Israel's Cinema Experience Marred by Neglect, Noise, and Poor Service Despite Rising Attendance

The summer of 2026 saw a significant return of audiences to Israeli cinemas, driven by popular local films like "Kupa Rishona" and "Giva 338," alongside international hits such as "Spider-Man: New Day" and "Obsession." However, this resurgence has also highlighted widespread issues affecting the cinema-going experience across the country. Viewers report long queues, outdated seating, unclean conditions, constant noise, and a lack of effective staff presence to maintain order.

Investigations at four cinemas, Cinema City Rishon Lezion, Planet Rishon Lezion, Rav Chen Tel Aviv, and Lev Tel Aviv, revealed stark contrasts. While Rishon Lezion venues were crowded and noisy with long concession lines and aging facilities, Tel Aviv cinemas offered a quieter, cleaner environment but still suffered from old infrastructure. Prices for regular tickets range from about 46 to 50 shekels, with additional online booking fees, though discounts and memberships often reduce costs.

A key concern is the diminished role of ushers, who traditionally enforced silence and order during screenings. Today, their presence is minimal, leaving audiences to confront disruptive behavior themselves or endure disturbances. Incidents of verbal abuse and even physical attacks on staff have been reported, including a severe assault on an usher in Rehovot this summer. This has led to staff reluctance to intervene, further degrading the viewing environment.

Audience members like Ariel from Ramat Gan and podcast host Uri Ronen describe frequent disruptions from noisy groups, phone use, and unruly behavior, which often go unaddressed. The lack of staff enforcement and slow concession service exacerbate frustrations. Former cinema employees attribute these problems to tight schedules, insufficient staffing, and limited authority to manage disturbances.

Cinema chains acknowledge the challenges but emphasize ongoing efforts to improve cleanliness, comfort, and customer service. Cinema City highlighted their high daily screening volume and commitment to maintaining order, while Lev Tel Aviv noted recent upgrades to equipment and facilities. Planet and Rav Chen declined to comment. The overall picture suggests that while audiences are eager to return to theaters, significant improvements in maintenance, staffing, and enforcement are needed to restore a quality cinema experience in Israel.