Why Reading Is Better Than Watching Movies

Reading is active while watching movies is passive. The act of turning pages creates a pause that enhances understanding.

Why spend tons of hours bingeing on a series when you could enjoy a good book or two?

Movies are fun, no doubt. Plus, the pictures are getting better each year. Innovations in CGI and cinematography have helped push the boundaries of motion pictures to previously unattainable dimensions, leading to high-grossing projects like Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning. Nevertheless, despite fierce competition from motion pictures, books remain unrivaled.

While the debate as to which of the two is the more enjoyable or fulfilling continues to rage, we beg to make a compelling case for reading. So, movie buffs, hold on to your biases and prejudices as we enlighten you on why reading is better than watching movies. And, if you’re a bibliophile, keep reading to see more reasons to continue the good work!

What Do the Facts Show?

Libraries were once the sole repository of books, available in many towns and homes. Book collections thrived as most knowledge came from them. Today, while libraries and bookstores are still significant sources of high-quality reads, the advent of the Internet and other digital technologies have increased the level of accessibility to books. Now, book lovers can choose between ebooks and paperbacks and gush over their favorite reads without ever smelling the musty richness of the physical pages.

However, technological innovation has benefitted every niche, not just the literary industry. Movies have become more popular than ever, and the rise of streaming networks has massively contributed to this. In fact, statistics show that a stunning 85% of U.S. households have at least one video streaming subscription, and 60% have at least one paid music streaming subscription.

That is not to say that people are reading books any less. Statistics show that print book sales figures in the U.S. consistently surpass $700 million per year, with the book market expected to reach $26 billion by 2025.

It’s pretty simple- books have their bibliophilic audience. And movies also have a considerable cinephilic following.

Is Binge-Watching Movies a Threat to Reading Culture?

While official stats backing up the facts can be hard to come by, it can be argued that the popularity of movies poses a significant threat to reading culture. This can be observed within bookish communities, where readers who once consumed tons of tomes now read less, favoring the colorfully-vivid CGI and surround sounds of D.C. and Marvel epics to the mental experience of book reading.

Book-to-movie adaptations have also found a place in motion picture, with popular fantasy series like A Song of Ice and Fire and The Wheel of Time finding homes with HBO and Amazon, respectively. The former’s success with Game of Thrones is the stuff of legend, while the latter’s budget for Wheel of Time proves that the big studios and producers are keen on tapping into the literary fiction goldmine.

Books take time to read, and so do movies. Movies are also relatively easier to watch compared to reading books. Simply put, many people don’t want the mental effort required to enjoy books.

Is Reading Better Than Watching Movies?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Despite the undoubted popularity of movies, books still reign supreme. Allow us to tell you why:

Books Form Better Mental Pictures

Reading is active while watching movies is passive. The act of turning pages creates a pause that enhances understanding. A reader creates a mental picture when a character is described as short with red hair or something as outlandish as wearing a green-and-brown striped shirt over blue shorts, yellow stocks, and black Chelsea boots.

Watching movies dampens the audience’s imagination and creativity. In other words, reading books lends flight to your imagination, while watching movies clips its wings.

Books Help Improve Your Literacy Skills

Reading helps you develop your language and literacy skills. It enhances your understanding of complex words and modes of speech and spelling skills. The more books you read, the better your vocabulary and articulation will be.

Even better, reading enhances your writing ability. If you’re a budding writer or simply want to improve your writing skills for various purposes, there’s no better way to do it than to read books.

Watching Too Many Movies Can Be Unhealthy

While you may enjoy watching the latest episode in your favorite T.V. series or a promising movie reboot/remake, binge-watching movies is unhealthy as it disrupts the sleep cycle and increases your chances of becoming obese. On the other hand, reading has many health benefits.

The health benefits of reading are both physical and mental. For instance, cultivating a reading habit can help to reduce stress levels, boost brain connectivity, alleviate depression symptoms, and lowers blood pressure and heart rate.

Time Management Is Easier With Books

Everyone knows just how quickly time slips away when you’re binge-watching movies. If you’re a movie buff, recalling just how much time you lost to watching movies instead of doing other activities may bring a bitter taste to your mouth.

A good book makes you feel good and much easier to drop when pressing real-world concerns and duties come calling.

Movies Do Not Stimulate You Mentally

Watching movies does nothing good for your brain connectivity. It is a lazy, albeit fun activity that offers no recreational value short of the temporary stimulation of the brain with enticing sound effects and flashing imagery.

Rather than spend hours watching movies, why not read books on African Fantasy and Myths, fairy tales, or even nonfiction? Read a book today and allow your brain to take you on endless flights unencumbered by the limits of motion picture!

Final Thoughts

The neuroscientist Hikaru Takeuchi once stated that the verbal reasoning of a child increases as they watch more T.V. while their arousal and aggression levels increase. In addition, Joseph Schwartz, a professor of Criminology, said that kids with tendencies for aggression and depression preferred watching television to being with other children.

No one is asking you to read 100 books in a year. All we’re saying is that you should try to read more books in your free time and watch fewer movies. 

If you enjoy a good plot, a book is just what you need, as it could be argued that there are more average-to-poor movies than there are books! I know that you have contrary opinions. But that’s what the comments section is for, isn’t it? Feel free to air your thoughts.

P.S.: Feel free to check out our book review section to help you decide on a choice read and discover interesting books across different genres!