I have a netflix account and personally I do not use it. My boys do though. They can watch movies and tv shows and since I opened that account, no one has made mention of wanting to go to the movie theater. Instead I have heard a comment on waiting until it comes on netflix. I hear you on the cable, phone and internet. I do have to say though mine is still cheaper then using the phone company who use to charge me a deposit and monthly charge just to not have long distance calling. HUH?! yep they did.