You know that feeling when you catch a whiff of something and it instantly takes you back to a certain time in your life? That’s what walking into the last Blockbuster in the world felt like.
On my recent trip to Bend, Oregon, I made a little detour for one reason: to visit the very last Blockbuster still standing. Yes, it’s real. Yes, it smells exactly like you remember. And yes, it was oddly emotional.
Why Visit the Last Blockbuster?
Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s curiosity. Maybe you miss browsing movie covers and arguing with your siblings about whether to rent “The Goonies” or “Rush Hour 2” for the hundredth time.
Either way, stepping inside the Bend Blockbuster feels like time travel. The same blue-and-yellow signage. The shelves stacked with DVDs (and yes, some VHS tapes). The familiar click of plastic cases being opened and closed. Even the carpet smells the same.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went. Would it feel gimmicky? Would it just be a dusty shell of what once was? Nope. It’s alive and thriving, staffed by the friendliest movie buffs ever, filled with locals and tourists alike, and stocked with everything from new releases to ‘90s classics. There’s even a small museum section and tons of fun merchandise.
The History Behind It
This Blockbuster in Bend was once one of many. At the chain’s peak in 2004, there were over 9,000 Blockbuster stores worldwide. But streaming came fast, and nearly all the stores vanished. Somehow, Bend’s location hung on. It officially became the last remaining Blockbuster on Earth in 2019.
It’s still independently owned, operating under a licensing agreement with Dish Network, which owns the Blockbuster name. And it’s become something of a pilgrimage spot for movie lovers and nostalgic millennials (hi, it’s me).
What You’ll Find Inside
Thousands of DVDs and Blu-rays for rent or purchase (yes, they still rent movies!)
Blockbuster merch: t-shirts, mugs, keychains, socks, and even “Be Kind, Rewind” beanies
A mini museum featuring memorabilia and photos from the Blockbuster heyday
Local snacks and quirky souvenirs
A staff that really loves movies and is happy to give you recommendations
Why It’s Worth the Stop
Whether you’re already road-tripping through Oregon or just need a unique excuse to visit Bend (which has plenty of great restaurants, hiking trails, and local shops), the last Blockbuster makes for the perfect quirky stop.
It’s not just a store. It’s a living reminder of a time before algorithms picked our entertainment and when Friday night plans meant wandering the aisles with a Red Vines in hand.
Planning a visit to Bend? Add the last Blockbuster to your must-see list. Trust me, it’s more than a photo op. It’s a feeling.
