Movie theater etiquette: What are your thoughts?

fadedrider17 said:I’m honestly not feeling the cinema scene much lately—for a variety of reasons. There is just way too much mindless garbage and a crowd of obnoxious, fake people acting like they own the place whenever they step into an AMC Theatres, so I’d much rather just stay home. Besides, nothing has really blown me away recently. In this modern era, movie theaters are losing their relevance—unless we’re talking about indie film festivals or some niche documentary circuit, which is fine by me, or perhaps those outdoor summer screenings, which I actually find pretty cool enough.

Man, I actually can't stand outdoor movies. Mostly because I've literally dealt with a downpour during one a few times now. 😛

Theaters are ancient history as far as I'm concerned. I’ll wait for those rare blockbusters that actually look interesting, but 90% of everything else isn't worth the trip. Honestly—looking back at what I've watched over the last few weeks—there hasn't been a single title that could justify dealing with the crowds. Generally speaking, when I'm watching movies like Rom or The Favourite, I'd much rather just chill at home in peace.

It’s honestly not even about how old people are... it’s just that there's a certain lack of basic manners everywhere lately. That’s why I usually dread going to the movies because of those total idiots... I remember this one time I went to an AMC luxury screening, right? And this woman sitting next to me—not even just talking loudly to her friend, but she actually starts taking photos of her food with the flash on! Can you believe that? Then, to top it all off, she had the nerve to act offended when I flagged down a manager to deal with her... So now, whenever I do decide to catch a film, I try to pick something that isn't a huge blockbuster just so I can avoid the crowds 😁

Jamie Adams6 said:Theaters are ancient history as far as I'm concerned. I’ll wait for those rare blockbusters that actually look interesting, but 90% of everything else isn't worth the trip. Honestly—looking back at what I've watched over the last few weeks—there hasn't been a single title that could justify dealing with the crowds. Generally speaking, when I'm watching movies like Rom or The Favourite, I'd much rather just chill at home in peace.

Well, yeah. Those are exactly the kinds of movies where you get swarmed by a bunch of loud kids talking through the whole thing and throwing popcorn everywhere. 🤷

If I’m being honest, my biggest gripe is how overproduced the whole thing felt—it was just way too much—not to mention those ridiculous ticket prices.
I mean, for eighty bucks, you might as well be sitting in a dive bar with a sticky table between you and the screen, just watching a documentary about pizza and burgers. It had all the charm of that old AMC theater downtown.

nimblescout50 said:If I’m being honest, my biggest gripe is how overproduced the whole thing felt—it was just way too much—not to mention those ridiculous ticket prices.
I mean, for eighty bucks, you might as well be sitting in a dive bar with a sticky table between you and the screen, just watching a documentary about pizza and burgers. It had all the charm of that old AMC theater downtown.

👍I spent my whole childhood there! And yeah, the volume is ridiculous. I asked them to turn it down more times than I can count. Pretty sure they crank it up on purpose for some reason. 🍿

Man, this is such an interesting topic to dive into. Honestly, you could probably write entire books about all the crazy stuff you have to deal with just trying to enjoy a movie, and most of it doesn't even cost you a dime extra 🤣. I mean, I’m laughing about it now, but trust me, while the movie was actually playing, it wasn't funny at all.

Picture this: three high schoolers sitting right in the front row, just talking their heads off, laughing, eating, and drinking like they’re hanging out at a Starbucks instead of a theater where the whole point—the entire reason anyone shows up—is to actually watch the damn movie.
I was sitting somewhere toward the middle, just stewing, thinking about getting up and confronting them myself since nobody else seemed to care, but then after about fifteen minutes, some guy totally lost his cool. He stood up and just barked at them, "Hey! You three, shut up or get out and talk outside, do you hear me?"
And thank God, they actually got up and left.

That’s the first thing that popped into my head when I saw this thread.

I really don't get how someone can be that rude and completely inconsiderate of everyone else. Like, people actually pay good money to sit there and immerse themselves in a film, so why would anyone want to shout over them or do something else that ruins the experience for folks who specifically came to focus and enjoy what they paid for? It makes zero sense to me.
And don't even get me started on parents; they just let their kids run wild without a second thought about whether they're being loud or disruptive.

Look, if it’s a comedy and people are laughing, sure, maybe a little extra commentary here and there is fine as an exception, but for any other genre? There is absolutely no excuse for it.

Daniel Kelly57 said:👍I spent my whole childhood there! And yeah, the volume is ridiculous. I asked them to turn it down more times than I can count. Pretty sure they crank it up on purpose for some reason. 🍿

Honestly, I'd much rather have it too loud than too quiet.

I actually love it when things get loud because, hello, I paid to go to a movie theater specifically to feel that massive sound pressure, right? I don't want my little desktop speakers at home to be punchier than the huge professional setup in the actual auditorium!
It was such a letdown when that new cinema opened up in my city because the sound was just so weak—it totally kills the whole experience if you can't feel the action happening.

So, I was at CS over at Dumb yesterday and ran into some audio issues for the first time...
There was this constant buzzing coming through the speakers...
To be fair, I did manage to squeeze in three movies for $7.25, so I can't complain too much. 👍
If only I had enough points on my card to grab a student meal to go with the films...

Morgan Brown4 said:So, I was at CS over at Dumb yesterday and ran into some audio issues for the first time...
There was this constant buzzing coming through the speakers...
To be fair, I did manage to squeeze in three movies for $7.25, so I can't complain too much. 👍
If only I had enough points on my card to grab a student meal to go with the films...

What are you even talking about? 😁

What do you mean, "how do I think?"
I just think. That's how it works.
Paid $7.25 for a ticket and then sat through three movies at the cinema.

Morgan Brown4 said:What do you mean, "how do I think?"
I just think. That's how it works.
Paid $7.25 for a ticket and then sat through three movies at the cinema.

Shh! Don't go spilling the secret that they won't be hunting us at the entrances!🤣

Was there some kind of AMC theater sale or something?
Or did you just sneak in? 🤔

I’ve always had this weird thing about people being loud and messy in theaters—it’s been bugging me since back in the day, long before everyone started hauling in massive buckets of popcorn... I know, I know, I'm a bit of an oddball, but honestly, I go to the movies to actually watch the movie.

To dodge the crowds of obnoxious people, I started hitting up those early morning showtimes—like Sunday mornings—and honestly, the crowd during those slots is actually pretty decent so far.

When it comes to movies I absolutely love and can't wait to see on the big screen (like Star Wars), I make it a point to catch them on the very first or second day. That way, I’m guaranteed to be surrounded by actual movie lovers who know how to stay quiet and respect the film. 😁

You can really feel the difference in the vibe of the audience on opening night versus two weeks later if you're someone who watches the same movie multiple times.

Kyle Nelson3 said:Perhaps the title should be about a lack of basic decency, but here we are.
I don't know about you all, but hitting the theater isn't just a way for me to kill two hours when I'm bored.
I only go to AMC Theatres for specific films—the ones I actually think are worth paying premium prices to see on a big screen.
Sometimes I make a mistake, sometimes I don't, but that's a risk I'm willing to take.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting dead silence during a screening, but a little decorum wouldn't hurt. It seems like the issue is mostly with the younger crowd who act like they're just hanging out on their couch with friends.
They talk loudly, laugh, yell, and chat about random things, essentially disrupting the entire experience.
I almost went to see a movie in 4DX recently, and instead of being able to zone out and enjoy it, it was a disaster. Some teenager spent the whole movie narrating it like she was watching a football game. That’s just one example.
I'm not sure how everyone else feels, but it bothers me.
I try to tune it out, but it's difficult.
Am I being too demanding? Maybe times have changed, even if I'm not forty yet.
Or perhaps when a person finds the time and pays for a ticket, they have a right to expect at least a minimum level of respect and peace to enjoy the film.
What do you think?

Just tell them to pipe down.
And maybe try to pick a time when there aren't a bunch of kids running around.

Or maybe one of the guys in their group should say something to them.

Ideally, whoever is sitting closest to them should speak up, but I guess that rarely ever happens.

-Steve

It’s useless trying to pick an unvisited theater. One day, I found myself in a half-empty—well, let's be honest, nearly empty—theater, losing my mind because of some idiot (I couldn't quite decide if she was just an idiot or something worse) who would practically giggle at every single new jump scare in a horror movie. And this wasn't even a serious horror film; I'm jumping out of my seat from the fright, while this woman is just sitting there smirking.

I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and assume it's some kind of glitch where horror creatures actually make her laugh. As for people on their phones, I don't even have the energy to get started.

Then there was this other incident at an outdoor screening. A woman sat next to me, looking like the quintessential corporate executive—perfect makeup, polished outfit—and every time the screen hinted at anything remotely suggestive between two characters, she'd let out a soft, "Ooh!" in a tone straight out of a vintage adult film. 🤣

I spent an entire decade avoiding the movies because of morons and savages like these two. I finally gave it another shot a few years ago, and now I'm seriously considering running away again.

I don't hit the movie theater all that often, but I have to say, my last trip was pretty rough. It wasn't even about people's phones glowing in my face or anything like that—it was just an overall unpleasant experience.

Don't get me wrong, though; I'm totally fine with the snacks and drinks. Popcorn and a good movie are basically a perfect match for me.

I felt like a total villain at the movies once. 😍

I was at my usual indie theater in Seattle, just sitting there waiting for the film to start. There were two ladies, probably in their 60s, sitting right behind me. A few people up in the balcony, maybe, but I couldn't see them. As for the seats in front of me? Not a single soul. Pure bliss. 😍

Then, out of nowhere, one of those women taps me on the shoulder and tells me I need to move so they can get a better view. For a split second, I was actually naive enough to start gathering my stuff to move, before realizing what an idiot I was being. I decided to pivot into my villain era right then and there. I told them there was plenty of room and suggested *they* be the ones to move instead!

"We're older..."
"So arrogant..."
"Ugh..."
(...)

The moral of the story is that you shouldn't let everyone walk all over you. Some people seem to think that buying a ticket gives them ownership of the entire auditorium. Well, not on my watch!

Kimberly Jackson8 said:What are you even talking about? 😁

John Doe 😁

Folks, yesterday's premiere of The Avengers was hands down the best cinema experience I've ever had. The crowd was massive. It felt like every fifth person was wearing a themed shirt (mostly Team Captain America 😁), and every third person was carrying a promotional menu. Honestly, it felt like being at a miniature Comic-Con... haha. And once the movie actually started? Incredible. People were cheering, laughing, and I think even a few people were tearing up. Such a unique atmosphere...

I'm a total movie junkie. I hit the theaters so often that my experiences are almost always positive—maybe a 10% failure rate at most.