Proper Movie Theater Etiquette
Don’t steal the show with your poor manners. Enjoy a great time at the movies, with these three tips.
Richie Frieman
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Proper Movie Theater Etiquette
Like most every other person on earth, I am a huge Seinfeld fan and after recently watching the episode where George does the opposite of his usual impulse, I realized there was a Modern Manners Guy article in there. No, I’m not going to do the opposite and tell everyone to drop all sense of manners and start littering, cursing, and picking fights in public–but there is one thing that George Costanza did that made me want to stand up and applaud him. In one scene in this episode, he’s at the movies and a rowdy group of thugs behind kick his seat and throw popcorn at him and his date. Rather than cowering, he stands up for himself. And I couldn’t agree with him more. That’s why today’s article is devoted to proper movie theater etiquette.
What Is Proper Movie Theater Etiquette?
This is one of those Modern Manners Guy topics where it’s hard to pick where to start or how to limit myself to only one article. I mean, I could make a list of one hundred and just throw a dart. I picked the three biggest etiquette breakers I could think of, but since I love hearing from all of you, I hope you will comment on this list I created and add to it.
So here are my top three tips on how to show the proper movie theater etiquette.
Movie Theater Etiquette Tip #1: Don’t Hold Up The Line
Am I the only one who is shocked to find that people waiting in line to get food at the movies act like they have never been faced with this decision before? First of all, you’ve probably been in line for at least five minutes—why are you waiting until you’re at the front to decide what you want. Plus, it’s a movie theater! Unless you are from Mars, you know what they have: popcorn, candy, soda, hotdogs, etc. Avoid this cash-register scenario at all costs:
“What was that you wanted? A large? So you and Billy want a large popcorn?… Or a small? Oh, candy? So you want candy instead? Okay so you and Emily will share a box of candy? Is that all you want?” Then turning to the cashier they say, “So, what kind of candy do you have here?” My God, it makes me want to scream!
Here’s the deal folks, when waiting in line, use your time wisely by looking into what you want before you get up the register. Save us all some frustration.
Movie Theater Etiquette Tip #2: Turn The Phone OFF!
This goes without saying and I even talked about phones in my article on What is Proper Funeral Etiquette? I had to mention it again because it’s just that important. Nowadays, between tickets and food, movies can cost the same as dinner at a nice restaurant, so the last thing you want is for someone else’s rudeness to ruin the movie.
This is where–for once–something that George Costanza has done will come in handy. When someone is ruining the movie by chatting it up on the phone, you HAVE to say something. Now, you don’t have to be rude when you do this, even though your first impulse is to throw the phone across the room. But, you do have to say something. That “something” can be a simple, “Shhhh…” or you can kindly lean back and say, “Would you mind stepping outside to finish that?” Or you can just give the ol’ look. You know the “look.” The one that says, “Don’t make me cause a scene!”
Movie Theater Etiquette Tip #3: Get A Room…
Yes, movies can be romantic and yes, sometimes the romance can take over your emotions, but there is NO reason you need to start reenacting a scene from Boogie Nights in front of the audience. Plus, it’s beyond cliché to start making out with your date like you are Leonardo DiCaprio and about to be thrown from the Titanic.
Sadly this happens more times than not. I was at the movies last month the two teenagers sitting in front of us were holding hands and already kissing—before the lights even went down.
When this happens, you can handle it two ways. One, like in Tip #2, you can ask them to “quiet it down and get a room,” hoping that they will get the not-so-subtle hint. Or if you are not very confrontational, simply remove yourself from the situation. Even if it lands you in the front row with your head tilted back in a 90 degree angle, it will be better than watching Romeo and Juliet celebrate their love right next to you.
Do you have a great story about how you witness rather improper movie theater etiquette? Post them on my Modern Manners Guy Facebook page so we can all hear the details. As always, if you have another manners question, I’m look forward to hearing from you so drop me a line at manners@quickanddirtytips.comcreate new email. As well, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @MannersQDT. And of course, check back next week for more Modern Manners Guy tips.
Movie Theater image courtesy of Shutterstock