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Movie Manners: A Helpful Guide To Theatre Etiquette
Like many social activities, there are unwritten rules of etiquette that should be followed. Attending a movie is no different. In this article we will review some of the most important movie etiquette rules you should follow next time you set foot in a theatre.
Arrive To The Movie Theatre At Least 30 Minutes Before Your Movie Starts
To avoid rushing, we recommend arriving to the movie theatre at least 30-45 minutes before show time. This gives you ample time to find parking, get in to the theatre, grab some treats from concessions and use the bathroom before finding your seat.
This also creates a time buffer should you encounter lines or issues with your ticket, payment method or unexpected delays. This extra time will come in useful if you are attending a movie with a large group of people where some may venture off to do their own thing before the movie like play arcade games or socialize.
Know Your Concession Order Before Getting In Line
To save time, take a look at the concession menu before stepping in line. This will help the line move smoothly and avoid any delays for those waiting behind you who may be eager to get to their seats. It is also advisable to have your choice of payment ready before ordering.
If you are paying with cash, we recommend paying with bills and keeping the change instead of trying to pay to the exact cent.
Try To Be In Your Seat Before Lights Go Down In The Theatre
We recommend getting in your seat at least 10 minutes before the movie beings. Although many movies start with 10-15 minutes of trailers, some people are interested in watching these and disrupting them may ruin their immersion.
If you are taller, consider sitting near the back of the theatre or near a wall so you do not block anyone's view. Many modern theatres have angled seating to avoid this issue, but some older theatres may not.
While in your seat, refrain from kicking the seat in front of you or constantly reclining back in your seat and hitting the persons legs behind you. If someone is seated beside you, share the armrest.
Face Towards The Back Of The Movie Theatre When Passing Others To Get To Your Seat
If your seat is not an end seat, you will have to scoot past other people to get to it. Unlike live theatre, proper etiquette is to face the person you are moving past. No one wants a butt brushing against their popcorn or in their face. Most people will stand up and move back in their seat to make more room for you to get by.
This also protects the people sitting in the row in front of you from an unexpected popcorn avalanche or soda pop downpour should you accidentally bump their head with your snacks.
Keep PDA To A Minimum In The Theatre
A dark theatre may sound like a great place for a make-out session, but you need to remember that other people can see you. Many modern movie theatres have security cameras focused on the audience and you can be escorted out if other people find your PDA distracting.
To avoid embarrassment, keep your canoodling reserved for more private places. A quick peck on the cheek, holding hands or resting your head on their shoulder (or vice versa) is perfectly acceptable while at the movies.
If you are thinking of taking a love interest to a movie for your first date, you may want to reconsider. Read our articles Why Movies Are Terrible For A First Date and Who Pays On A First Date? for helpful advice and first date tips.
Turn Your Phone Off (Or At Least Silent Or Vibrate)
A standard movie etiquette rule is to turn your phone off (or silent) before the movie starts. Most people abide by this rule, however some may be expecting an important call or text. If you are someone who needs to be available, keep your phone on vibrate.
When that important call or text comes through, step out of the theatre to reply. The bright light from your phone screen may be distracting to those around you trying to watch the movie.
If You Need To Leave The Theatre, Do It As Quietly As Possible
If you have to leave during the movie, try to do so as quietly as possible and with minimal disruption. If you are with someone, you can quietly tell them you need to step out, but there is no need to announce your departure to anyone else.
Try to duck your head down to minimize the amount of movie screen you may be blocking as you pass by others. Move hastily but cautiously, you don't want to accidentally knock someone's popcorn over as you shuffle by them.
When returning, wait for a lull in the action before crossing in front of anyone to get to your seat. This will prevent you from disrupting anyone who is concentrating on the film.
Try To Keep Your Snacking Volume Low
Rustling, crunching and chewing can be disruptive to those around you in the theatre, especially during quiet parts of a movie. Be considerate of your snacking and try to eat during louder scenes.
Consider unwrapping individually wrapped candies before the movie starts to avoid crinkling noises during the movie. If you are chewing gum, try to chew with your mouth closed and refrain from blowing bubbles.
Some people prefer snacking during the previews before the movie starts so they do not annoy anyone once the feature film begins.
Avoid Bringing Your Baby (Or Young Child) To The Movies
This may sound rude, and perhaps controversial, but a squalling baby or young child running around the theatre can ruin the immersion for others. The dark atmosphere and loud noises may startle a young child. If you have a baby or young child, it is best to hire a sitter and go to the movies without them.
Although there is no definitive age to start bringing your child to a theatre, we recommend assessing your child's attention span. Practicing with movies at home is a good way to see if they can sit still through an entire movie without pausing. If they can, then they may be ready to go to the movies with you.
Keep Conversations To A Minimum During The Movie
Avoid striking up a conversation with the person beside you while the film is playing. Even if the movie is not that interesting to you, those around you may be heavily invested in what is going on on-screen.
This also applies for social commentaries, comments or questions about what is happening in the movie. It is best to avoid disrupting others and focus on the screen. If you still have any questions once the movie is finished, then ask.
A quick comment to the person beside you is fine, as long as it is short and sweet. Keep opinions to yourself until after the movie has finished.
Clean Up Your Mess Before You Leave The Theatre
Be sure to take your garbage with you once the movie has finished and the house lights have turned on. This includes snacks, drink containers, and wrappers. Many theatres will provide extra trash cans and recycling bins at the exits so you do not need to go out of your way to dispose of your trash.
Refrain from dumping popcorn on the floor or leaving a mess behind for the janitorial team to clean. They only have a limited amount of time to get the theatre spotless before the next film.
Avoid Ruining The Movie For Others!
Avoid discussing spoilers or cliff-hangers after the movie, especially in the lobby or to friends who have not seen the movie yet. This also applies to posting anything online. Some people take this very seriously and will end friendships if someone ruins a movie for them.
If you really want to discuss parts of the movie to someone who has not seen it yet, take them to see it. This is a great way to hang out with your friend and spend some quality time after the movie to share thoughts and opinions.
Bonus Etiquette Tip: Inform Theatre Staff If You Have Any Issues With Other Moviegoers
If you encounter someone being disruptive, rude or belligerent in the theatre, contact a staff member immediately. Do not try to confront them yourselves as this can make the situation worse. A member of staff, or security, can remove the unruly patron from the theatre.
Summary
Now that you know some of the unwritten rules of movie theatre etiquette, your next trip to the silver screen will be less stressful and more exciting. Be sure to pass on this article to your movie-going friends so they can learn, too. We all learn better when we learn together.
Want to learn more important etiquette tips? Read these articles next:
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