I still remember my worst movie theater experience. It was a highly anticipated film and I had been looking forward to watch it all summer. But just as the movie started, a group of rowdy teenagers entered the auditorium, sat two rows in the back and kept talking loudly completely disrupting the experience for everyone else.
This happened 4 or 5 years ago, at an AMC theater close to where I live. I reported the matter to the management and thankfully, they gave me a gift card to compensate for my inconvenience. AMC movie prices are no joke, so it’s a good thing they offered me tickets so I could watch the movie again (at no cost).
This memory got me thinking about the worst people you encounter at the cinema. You know those individuals whose behavior makes you question why they even bothered to step into a dark theater if they clearly have no interest in the film. Hopefully you aren’t any of these people and if you are, then perhaps it’s time to make a change for the better!
The Talker
I mean, hey, do you really need to consult your companions after every single scene in the film? This includes not only constant comments and questions but also random conversations once the movie has started! And let’s not forget the person who loudly asks questions about the plot, oblivious to the fact that everyone else is trying to pay attention.
The Huge Group That Shows Up Late
It’s understandable that sometimes you can’t be perfectly punctual – traffic, long lines, etc. But when arrive well after the trailers and spend several minutes scanning the packed theater for eight seats together, there’s no excuse for it.
The Armrest Conqueror
Sharing tight space with strangers can be tricky. Nowhere is this more evident than with the all-too-narrow armrest, which quickly becomes a battleground. The conqueror is that moviegoer who immediately claims the entire armrest, which is just a big no-no.
The Chair Kicker
Occasionally, you can forgive a kick, considering how close the seats are inside the theater. But when it happens constantly throughout the film, it becomes a nightmare.
The Obvious Disliker
There’s always someone who feels the need to loudly express their disdain for the movie as it’s playing. Comments like “This movie sucks!” or “This is so boring!” can really ruin the experience for everyone else.
The Commentator
This is why I hesitate to watch movies with certain people. They constantly talk about what’s happening on screen and react to scenes as if they’re providing a live commentary. Everyone has thoughts about the movie, but some just can’t help but share them out loud.
The Phone User
I’m always amazed at how some people can’t go 90 minutes without checking their phone. Worse, they always have their screens set to the brightest possible setting which can be annoying when you’re watching a movie in a dark room.
The Food Rustler
Yes, eating snacks is part of the movie experience, but that doesn’t mean you should make as much noise as possible. Be considerate and take your time. Unfortunately, many cinema snacks are inherently noisy, which doesn’t help.
The Laugher
I’m not talking about laughing during a comedy, but inappropriate laughter during serious moments in a film. It comes off as immature and can really disrupt the experience for others.
The Cougher
I understand you might have a sore throat, and coughing a few times is understandable. But constant coughing throughout the film is disruptive—take a drink and try to manage it.
The Drunk
This one doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s quite a disturbance. Drinking alcohol in a place where you’re supposed to be quiet for a couple of hours isn’t the best idea, but since cinemas sell alcohol, well, it can happen.
The Seat Stealer
This happens for those showtimes that do not require seat reservations. I haven’t seen this in AMC theaters anymore since you can pretty much reserve your seats in advance but in the past, it was the norm. So basically what happens is you leave your jacket on a couple of seats to save them while you fetch a friend outside. Two minutes later, you return to find someone has moved your stuff and claimed one of the seats. Awkward confrontations ensue.
The Foot Rester
A stinky foot dangling behind your head or over your shoulder in a packed theater. That’s one surefire way to ruin a person’s movie experience.
The Parents Who Brought Their Baby to a Tarantino Movie
Parents have the right to decide what’s appropriate for their child, but it feels like a moral quandary when there’s a three-year-old in the audience for a Tarantino flick. You might wonder if the parents even know what the movie is about, and if you should say something before the lights go down.
