12 Things You Had to Do to Rent a Movie Before Streaming

Before Netflix took over, movie nights were a whole different experience filled with effort, planning, and patience.

Chris Graciano
July 4, 2025
3 min read

12 Things You Had to Do to Rent a Movie Before Streaming — cottonbro studio on Pexels

Remember when watching a movie meant leaving the house and planning your evening around return times? Before the era of endless scrolling and instant plays, renting a film was a task filled with small but memorable rituals. Here’s a nostalgic look at what it used to take just to enjoy a movie night from the couch.

1. Drive to the Video Store

Raysonho on Wikimedia Commons

Back then, watching a movie started with physically leaving the house. Whether it was Blockbuster or your local corner shop, you had to gas up and go.

2. Hope Your Favorite Wasn’t Already Gone

Coasterlover1994 on Wikimedia Commons

Anticipation often led to frustration — popular movies vanished fast. If the new release wall looked empty, you knew you were too late.

3. Browse Aisle After Aisle

LexScope on Unsplah

With no algorithm suggesting what to watch, it was all on you. You’d scan cover art, read back covers, and compare blurbs. Picking a title could easily take 30 minutes.

4. Debate With Friends or Family

Ron Lach on Pexels

Everyone wanted something different — action, romance, thriller. Compromise wasn’t optional; it was essential. You’d hold up a case and pitch it like a salesman.

Jonathan Rolande on Flickr

You couldn’t just walk in and rent — you needed an account. That meant ID checks, paperwork, and sometimes even annual fees.

6. Check Return Dates Carefully

UpdateNerd on Wikimedia Commons

Every rental had a due date, often written in tiny print. One late return and you’d be slapped with fees that added up fast. People even marked calendars to avoid penalties.

7. Rewind the Tape Before Returning

FoxLad on Wikimedia Commons

“Be kind, rewind” wasn’t just a cute slogan — it was a rule. If you returned a VHS without rewinding, some stores charged a fee. Others just gave you a dirty look.

8. Wait in Line to Check Out

Ryan Smith on Flickr

Especially on weekends, checkout lines could stretch down the aisles. You’d stand holding your pick while someone ahead asked 20 questions.

9. Rent a Separate Movie for the Kids

Lucas Pezeta on Pexels

If you had kids, you weren’t walking out with just one tape. The kids’ section was a whole different mission, filled with cartoons and singalongs.

10. Pay in Cash or Swipe a Card

Kaboompics.com on Pexels

No monthly subscriptions — each rental came with its own price tag. You paid upfront, and sometimes deposits were required.

11. Deal With Limited Copies

Ben Schumin on Wikimedia Commons

New releases had only a handful of copies on the shelf. If they were all gone, tough luck. You might ask the clerk if any were returned that day.

12. Return the Movie On Time—Or Else

LexScope on Unsplash

You couldn’t just delete the file — you had to drive back and drop it off. If you missed the deadline, your wallet felt it. Some stores had night drop boxes, but missing the return was still common.