As someone who has spent countless hours in movie theaters, I wholeheartedly agree with these etiquette tips. It’s essential to remember that we’re all there for the same reason: to enjoy the magic of cinema.
There’s an exceptional charm in watching the perfect film with the right group of people. In this era overflowing with specialized entertainment choices, we haven’t discovered anything to match the communal feeling of enjoying a narrative with a group of strangers within a cinema. At its peak, that unified concentration can produce the energy you feel when a home team is in the middle of a game. It can make jokes seem slightly more amusing. It can make blows land more forcefully, and it can take a good movie and elevate it to greatness.
There’s nothing better than taking that ride with a fun crowd. Unfortunately, there’s nothing worse than taking that ride with an awful crowd. Just as well-intentioned strangers reacting next to you can improve the experience, a bunch of idiots next to you can ruin it. From loud talkers to loud texters to loud chewers to loud farters, there are what feels like an increasingly large number of rude moviegoers who just don’t know how to behave themselves. So, in an effort to both complain and educate, I’ve decided to make an incomplete list of things really rude people do at the movies.
Don’t clean up after themselves.
Despite offering food, movie theaters are not like traditional restaurants; they have specific rules to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. So, as you exit, please dispose of any leftovers like your soda or BunchaCrunch box, and refrain from leaving popcorn containers on the floor where others might trip over them. If you’ve used the reclining seat, kindly return it to its original position before departing. It’s quite simple, really.
Talk during the movie.
In a straightforward and conversational manner: It’s alright if you whisper a bit during a movie, like informing someone you’re going to the restroom or expressing mild surprise with a low-volume comment. However, there are those who engage in prolonged discussions, sometimes even about the film itself or unrelated matters. If your voice is loud enough for others to overhear, you’re speaking too loudly. Try to keep quiet until the end of the movie.
Use their phone with the light setting on.
As a gamer, I’d put it like this: During the movie, keep your phone tucked away in your pocket, bag, or pouch unless it’s absolutely necessary to check the time or a quick message. If you have a habit of multitasking and find yourself glancing at your phone, just make sure the screen is off and silent to avoid disturbing others. However, if you’re like me who tends to get lost in the cinematic world, then a subtle peek won’t bother me as long as it doesn’t disrupt the experience with a bright screen or loud text sounds. Just remember, we’re all here to enjoy the movie together!
Eat loudly.
Enjoying a meal while watching something is one of life’s simple joys. However, when you’re doing it in the presence of others, it’s important to be mindful about your eating manners. Close your mouth when chewing and try to minimize noisy crunching sounds. You don’t have to eat silently or secretively, but remember that you should ensure your eating doesn’t overpower the dialogue around you. Whether the food you chose is naturally loud or not, it’s your responsibility to consume it in a way that respects the conversation and those around you.
Sit in the wrong assigned seat.
Movie theaters have generally switched to a system of reserved seating now, which I find fantastic! It means I can choose my spot ahead of time and not have to arrive early just to secure a good location. However, this newfound flexibility brings a level of responsibility. We should all make sure we know our assigned seat number and navigate to it with ease, avoiding any potential disruptions or awkward conversations about seat swapping. It’s best to avoid putting others in a position where they might need to ask you to move; it’s not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in, and if it does happen, it should serve as a reminder for us all to be more mindful.
Arrive late
It’s my suggestion that you arrive and settle down before the pre-film trailers begin. While it’s my firm belief, I should mention that the time before a movie begins can be a bit of a gray area. Some people find trailers annoying, and I understand their perspective. If you prefer to arrive ten minutes late and miss out on a bunch of promotional clips, that’s up to you. I won’t judge you as a person for it. However, when the movie itself starts, it would be best if you’re properly seated and quiet. Arriving during the opening credits is pushing the boundaries.
Take kids to a movie they don’t belong in
As a movie enthusiast since childhood, I often discovered creative means to watch mature films that were off-limits for my age. This practice will continue throughout my life, but it doesn’t imply that parents should take their young children to R-rated movies. During my viewing of Looper, a film about time travel and the murder of a child, I found a six-year-old child in the audience. His demeanor suggested he wasn’t enjoying himself, and I believe I would have had a more pleasant experience without his presence. However, let me emphasize that Looper is still an excellent film.
Take forever to order food
If multiple cash registers are unoccupied, take your time selecting your food and exploring unique M&M flavors. Indulge in your hunger freely, but remember that if a long queue of people waiting for their movies forms behind you, it’s important to know what you want to order when you reach the front. Familiarize yourself with the menu as you move along the line, and be prepared to respond promptly when asked by the employee.
Shhh other people for low volume noise
In most cases on this list, people are criticizing others for being disregardful towards those around them. However, it’s important to also acknowledge that minor disturbances like getting up to use the restroom, enjoying some popcorn at a moderate volume, or whispering occasionally to someone nearby are inevitable. While I understand that these actions may not be pleasant, if someone is behaving in good faith, try not to immediately reprimand them with a disapproving look or a stern “shhhh” for minor breaches of etiquette. Instead, extend the assumption of good intentions and address any significant or repetitive issues with more assertive actions like giving a warning or using a gentle “shooosh” from the Alpha Academy, if necessary.
Sneak into another movie.
If we penalized individuals for watching a second film without permission, there might not be enough people to operate the cinemas. I understand your perspective, but let me clarify: Movie theaters are currently facing challenges, and your support by purchasing tickets for that additional movie would greatly benefit them. It’s no longer like attending a Taylor Swift concert every Wednesday. Moreover, when people get caught, it becomes an awkward and inconvenient disturbance for those trying to enjoy the film.
Recline the seat too much.
Allow me to clarify. This isn’t a debate about the etiquette of reclining your airplane seat or not. In more luxurious cinemas, there’s ample space for you to adjust your seating position as desired, but it would be considerate to maintain that position once decided upon for a reasonable period. I’m not suggesting you should never change your position, but if you’re repeatedly adjusting the recline more than ten times during the movie, it might be because you’re having difficulty finding comfort, rather than the seat malfunctioning.
Laugh or scream to the point where it’s significantly louder than others.
I’m not trying to be in the business of policing the volume people laugh at. Being self-conscious about your own joy is a miserable way to live. I’m all about staying weird and doing you, but there’s an invisible line you need to stay on the right side of. Laugh how you wanna laugh. Let out shocked noises and maybe even some reasonably volumed screams at the relevant moments. It’s best for everyone if you’re on the ride and going with it, but don’t be several orders of magnitude louder than the next loudest person.
Loudly talk about the ending to the movie you just saw on your way out.
Enjoying a movie isn’t just about watching it; it’s also about sharing your thoughts afterward. However, be mindful of your surroundings if you’re discussing major plot points or surprising twists from the third act, as they might not be in the trailer. It’s best to keep these discussions quiet or wait until you’re on your way home. No one wants their movie experience spoiled before they even enter the theater. General opinions about the film are always fine!
Put bare feet on the seat in front of you.
I’m a person who prefers to remove my shoes as soon as I arrive home. I dream of being able to take off my shoes at the cinema and place them on the seat in front of me, but generally, it’s considered impolite to do so because it might invade someone else’s personal space. This is understandable, considering that not everyone maintains good personal hygiene. Therefore, when you’re at the cinema, please keep your shoes on, or at least keep them on the floor in a way that is unobtrusive and doesn’t bother others.
Smuggle in weird outside food.
It’s fine to bring snacks from outside if needed, but steer clear of odd-smelling or hard-to-eat items typically not sold in theaters.
Buy an assigned seat in the middle if they’re a person who pees a lot.
My wife frequently needs to use the restroom, especially when we’re at the theater. More often than not, she will need to slip out during the show for a bathroom break. This is just her usual experience, but she manages by purposefully selecting seats at the end of the row. This way, she can quickly exit and re-enter without causing disturbances to others. I’m not suggesting you should ignore your body’s calls if you really need to go, but if you know you might have to go beforehand, perhaps consider sitting closer to an aisle instead.
Talk excessively during the previews.
During previews, conversations are more relaxed compared to during the movie. Feel free to whisper to your neighbor if something catches your attention or you find a shot particularly impressive. I wouldn’t mind a brief comment about your thoughts either, like whether you’re considering seeing it in theaters. But remember, this isn’t a catch-up session from 1985. If someone needs to watch the preview later on YouTube, they can easily do so. However, previews are not the time for lengthy stories about your aunt and uncle’s divorce or any other unrelated topics. Let’s focus and enjoy the show.
Be unpleasant to the workers.
It’s not right to disrespect hourly workers, regardless of where they work, such as movie theaters. Whether it’s a dine-in theater or a more traditional one, there’s no need for rudeness. Even if someone makes an error, they deserve the assumption of innocence, and usually, the mistake wasn’t their fault. For instance, if you find a messy seat upon arrival, the person cleaning it might not be the one who initially made the mess. So, let’s show kindness and, if there’s a problem, discuss it politely with the manager instead of being unkind.
Let their kids wander around at the wrong kind of showing.
In most cases, when you attend a movie that’s intended for children or animation during regular daytime hours, it’s likely to be filled with kids who may act like typical children. As a community, we should understand this. A six-year-old won’t behave the same as his grandmother in public settings, but the level of acceptable behavior from your child can change depending on the screening. If you go at 10 AM on Saturday when there are many other kids present, they might be able to get away with more, but if you attend a 4 PM showing where everyone is expected to behave quietly, your child shouldn’t be running around or making loud noises.
Put their arm on someone else’s armrest.
For younger readers who might not be familiar, movie theaters used to be quite uncomfortable. If you managed to watch a film without feeling discomfort in your bottom, it was considered a success, and having an armrest was a luxury. Nowadays, many theaters are more like La-Z Boys with reclining seats, but despite all the changes, one essential rule has remained constant. Your seat is your territory, and the space of the person sitting next to you is not yours to invade. Avoid putting your arm in their armrest area or spreading out in a way that crosses the unseen boundary between seats – unless, of course, you know the person, then it’s up to you both to decide.
Record the screen.
The main focus of this article is on minor violations of social decorum, such as recording brief clips of movies in theaters for social media posts. While it’s obvious that activities like murder and piracy are wrong and potentially life-threatening, it’s worth noting that even seemingly harmless actions like secretly recording parts of a movie can be disruptive to others and displease movie studios. Instead, consider snapping a picture of your ticket or taking a quick video before the previews begin to demonstrate your theater visit without causing disturbance.
Set trash next to the trash can.
It may seem a small matter, yet I notice it frequently. When leaving the theater, please dispose of any waste properly by using the nearest trash can instead of placing it on the counter next to the bin. If the bin is full, kindly carry it with you and locate another one within the theater. Although it’s frustrating that the staff might not always keep up, remember there are usually multiple trash cans in a movie theater. You may unintentionally pass by one even when following your usual exit path. So, go ahead and toss it into one of those additional receptacles for easy disposal.
Save too many seats if there’s not an assigned seating situation.
Back then, this would have been considered a significant factor, but nowadays, with the widespread use of assigned seating, it’s become less crucial. However, if you’re attending an event without assigned seats, there are restrictions on how many seats you can reserve, especially in desirable locations. If you’re reserving a seat for just one person, that’s generally acceptable, but it’s inappropriate to save seats beyond the reach of someone in your group. Saving three seats for eight people is within reason, but saving three seats by yourself is definitely excessive.
Get into a verbal confrontation.
Isn’t it strange how arguments can break out at movie theaters or even escalate into shouting matches? Just relax, we’re all here to unwind and enjoy a film during our leisure time. If someone’s behavior is disrupting your experience so much that you can’t focus on the movie, I recommend speaking with the manager instead. Believe me, they’d rather issue a free ticket than witness a confrontation during Avatar 2 over a spilled drink. Whatever the issue may be, it’s usually not worth getting worked up about, and if it is, prioritize your safety and leave the theater.
Chew gum so loudly other people notice.
I enjoy both chewing gum and mints, but I don’t consume them regularly. If somebody offers me a piece, I usually accept. However, using them does come with certain responsibilities. Nothing is more annoying than listening to someone chewing gum loudly, and it can be quite distracting during movies. The same goes for repeatedly biting into mints. Feel free to do as you please, just remember to be mindful of your surroundings and others around you when consuming them.
Complain about utter nonsense especially to get free tickets.
It’s important to acknowledge that there are instances when seeking a refund might be appropriate, but it shouldn’t become a frequent occurrence. If an experience is truly awful and you feel you shouldn’t have to pay for it, then it might be justified. However, asking for a refund simply because a movie doesn’t meet your expectations or due to minor inconveniences like a bothersome neighbor isn’t usually warranted. For example, requesting a refund because a theater “got pretty warm near the end” when you were seated there and didn’t find it uncomfortable might not be reasonable if others in the same theater weren’t bothered either. If what you’re about to complain about is something that many people wouldn’t find problematic, it may be best to keep your comments to yourself.
Spend too long at the ticketing kiosk.
At times, self-service ticket kiosks can be perplexing since each movie theater chain has its unique design. Not all of them function the same way, and navigating through the process might require some time and understanding. For instance, selecting seats, locating the screen, and other minor details could pose challenges. However, don’t worry if it takes a few minutes to understand; no one expects you to master it like an employee. If you find yourself stuck or confused for an extended period, don’t hesitate to ask an employee for help. There might be a queue at the kiosks, so taking proactive steps to get assistance can save you time in the long run.
Prop the door open when you leave or return mid-movie.
Just as many cinema doors remain open until a film begins, an employee usually shuts it once the screening starts to minimize distractions like people walking in the halls. If you step out during the movie for a bathroom break or snack, ensure to close the door when you leave and re-enter. People seated at the back of the theater don’t appreciate overhearing conversations outside their viewing area.
Linger too long after the movie is over.
Many folks enjoy watching the closing credits these days, given the prevalence of additional scenes after the main film. However, once the movie ends and the lights come on, it’s best not to linger in lengthy conversations. Ushers need to enter to prepare the theater for the next screening, or if there isn’t one, they want to clean up and leave. There are plenty of other spots where you can carry on a conversation.
Make someone ask you to move your stuff off their seat.
It’s generally advised to avoid placing items on the empty seats next to you as others may need those spaces. However, I don’t think it’s necessary to strictly follow that rule. If you wish to put your bag on the seat so it’s not on the floor, that’s perfectly fine, but be mindful of other passengers who might be approaching. If someone is coming towards the seat you have your item on, kindly pick it up and move it aside so they can comfortably take their seat without needing to ask. It’s considered polite to avoid causing inconvenience for others, especially when they’ve already paid for their seats. If you find it difficult to gauge when to move your belongings, then perhaps it’s best to choose a different location for them.
Fart
As a gamer, I’d rather be immersed in my games than writing this. You know those embarrassing moments when you accidentally let out a “mistake fart” during gameplay? We’ve all been there. It’s part of life. But if your flatulence incidents are so frequent or intense that they become the talk of the town, maybe it’s wiser to stream the movie instead, saving everyone from an awkward experience.
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2024-10-04 15:38