Movie Theater Etiquette 101

Several of the most anticipated movies of 2018 such as “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Deadpool 2” and “Hereditary” have hit theaters. Not to mention, quite a few trailers have us moviegoers hyped up for what will be in theaters next year. However, often times us frequent moviegoers are stuck dealing with people who have poor theater etiquette.

Read on for a crash course in Movie Theater Etiquette 101.

Really, don’t talk during the movie.
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1. Don’t talk during the movie

Seriously, don’t. It’s one thing to whisper to your date or friend but don’t have a conversation at full volume.

Even if you’ve already seen the movie, realize other people haven’t and want to enjoy it. In other words, don’t discuss possible theories about what may or may not be going on or happening in the next installment of the series right then and there during the events of the current part.

Not to mention, don’t keep yelling and repeating a line at full volume but, more on that later.

2. Refrain from using your phone

I get it, even some of the most visually stunning movies can seem to be dragging on. I realize it will sound redundant but, just let happen.

Not all movies will recover from sudden halts in action that don’t pick up again but, do everything in your power not to check your phone.

Even if the pre-trailer message of ‘checking one’s phone being distracting’ might sound corny in this day and age, the glare of a cell phone can really ruin an experience.

(https://pixabay.com/en/cinema-hall-film-cinema-lovers-2502213/)

3. Don’t bring small children to R-Rated movies.

I remember when I saw the remake of “It,” the couple who entered before my boyfriend and I brought their children who couldn’t have been older than three and four.

Just because there’s a clown involved doesn’t mean the storyline, plot or language is kid-friendly. And, given the amount of blood and adult themes throughout, this is one of those times the ‘

Even if a movie isn’t necessarily gory but still R-rated, kids shouldn’t be seeing, regardless.

For example, when I went to see the movie “Game Night,” the experience was not as fun as it would have been for me because some couple brought their toddler who kept repeating several lines as they were said in the movie at a ridiculous volume.

There were a lot of sexual jokes in that movie and a handful of gun violence.

I’m not a parent but I’d say bringing kids who aren’t even in their teens to R-Rated movies is bad parenting. Sure, it’s their personal decision but, they need to come to terms with the fact that watching R-rated movies does indeed, have an impact on children.

4. Don’t be gross (i.e. clean up after yourself)

A friend of mine who used to work in a movie theater, who has chosen to remain anonymous, told me that she found some rather unsavory things in movie theaters such as used condoms.

She went on to say, “It’s inevitable that people will sneak in snacks rather than buying them at concession but, at least take them with you afterward. Do not leave a huge mess.”

And, even if snacks are purchased at the concession stand, “Please take them to the trash bin. That’s all [us theater employees] ask.”