In a hyper-chaotic world where downtime is a rarity for a lot of people, it has become increasingly important to ensure that downtime is… well, actually valuable. It needs to leave you feeling revitalized and refreshed, but too often, people find that their downtime isn’t actually meeting their requirements. It’s not easy to find activities that allow us to switch off, but at the same time, stimulate our minds enough to avoid boredom or frustration.
Within this space, there are two big staples: movies and gaming. It might surprise you to learn that the gaming industry is actually bigger than the movie one - a lot bigger. It’s estimated to be worth about $249 billion in 2025 and is constantly growing. The same source pegs movies at about $93 billion - barely making a dent.
But why is that? And are games a pastime you should be considering, or are movies the more relaxing option? Let’s figure it out.
Games Are More Active
First, we’ve got to acknowledge a simple fact. Games are, by their very nature, more active than movies, which are pretty passive entertainment overall. When you’re gaming, you’re an active participant, whether you’re pushing buttons on a screen, throwing dice, making decisions based on what you know about your opponents, or anything else.
Let’s say, for example, that you’re playing craps online. This game is known for being fun for a number of different reasons; it’s quite a communal option, allowing you to chat with others as you play, and it’s very easy to learn. It’s also highly energetic, with most players getting really engaged with the dice and the outcomes.
The pace can vary depending on the kind of setup you pick, which is another point in its favor; you can find tables that are fast and thrilling if that’s your preference, or you can opt for ones that take a more leisurely approach, where the focus is more on having fun and chatting than playing quickly. With the right setup, craps can offer a relaxing time, and an opportunity to connect with other players and get to know them - a big win in many people’s eyes.
So how does that compare with watching a film, say one of the top ten best movies of 2025? Well, obviously, it depends a bit on what you pick, but the atmosphere and goal are bound to be very different. Unless you’re one of those people who talks over the whole movie, it’s likely to be a much less sociable experience, and certainly more passive; you’re going to be sitting still, watching the screen, for a couple of hours.
Does that make it less fun? Not necessarily! But if you feel like your entertainment is veering too far into “vegging out,” and doesn’t contain enough energy or socializing, craps might prove a better option. You can also play craps (and other games) in person with your friends, which can make your downtime more valuable, letting you get in some critical bonding moments. Remember, we’re social creatures. and we like to connect. Sure, watching a movie has some opportunities, especially if you discuss it afterward, but it’s not on the same level as playing a game!
Movies Require Less Thinking
This one might be a point in the movies’ favor, depending on your perspective. We’re going to admit that even the simplest games do require a bit of thinking on your part. After all, you wouldn’t be playing if you didn’t engage at least a little with the strategy and the different mechanics. There are some very accessible titles out there, but even the most straightforward is likely to take more of your brain power than a movie.
Again, that’s something of a generalization; if you’re watching a murder mystery where a lot of the point is trying to figure out “who dunnit,” you’re probably going to be using more of your mental faculties than if you’re just enjoying a lighthearted comedy or an easygoing romance. Either way, though, most games are going to be a bit more brain-heavy than the movie option.
That means that if you really want some gentle downtime, a movie might sound more appealing. You get to lower the lights, sit back, and just let something occupy your mind for a good two-hour stint. Occasionally, that’s the exact refresh we need.
Of course, you don’t always have to pick one or the other. Some people want the combination - an easy-to-follow movie, but the stimulation of a simple game. With more and more titles becoming available for mobile play, this is far more feasible than it was in the past, so don’t dismiss the possibility if you feel like this is the setup that would best let you recharge after a long day!
Craps is a game that’s simple enough to play while you watch a film, but there are plenty of other options out there - slots, roulette, Solitaire, and more - that can tick the same box. And if you’ve never tried one of these games but you feel inclined to venture into them for the first time, you can look for free spins and other offers to get you started.