How to Behave in a Movie Theater

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 16, 2022

Going to the movies for the first time? Are you unsure of what it will be like or how you should behave? Making the most of your movie-going experience is as simple as being courteous, following theater rules, and embracing a generous spirit towards your family and friends.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Being Prepared

1
Arrive early to avoid entering the theater after the movie has started. Make sure to get to the movie theater with enough time to park your car, buy snacks, use the bathroom, find your screen, choose seats, and get settled. Adjust your arrival time if you are seeing a recently released movie or if you’re attending at peak hours. This means longer lines and a crowded theater. ^{[1]
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2
Use the bathroom before entering the theater. Getting up to use the bathroom in the middle of the movie is disruptive. Make sure to locate the bathroom closest to your movie theater before entering. Even if you use the bathroom beforehand, you may need to go again during the movie. Knowing the quickest route will get you in, out, and back in your seat quickly.

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3
Let friends and family know where you are. Notifying your friends and family that your phone will be turned off for the next few hours shows respect and maturity. It also helps to avoid disruptions during the movie.
4
Make calls and end text message conversations before entering the movie theater. Place any last-minute calls and end unfinished text message conversations outside of the movie theater. Talking or texting on your mobile phone during the movie is irritating and rude. This is especially true in 3D movies that require the use of special glasses that react to certain bright lights. ^{[2]
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5
Offer to stand in line for snacks and drinks. If you’re seeing a movie with a group of friends or family members, offer to stand in the concession line. This shows your generosity and helps keep the group organized. While you stand in line, your companions can use the bathroom, save seats in the theater, and get settled. It also makes their experience more enjoyable and they will be more likely to invite you for another movie.
- Make sure to take the group order and ask for money before getting in line. Trying to organize while in the concession line will slow down other movie goers who already know what they want.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Following Movie Theater Etiquette

1
Treat movie theater staff with respect. This applies to all interactions including purchasing tickets, buying snacks and drinks at the concession stand, and acknowledging cleaning staff as you exit the theater at the end of the movie. How you treat the staff is a reflection of your own maturity.
2
Enter the movie theater quietly and choose a seat quickly. You will enter the theater at the very bottom or very top of the seating area. Find your seat respectfully without pushing, running, jumping, or talking loudly. If you sit next to another patron, always ask if the open seat is actually available. They may be saving it for someone.
3
Turn off any electronic devices. This is one of the biggest behavior faux pas you can make during a movie. Make sure your mobile phone is turned completely off. The light from your screen can be incredibly irritating to the other movie goers. ^{[3]
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4
Release saved seats when the lights dim. If you are saving a seat for a friend or family member, release the seat as the lights dim and before the trailers begin. Seats are generally available on a first come, first serve basis. It is rude to hold a seat for someone who is late over movie goers who have arrived on time. ^{[4]
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5
Don't talk during the movie. The sound of your voice may disturb other patrons who are trying to listen to the movie. If you absolutely have to make a comment, make sure to speak in a quiet whisper.
6
Exit the movie theater silently and respectfully during the movie. If you have to leave the theater while the movie is still showing, try your best to crouch to avoid blocking other people's view. Be as quick as you can, while also keeping safety in mind. Don’t talk while leaving the theater and try your best to time your departure with an appropriate part of the movie.
7
Share your space respectfully with strangers. Be aware of shared armrests and don’t let your personal items stray into another seat. Be careful not to kick the chair in front of you. If you experience disruptions, such as a movie goer kicking the back of your seat, address the situation calmly and politely.
- You can also find a different seat. Keep in mind, everyone has a right to sit where they want, so try to make the best of the situation without disrupting the movie.
8
Pick up any trash. Leaving empty candy boxes, greasy popcorn bags, and emptied soda containers is disrespectful and immature. By cleaning up your seating area, you are treating the movie theater staff with respect. Remember, they have to clean up the theater after every movie for their entire shift.
9
Wait for the lights to turn back on before exiting the movie theater. Unless it’s an emergency, wait until the lights have turned on before standing up. This shows respect to other movie goers who are still watching the screen. It is also safer as you can easily see where you’re walking.

Community Q&A

Question

What happens if we talk during the movie?

Community Answer

Well, for one, you'd be annoying and disrespecting the people around you who paid money to watch the movie. There's a chance you could be made to leave the theater if you're too disruptive.
Question

What would happen if I whistled in the theater?

Community Answer

When you whistle or make other sounds in the theater, you have to be aware of other people near you who want to enjoy the movie but might not appreciate these types of sounds. There is not really any reason to whistle in the theater, and doing so could get you removed by an usher.
Question

What if someone yells at me in the movie theatre?

Community Answer

You may ignore him, ask him to stop or talk to an employee for help.

Warnings

If you suffer from motion sickness, avoid IMAX and 3D movie showings.

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If you are told to leave the theater for causing disruptions, do so respectfully and without arguing.

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Do not start any arguments or trouble with the customers and or staff, this will only get you in trouble and you could be asked to leave.

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Don't film the movie. It is illegal and you could get yourself a pricey fine or even jail time.

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If you've already seen a movie, avoid spoiling it. Even if you don't intend to, try not to spoil things. This especially applies to important sequels and blockbusters.

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Do not sneak any outside snacks or even your own snacks in the movie theater. You will most likely be asked to get rid of them, or you could get escorted out.

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