movies nowadays are not showing or teaching anything valuable. It is just trash content with objectification and lies. Moreover, it also makes people addicts because you must have seen movie buffs flocking to the theatre every weekend to just watch the latest movie for the sake of it.

Most importantly, cinema shows pretty violent and sexual content. It contributes to the vulgarity and eve-teasing present in our society today. Thus, it harms the young minds of the world very gravely.

Q.1 How does cinema benefit us?

A.1 Cinema has a positive impact on society as it helps us in connecting to people of other cultures. It reflects the issues of society and makes us familiar with them. Moreover, it also makes us more aware and helps to improvise in emergency situations.

Q.2 What are the disadvantages of cinema?

A.2 Often cinema stereotypes various things and creates false notions of people and communities. It is also considered to be a waste of time and money as some movies are pure trash and don’t teach something valuable. Most importantly, it also demonstrates sexual and violent content which has a bad impact on young minds.

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Impact of Movies on Youth Essay: 250 and 500 Words

• Updated on  
• October 18, 2024

Impact of movies on youth essay: Movies are an integral part of our lives. It has long been a part of the entertainment industry, with a significant impact on people all around the world. Movies offer a break from people’s daily routines and allow them to escape reality. Young people are more likely to watch films, which has a huge impact on them. This section will address the impact of movies on youth through the samples of the essay. While providing you with the essay, will also discuss the positive and negative impacts of movies on youth.

Table of Contents

• 1 Impact of Movies on Youth Essay in 250 Words
• 2.1 Positive Impact of Movies on Youth
• 2.2 Negative Impact of Movies on Youth
• 3 FAQs 

Impact of Movies on Youth Essay in 250 Words

Movies have a significant impact on society, especially among young people, who are its target audience. The impact of movies on young people can be positive or negative, depending on the content and how it is received. With movies becoming the dominating source of entertainment, it is important to understand how they influence and shape young minds.

One of the benefits of movies is their power to inspire. Movies with powerful messages can inspire and motivate young people to pursue their passions and take action for positive change. Movies like ‘3 Idiots’ encourage the journey of self-discovery and provide a new perspective on life. Historical and biographical films teach kids about history, culture, and influential people, whereas documentaries raise awareness of important social and environmental issues.

However, movies that depict violence, drug addiction and bad behaviour can have a harmful impact on young people. Such movies normalise unfair behaviour in society, and the glorification of materialism and unrealistic portrayals of relationships can lead to false expectations. The impact of movies on life, fashion, and body image can result in low self-esteem and unhealthy comparisons.

The rise of digital platforms has made movies more accessible and prone to influence. That is why it is so important for young people to be informed about what they see, as well as to recognise and address the negative aspects of movies. Parents and educators should guide young children on how to consume media appropriately. Filmmakers must also ensure that their work does not have a negative impact on young viewers.

Simply said, movies have a significant impact on young people. It has both positive and negative components that must be acknowledged in order to ensure that cinema’s influence on young brains is beneficial rather than damaging.

Also Read: Essay on Movies: Advantages and Disadvantages

Impact of Movies on Youth Essay in 500 Words

Movies have always been an effective means of storytelling and an incredible source of entertainment. In addition to entertainment, they have the ability to educate and influence society significantly. Movies influence young people’s perceptions and values. With the rise of digital platforms and the widespread availability of movies, cinema’s influence on young people has grown. While movies can inspire and educate, they can also have a harmful impact on young brains by promoting unrealistic expectations.

Positive Impact of Movies on Youth

Movies that are both inspiring and informative can have a great impact on the minds of young people. Some of the positive impacts of movies on youth are mentioned below.

• Inspiration and Motivation : Movies often act as a source of motivation for youth. Movies such as ‘3 Idiots’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ express messages about following one’s dreams and passions and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Biographical films about famous people such as Gandhi and Nelson Mandela share values such as peace, leadership and social justice, as well as the importance of determination and dedication to greater change.
• Cultural Exposure : Movies expose viewers to a variety of cultures and lifestyles. Watching foreign movies helps young people develop tolerance and an awareness of cultural differences. This type of exposure increases worldwide awareness and enables young people to develop empathy and a broader perspective on humanity.
• Education and Awareness : Cinema also serves as a tool for education. Movies like ‘Lagaan’ offer insight into significant events, helping young people in understanding the world’s history and cultures. Documentaries and socially relevant films such as ‘Super Size Me’ and ‘Taare Zameen Par’ shed light on health, social issues and education. These kinds of films enhance the knowledge of young people and educate them to think critically about the world.
• Emotional and Social Development : Movies often include characters with complicated personalities and relationships. It helps viewers to understand all the different aspects of life. Movies involving friendship, family and emotions often resonate with young people, encouraging them to think on their own relationships and emotional well-being. Movies can also help in addressing challenging issues such as mental health, bullying, or identity crises which helps young people to deal with such situations.

Also Read: Essay on Censorship in 100, 200, and 300+ Words

Negative Impact of Movies on Youth

Several movies that depict alcohol or drug abuse might have a harmful impact on the minds of young people. Some of the negative impacts of movies on youth are listed below.

• Promotion of Violence : One of the most serious issues about movies is the promotion of violence, substance misuse and unhealthy behaviour. Movies that glorify crime or drug use can have a harmful impact on youth, encouraging them to engage in these behaviours and making them appear acceptable. For example, action-packed films depicting violence may inspire aggressive behaviour in viewers. Similarly, films that showcase excessive alcohol use, smoking or drug abuse without demonstrating the consequences may encourage kids to imitate.
• Body Image Issues : The presentation of unrealistic body standards in movies has a harmful impact on young people’s self-esteem. This can lead to body image issues and insecurities in youth, especially young girls. The common portrayal of beautiful bodies, flawless skin and unattainable beauty can lead to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.
• Unrealistic expectations and materialism : Movies often portray an ideal life, which might develop unrealistic expectations among young people. For example, romantic films can portray romantic relationships as ideal, setting unrealistic expectations in young people. Similarly, the presentation of wealth, luxury, and financial achievement may foster feelings of inadequacy in young people, spreading the misconception that happiness is linked to material goods.
• Addiction: The rise of digital platforms has made movies more accessible than ever. It promotes binge-watching behaviours among young people. Long-term exposure to movies can lead to addiction, in which young people neglect their responsibilities, studies, or physical activity. In addition, visual simulating videos could reduce the audience’s attention span and make it difficult to focus.

Movies have a significant impact on youth, affecting their beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. They can have both positive and negative impacts, which is why parents and youth themselves should approach films carefully. 

Related blogs on Essay:

The impact of movies on young people can be positive or negative, depending on the content and how it is received. The movies can be a source of inspiration and education, but can also lead to the promotion of violence and unhealthy behaviour as well as addiction.

The rise of digital platforms has made movies more accessible than ever. It promotes binge-watching behaviours among young people. Long-term exposure to movies can lead to addiction, in which young people neglect their responsibilities, studies, or physical activity.

Movies also serve as a tool for education. Movies like ‘Lagaan’ offer insight into significant events, helping young people understand the world’s history and cultures. Documentaries and socially relevant films such as ‘Super Size Me’ and ‘Taare Zameen Par’ shed light on health, social issues and education.

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu.  

Bhumika Sharma

A writer with a fresh perspective on thoughts, I have an year of experience in writing the blogs on various topics. Here, you will find my blogs for the students and education purpose.

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Why watching a movie could improve wellbeing

20 January 2020

Regular cinema trips may help boost wellbeing, according to a new study which shows a few hours behind the big screen has positive benefits on a person’s mental and physical state.

The study, conducted by researchers from UCL’s Department of Experimental Psychology (Division of Psychology and Language Sciences) and Vue Entertainment, found a direct link between watching a film and the impact it has on our brain function, social connections, productivity and creativity.

The scientific experiment used a combination of biometric devices, similar to a Fitbit or Apple Watch, and explicit questionnaires to investigate what happens to our bodies and minds during a two-hour film.

Remarkably, they found that the heart rates of the audience members were elevated during the movie, despite the fact that they were sitting still. Their heart rates were between 40-80 per cent of their maximum heart rate, which is what the British Heart Foundation calls the ‘healthy heart zone’, for about 40 minutes of the screening.

Professor Devlin said the study illustrates the strength of the physiological responses to seeing a movie.

“What we see is that the heart rate and electrodermal activity, an indirect measure of emotional arousal, go up and down with the narrative arc of the movie – meaning their heart rates elevate and drop depending on their engagement with the story.

“Big emotional moments in the film, like Aladdin and Jasmine’s first kiss, produced peaks of physiological activity indicating a strong emotional response from the audience,” said Professor Devlin.

Secondary research suggests that two unique elements of the cinema experience drove the findings: the focused activity and the shared social focus. These elements have proven long-term benefits on our overall brain function, memory, focus and productivity.

“Despite the fact that these people are all strangers to one another, their hearts begin to beat in synchrony while watching the film together.

“What we know from previous work is that when people demonstrate synchronised physiological responses like this, they also show stronger social and emotional bonds.”

Participants were asked about their feelings towards the other moviegoers both before and after watching the film. They reported feeling closer to their fellow audience members afterwards simply by watching the film together.

In addition, going to the cinema provides a distraction free environment. “Our modern lives are characterised by multitasking, social media distractions, and many items competing for our attention. Cinema and other cultural events provide space to concentrate and practice focusing. At the cinema specifically, there is nothing to do except immerse yourself.”

• Professor Joseph Devlin 
• UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences
• Vue Entertainment  

Related News

Band 7+: Many people spend a large amount of their free time watching movies. What might be the reasons for this? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

In this ever-growing epoch, the sources of gaining pleasures have also been transforming exponentially, like the allure of cinema has captivated the audience worldwide transcending the geographical boundaries and cultural divides, which is affecting the individuals’ cognition negatively. Therefore, this essay intends to highlight the forces behind this change in habits and delve into how this is a pessimistic development.

A myriad of factors is responsible for individuals devoting their leisure time to watching movies, the predominant one is sheer entertainment and unwinding. Cinematic experiences offer a temporary escape from monotonous life, distracting the viewers from the stresses of life, which further aids them to reduce the anxiety levels. Audiences find solace in the way movies take them to different realms of reality, even if it is for a few hours. For instance, comedy movies have been proven to decrease stress hormones levels and blood pressure. Additionally, watching movies is a communal activity, offering ways of social bonding and shared experiences among friends, families, and communities. The act of collectively consuming cinema fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection, whether gathered in theaters or living rooms.

Paradoxically, though the educational and informative aspect of movies is quite promising as some movies convey valuable lessons, historical events, and crucial social issues, still utilizing excessive time on films is not a wise decision. This is prominently because it fosters a sedentary lifestyle which can result in many physical and mental complications such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and low self-esteem, for there is little to no productivity in life. Also, the desire to stay at one place to enjoy the cinematic expressions deters individuals to have healthy relations and social life, in some cases resulting in complete social isolation. Consequently, the overall cognitive development of a person is disrupted.

In conclusion, the feeling of relaxation attained by whisking away to the alternate realities with the assistance of films drives people to opt for such a habit, however this can critically impact their way of life, distorting their overall growth as an intellectual human.

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