Just in case you need a refresher.
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It’s no secret that watching movies at the cinema has increasingly become a luxury post-pandemic thanks to expensive ticket prices that prevent the hobby from being as accessible as it used to be. But still, as long as the right environment and movies are there, audiences have shown that they are willing to splurge at the cinema, as seen with the recent successes of Hello, Love, Again, Wicked, and Moana 2.
Yet, even with cinemas still holding on and audiences’ appetites being present in the age of streaming, there needs to be a discussion on cinema etiquette. Like when watching a play or a concert, there are certain expectations on how people should act when inside the cinema, expectations that are somewhat becoming less common post-pandemic. Yes, you paid for your ticket, but that doesn’t excuse you from forgetting your manners and displaying generally rude behavior. So, in case you need a crash course on enjoying your movie-watching experience as much as possible, here are a few reminders of the do’s and don’ts when you’re at the cinema.
DON’T RECORD THE MOVIE (AND THAT INCLUDES TAKING CLIPS)
This might seem obvious, but some people can be just so giddy to whip out their phone and record whole scenes to post on social media. FYI, doing that is still a form of piracy, and that’s a conversation some of you aren’t ready to have yet. It’s become commonplace these days to take pics or record clips to post on social media, whether to share on Instagram Stories or turn into TikTok content.
Don’t record the screen, and especially don’t post those recordings to social media. Remember, most people do not want to be spoiled. And no, just because something cool happened in the movie doesn’t require you to record and post it online. You’re there to watch a movie, not take content and chase that clout, so enjoy your time and put that phone away. If you’re really itching to tell the world that you’re watching a movie, just take a pic of the movie’s poster or your ticket. It’s not that serious for you to potentially get in trouble.
DON’T LEAVE A MESS
Again, another reminder that should be common sense, but that is also something a few people are missing these days. While the seat and snacks are yours for a couple of hours, that doesn’t give you an excuse to turn it into a pigsty. That popcorn may be bussin’ and the soda hits different, but please don’t spill it all over your seat.
Also, once the movie is done, throw your trash properly because it won’t kill you to do so. Yes, there are janitors who clean cinemas after every showing, but it’s disrespectful to the staff to just leave it there and it’s plain good manners to dispose of your waste, not to mention help the cinema workers with their job. Don’t be that guy whose seat is littered with popcorn once the lights go up.
DO BE CONSIDERATE OF THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU
While many of us are used to the comfort of watching a movie in our beds, the cinema is a different discussion. Movie theaters are public places, so act accordingly. If the seats beside or near you are occupied, be considerate and avoid unnecessary movement and actions that would distract other movie-goers from the film. This includes not giving people enough room to pass and kicking the chair in front of you. An accidental kick, once, is acceptable. But do it more times, that’s just bad manners.
DO KEEP YOUR PHONE ON SILENT MODE
At most, you’ll be in a cinema for three hours. There’s no need to constantly check your smartphone every five minutes, especially with the brightness set to max. Movies are best enjoyed when you get to immerse yourself in the experience, so texts, calls, and notifications aren’t it with how disruptive they can be. Lower your phone’s brightness and put it on silent for the entire movie, and if you really need to use it, step outside to do your business. No one wants to be in a cinema where a phone goes off every ten minutes.
DON’T MAKE UNNECESSARY COMMENTS
We’ve all had those experiences when a movie is so epic or mind-blowing, that we just had to talk about it. But that should not be done while the movie is still playing. Yes, you are free to react to what you’re watching, but that doesn’t give you a free pass to just say what you want out loud. This isn’t the UAAP where the audience needs minute-by-minute commentary on what’s going on.
No one is keeping score on how smart you are or if you talk about the plot points inside the cinema or explain the movie’s events while it’s running. Reserve the commentary for a review or on social media after the screening. When Beyonce says, “Everybody on mute,” that includes in the cinema.
DO USE THE PROPER ARMREST
Pop quiz: which armrest is supposed to be yours at the cinema? It’s not the most obvious, but in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you might have to share an armrest in a packed cinema, the general and unspoken rule is that the right armrest and cupholder are yours while the left armest can be used if no one else is using it. Though, this can change depending on where you’re seated and who is seated beside you. But regardless, avoid claiming both armrests when the seats beside you are occupied because that’s just rude. And if you’re unsure, just talk to your seatmate and ask politely.
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