Lost in the Stream: How Algorithms Redefined the Way Movies Are Made and Watched

by Jeff Rauseo

Explore Cinema History, Stream Your FavoritesThis engaging book by Jeff Rauseo blends film history with a modern guide to streaming, helping you navigate the complex history of movie making and ultimately how to know what to watch in the vast ocean of content. From the golden age of Hollywood to the best new movies to stream, Rauseo breaks down the ever-evolving movie watching experience to help us understand the good, the bad, and the ugly of streaming.

Ever feel overwhelmed by endless streaming choices? Jeff Rauseo's Lost in the Stream is your ultimate roadmap, combining movie history insights with an in-depth breakdown of how streaming influences the movies that are made and the ones that we are shown. Whether you're searching for the best new movies to stream, hidden Amazon Prime movies, or fun movies to watch on Netflix, this book has you covered.

Blending nostalgia with today's streaming hits, Lost in the Stream dives deep into the iconic history of film that shaped the art while helping you discover new favorites. It's the perfect companion for movie buffs and casual viewers alike.

Inside, you'll

A breakdown of the evolution of film watching, from drive-ins to Blockbuster nights and beyondEngaging insights into the impact finances and algorithms have on the movies that are madeA guide to discovering the best films for youNever Wonder What to Watch Again.

If you liked The New York Times Book of Movies, The Science of Interstellar, or Oscar Wars, you'll love Lost in the Stream.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film

218 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Carley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Rauseo has put together such an interesting and enjoyable read. His love for movies shines through from start to finish, and it makes you want to keep turning the pages.

He takes you from Hollywood's golden age to the streaming world we know today, showing how algorithms quietly shape what gets made and what ends up on our screens. It's written in a way that's easy to follow and full of little insights that make you stop and think. By the end, you will want to share what you learned with every film lover you know!

[Jacob Lucibello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the fastest I have ever finished a book in my entire life. What a great relevant topic. Connecting with others through film is such a lost experience in today’s world. This book is excellent in covering the history, current landscape, and future of movies. It has me both excited and scared to see how the art form changes in the coming years and decades.

[Doug Desrochers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consider replacing some of your monthly streaming services with physical media or going to the theater. Control the algorithm, don’t let it control you.

[Scott Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating. Its author has an old soul, like me. But while he waxes poetic about the nostalgia of renting movies or seeing movies or just talking to friends in person about movies, he doesn't come across as an old man yelling at you to get your dern mechanical devices off his yard. You can tell he has a passion for films. He gives a great history of how films were viewed and how the advent of television affected the movie industry. He goes on to explain how movie rentals have changed and how movies are now streaming sometimes less than a month after they are released. It's well-researched and just full of loads of information that I found rather enlightening. If you are a fan of films and curious about the theater experience and how streaming and algorithms have changed the movie industry, this is a must read.

One note on the introduction, which was not written by the author. It's good! Don't get me wrong. It's written by a director, and he shows the same passion as the author. But he mentions seeing "Back To The Future" in the theater when it came out and how enraptured he was. The climax of the story is seeing the words 'To Be Continued' at the end of the film. I'm pretty sure that wasn't added until the film came out on VHS because at the time the film was released, the producers had no intention for a sequel. As Zemeckis put it, he said if he knew they were going to make a sequel, he wouldn't have put Jennifer (Marty's girlfriend) in the car with Doc and Marty. Maybe it was a bit of the Mandela Effect. Or maybe I'm wrong. Haha. But if you read that on page one and get a little nervous, don't be. The book is amazing. If you have a friend who loves film, this would be an excellent gift.

[Joe Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone concerned about the future of movies should read Jeff Rauseo’s ‘Lost in the Stream’ (Mango Publishing) a lucid and passionate look at the way that streaming has impacted theaters and film culture in general - especially since the COVID 19 shutdown.
Longtime movie lovers know that something is wrong with the current situation in which theaters are declining and streaming service algorithms are a poor substitute for the word of mouth and reviews that, in past eras, steered us in the direction of pictures we might never have heard of.
Rauseo reminds us that the brief-lived video store experience of the 1980s and 1990s put us in touch with a wide variety of movies we weren’t familiar with, as well as knowledgeable store staffers who got to know our tastes and could make good recommendations.
The author lays out the sad decline of old-fashioned movie love in recent years - the passivity of home viewing replacing the active lifestyle of going out to movie theaters and video stores. We ‘watch’ movies now rather than go to them.
‘Lost in the Stream’ is not a downer, though, as Rauseo shows us how to rekindle a more personal approach to movies through more selective use of social media (including his own accounts) and making the effort to support the independent theaters in our communities. The book is an excellent combination of reporting and criticism.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, insightful, somewhat depressing, but also hopeful look into the state of movie making. Ever wonder why so many movies seem the same now? This answers that. Wonder why movies are yanked from theaters so quickly now? This answers that. Wonder why the dialogue in Netflix movies and shows is written so oddly? Again, here’s your answer. As a cinephile, it’s disheartening to see the state of theaters and movies in general. Mainstream movies are made by cooperations rather than people. Instead of a film, you have a product. Instead of art, you have “content”. Unfortunately, we the public have only made it worse, sacrificing quality for the sake of quantity and convenience. Streaming is certainly not the only culprit, but it’s a big one. As for AI? Don’t even get me started on what that would entail.

The good news is, there are still things we can do to encourage better films and to improve our enjoyment of film watching. It involves a little effort, stepping outside the algorithm, and maybe *gasp* buying DVD’s! It’s less convenient, sure, but if you ask me, it’s 100% worth it.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are wondering how it's possible, that you have access to seemingly every movie ever made at your fingertips, and yet, you are less "Entertained" now than you have ever been, than this is the book for you.

If you are like me, and have gotten off the stream, and are getting back into the physical, then this is the book for you.

I found myself nodding in agreement with Jeff as I read this book, which made it a "page-turner" for me.

I stumbled onto Jeff's youtube channel after I found myself frustrated by the rising costs, and dipping return on investment, of today's streaming media. I remember the "good 'ol days" of film and the excitement that went along with it. How fun it was to venture out into the world to find entertainment.

Jeff is no Luddite, and neither am I. We both love tech and what it can do, as a tool. But when it's used as entertainment, it's not so much a tool for our benefit, as much as it is for the ones who make it for us.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for anyone who fancies themselves a cinephile or movie lover. Especially if you miss the days of chatting with video store clerks trying to find that next great unsung gem or classic that wasn’t on your radar.

Movies, like just about everything, has been taken over my algorithms, machine learning, and targeted ads. In this book, author Jeff Rauseo breaks down the history of film culture, where we started from, and how we got here. He also provides easily digestible ways to reclaim your movie watching habits from the algorithms, and find ways both virtually and in-person to contribute to the film culture that has faded over time.

Written in a breezy, conversational style, this book was fun to take in, and gave me a lot of hope for the future of film culture. A must read for movie lovers!

[David Mcquillen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - Impassioned but very niche first effort from youtube film lover and physical media enthusiast Jeff Rauseo.

Does an excellent job briskly walking the reader through the various ages of the film industries production/greenlighting process, the impact and decision making of streamers, and where the future may lie for the streaming, physical media and theatrical releases distribution models.

Also offers up a few hacks to make those pesky algorithms of today present you with the movies you'd like to see versus the ones they want you to watch.

Again, incredibly niche work, if you are not a film lover, entertainment professional, or avid collector of Blu-Ray/VHS hard copies, may not hold much appeal, but for those that are it's a super quick to the point read and well worth your time.

[Ethan Weingart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very in depth look at how watching movies has changed in the last 10 years. The author describes the dangers of streaming to not only the movie business, but also the greater economy. If movies become only a way to make money, then the true reason for making movies will be lost.

In short, get off the couch, go to theaters with other people, enjoy the film in its truest form. If you want to stream a movie, that’s ok too but don’t rely on it for all your movie needs. Get out and see movies where they’re supposed to be seen!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for cinephiles

Insightful writing from a true movie fan, Jeff Rauseo provides a fun, entertaining and critical look at how streaming has impacted our experiences as movie fans. I read it in one sitting because, frankly, I couldn't put it down. Whether you're a Criterion collector, an Arrow Video customer or a Netflix subscriber, this book has something for you. Highly recommend!

[Kyle Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and engaging read! Jeff really dives into not just streaming and their business model, but the Hollywood machine and how their interconnectedness has truly changed filmmaking and movie watching. Read this asap, and then go see a movie in theaters when you're done, buying a bluray on the way home! Train your algorithm, don't give into it!

[Rishi Choudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was made for me, as someone who finds finds interest in the film industry, streaming services, physical media, and movie theatres - this is truly the best book that captures the essence of being a fan of all of those. My only wish is that it was longer, I could read entire series worth of books like this! Genuinely if you love movies, this book is for you!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and thought it was excellent. The author does a great job exploring the evolution of movie theaters and offering sharp insights into the current state of streaming. Highly recommend for anyone who loves films!

[Jeff Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Easy read that doesn’t really go over anything new. I’m a big fan of physical media for movies so the author was preaching to the choir with me.

[Eric Guilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read. If you’re a movie fan and/or curious about algorithms, web marketing, etc., you’ll like this one!

[Joe Bacanovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted more from this book. It was fine. It didn’t feel like there was enough for a real book

[Andrew Denes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great look into current industry practices and how to branch out of the mindless streaming habits most people suffer from now!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a great read as someone preaching physical media and theater experiences (mainly the Alamo) from the rooftops. Helps that I’m a contemporary to Jeff so the beginning really resonated.

Some hollow, trite critiques of capitalism that seem to be inserted because it’s the cool thing to do, but I got past that to ultimately converge with the author here.

It really is worth our time to reject streaming as our default activity. Physical copies are cheaper in the long run, more fun, and shareable. Give it a try!

[Carley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Rauseo has put together such an interesting and enjoyable read. His love for movies shines through from start to finish, and it makes you want to keep turning the pages.

He takes you from Hollywood’s golden age to the streaming world we know today, showing how algorithms quietly shape what gets made and what ends up on our screens. It’s written in a way that’s easy to follow and full of little insights that make you stop and think. By the end, you will want to share what you learned with every film lover you know!

[Blythe Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Rauseo’s Lost in the Stream is an essential read not only for lovers of film, but those looking to live their lives more actively rather than passively. Rauseo presents a brief history of filmmaking, film business, and film consumption supplemented by fun anecdotes and a heavy dose of nostalgia that ends up being as easily digestible as any of his YouTube videos. While his suggestions for breaking free from corporate algorithmic consumption will likely be nothing new for most who are already active in the film (or his own) community, this book is an incredibly validating and fulfilling work that I imagine caters to either audience extremely well