Okay, don’t roll your eyes at me just yet, but I have a hot take that I’m 100% ready to stand behind: DVDs are making a MASSIVE comeback in 2025, and honestly? I couldn’t be more excited. Yes, I’m talking about actual discs, the kind you’d slide into a shiny player and watch on your TV or laptop (if it still has a disc drive, of course). I know we’re living in the age of streaming everything at the click of a finger, but hear me out because DVDs are about to become the coolest way to watch movies and shows all over again. Call it nostalgia. Call it practicality. Call it the Gen Z aesthetic of blending old-school vibes with modern convenience. Whatever it is, DVDs are here, and they’re giving streaming services a run for their money.
No Wi-Fi? No Problem
Here’s the thing about streaming: it gives me a little anxiety sometimes. The buffering. The loading. The random error messages when my Wi-Fi decides it’s taking a break for no reason. That’s where DVDs absolutely shine. Picture this: you pop in a disc, press play, and BOOM, it’s movie night without interruptions. No buffering mid-car chase, no blurry resolution during a crucial plot twist. With DVDs, you get smooth, uninterrupted viewing every single time.
Plus, the DVD doesn’t care if you’re off the grid for a weekend in the mountains (hello, digital detox). It doesn’t need you to update your player or troubleshoot a buggy app. DVDs are dependable, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little more dependability in their life?
Streaming’s Disappearing Act Is Getting OLD
Streaming services are high-key frustrating when it comes to keeping your favorite content available. One day you’re all cozy, rewatching The Office for the millionth time, and the next, it’s GONE because another service snagged the rights. Or worse, platforms just straight-up delete shows (cough Netflix cough). It’s like renting a bookshelf and waking up to all your books missing, replaced by random ones you never asked for.
DVDs? They’ve got you covered. Once you own a DVD, it’s YOURS. Nobody’s creative licensing drama can take it away from you. Whether it’s your go-to comfort movie like 10 Things I Hate About You or a random obscure TV show you’d never find online, having the physical copy means you can watch it anytime, anywhere, forever. Kind of a vibe, no?
Bonus Features Are the Underrated MVPs
I cannot stress this enough: the bonus features on DVDs are so, so fun. Streaming services rarely give us the extras, but DVDs? They DELIVER. Director’s commentaries, blooper reels, behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes—we’re talking hours of extra content you never even knew you needed.
And don’t even get me started on special editions. Remember those deluxe box sets packed with gorgeous artwork, foldout inserts, and sometimes even collectible items? Buying a limited-edition DVD feels like owning a tiny piece of cinematic history, and you can’t replicate that thrill with a streamed movie.
If you’re a movie buff (or just love pausing and yelling, “Wait, how did they film THAT?!"), bonus features are like having a backstage pass to Hollywood. It’s the kind of pure joy that streaming just can’t match.
The Aesthetic Factor is SO Real
Okay, can we talk about the sheer aesthetic of DVDs for just a second? Because, hello, they’re borderline iconic now. TikTok is FILLED with people proudly showing off their eclectic DVD collections, complete with retro Blockbuster rentals and DVDs from the early 2000s (Mean Girls, anyone?). For Gen Z, DVDs hit that perfect sweet spot of nostalgia-meets-cool retro vibe. DVDs are like the new vinyl records; they’re both functional and collectible.
Curating a beautiful shelf of DVDs honestly feels more grounded and personal compared to stockpiling endless login info for streaming apps. It’s a chance to showcase your personality and taste.
Gen Z’s Love for Retro Tech
It’s no secret that Gen Z has a thing for retro tech. From instant cameras to flip phones making a mini-revival, our generation knows how to mix the best of the past with the convenience of now. And DVDs? They’re sliding right into that trend.
I’ve seen people who never lived through the DVD boom gushing over how cute and compact they are compared to bulky VHS tapes. There’s also this deeply satisfying feeling about finding DVDs at thrift stores, yard sales, or even your parents’ dusty collection in the attic. Grab an armful of classics for a couple of bucks, and you’re set for endless binge sessions without breaking the bank.
The Future Is Hybrid
Here’s the thing. I’m not saying we should all ditch streaming apps and go 100% DVDs again. (Sorry, I love my Netflix marathons too much for that.) What I’m saying is that in 2025, we get to blend old-school DVDs with modern streaming technology to get the best of both worlds.
Streaming services will always be there for instant gratification, but DVDs bring in that deeper connection to the movies and shows we love. They’re like a love letter to a time when media felt more tangible and less disposable. The combination of the two? Absolute chef’s kiss.
I don’t know about you, but I’m very here for this DVD revival. Whether it’s for nostalgia, reliability, or just the vibe of holding a physical copy of your favorite movie in your hands, DVDs are proving that sometimes, the best way forward is to bring a little bit of the past with us.