Why do streaming platforms charge for so many of the older movies that weren't even huge hits?

I decided I'd like to watch Housesitter with Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn again, but it is only available if you pay to rent. I've had that happen a few times lately with movies that I don't suspect were exceedingly popular. I could pay it. I simply don't want to. So on to something else. Funny, I could always find something to watch as a kid, despite having only 3 channels and that was on a good day - sometimes just 2! Now, I've got 4,000 channels and nothing to watch. Lol. Go figure.

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bowman81 · M

The short answer is because there are those who are willing to pay for them. They are in business to make a buck.

LadyBronte · 56-60, F

@bowman81 Yep. Corporate greed. Sadly, nothing new. Lol

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@LadyBronte Americans didnt used to notice corporate greed. Because American companies exported stuff globally and pretty much took what they wanted from puppet states here and there. Now many of those puppets either want a better deal or are enemies of America. And America doesnt export nearly as much.. that means the corporations need to gouge locally instead to keep up profits..😷

LadyBronte · 56-60, F

@whowasthatmaskedman I believe that is happening to an extent everywhere - not just in the US. The ultimate goal of corporations everywhere is to make as much profit as humanly possible. 🤷🏼‍♀

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@LadyBronte Sadly you are correct. The difference these days is that colonial powers used repatriate wealth from the colonies to the mother country, to further their expansion and the society at home..Now in these global times, the corporations farm the local population where there are. So Americans are exploited by American owned global businesses😷

LadyBronte · 56-60, F

@whowasthatmaskedman Perhaps, but with the internet and digital banking these days, most of our US based streaming services, as well services based in other countries, are available in Australia and across the globe. I think the greed is affecting us all no matter what nationality we are.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@LadyBronte I completely agree. It exists here. From what I can observe, the difference might be that the culture of consumer success seems to be more deeply ingrained into the population in the US than is some other places. We tend to view our "tall poppies" with more suspicion and we sure regulate them better..😷