Drunk on (Blockbuster) Nostalgia

A post on X went viral the other day, claiming modern-day streaming is a better experience than Blockbuster was. See below:

My memories of going to Blockbuster in the 90’s are of going with my Dad and little sister each week. We’d pile in his white Ford Taurus while Mom stayed behind to make dinner. We’d split up and browse different aisles. I remember the cardboard cutouts of upcoming movies. Going to Blockbuster back then was similar to today’s Netflix in that you’d scroll (by foot) and struggle to ever really decide on anything. Instead of watching a 30-second preview, you’d pick up the movie box and turn it over. A tactile experience. “Siskel & Ebert, two thumbs up!”

Eventually, my Dad would round us up and we’d be holding movies we’d already seen a bajllion times. Happy Gilmore. Night at The Roxbury. My Dad would have The Game, or Wild Things (based Dad). When there was something new and exciting out, it would typically already be rented out, and we’d have to wait until next week (a feature, not a bug).

The snacks at Blockbuster were overpriced, even back then. But sometimes we’d get a box of redvines or Sour Patch Kids. We’d stand in until the cashier would break the news about our late fees. Dad would side-eye me, as it was my job to return the movies on-time on my own. Our house was only three Third Eye Blind songs away on my skateboard.

Back home, the house would smell like spaghetti and my Mom would ask what took so long. We’d all watch a movie together and laugh our asses off.

Blockbuster was a better experience overall. It required physical movement, going into public. Children sweet-talking parents. Parents wrangling children. Netflix is convenient, but lacks intention and involvement. Or maybe I’m just drunk on Nostalgia.

Share