Reading fiction, such as novels and short stories, is more enjoyable than watching a movie. Of course the images in a movie are much more vivid, because you’re seeing them on a large screen in a dark room. The images you “see” in a novel are only as strong as your own imagination. But the more you read, the stronger your imagination becomes. Reading exercise your imaginative powers. Watching a movie dulls them. Imagination like a muscle needs to be used. Otherwise it can disappear.
When you read, you’re an active participant in your own enjoyment. That’s one reason reading develops the imagination. You’re reading the words on the page and translating them into images in your mind. When you’re watching a movie, you’re a passive viewer. The movie is giving you everything. Nothing comes from you except your reaction to what you’re seeing, and even that can be given you by the movie. Some movie plots are so simple, you can predict what’s going to happen before it does.
Reading fiction also develops your storytelling skills. The more reading you do, the better you become at creating plots and characters. The plots and characters in movies are often very simple, because the emphasis is on action rather than on language or character development.
Still, going to the movies is a great community experience. Sitting in a large theater with a lot of other people is fun. You experience the same reactions to what you’re seeing together. Reading is a one-person experience. It’s a chance to go into an imaginary world by yourself. Both experiences can be fun and rewarding, but I think reading fiction is more enjoyable.