Seeing a movie on your own is awesome. You get there exactly when you want to, see exactly what you want to see, leave exactly when you want to, and you don't have to have any conversations you don't want to. It's beautiful.
EDIT: Thanks to /u/OHAITHARU for reminding me of the big one: you sit where you want to sit!
EDIT2: I absolutely can believe that my highest-rated comment is about doing something fun regardless of whether you look cool doing it. That's what life is about!
I've started doing this now that I've got a little expendable income and I realize that I love going to the movies, but I hated the hassle of getting a group together to pick a time, arrange rides, select a movie everybody likes, etc. I'm normally a really social guy but after a few movies by myself, I realize that it's awesome. I went and saw Interstellar because I had a few hours in Chicago by myself and I recently went and saw Jurassic World because nobody else was free. Agreed, 10/10 would recommend.
Have you ever gone to a movie alone... and then realized no one else is in the theater? It's like your own private screen. Except when it's a horror flick and then you're totally getting the fear.
The trick is to going on a weekday for the first showing of the day, my theater has an early bird special for $4.50 for a 9 am show, NO ONE EVER GOES , Avengers : Age of Ultron was 10x better without hearing 100 normies munch popcorn simultaneously
I did this for Paranormal Activity 4, say what you will about the franchise but when you're alone in the cinema and it's on a huge screen in front of you it's bloody scary.
Yes! Interstellar was the first movie I watched alone, also, since all of my friends had already watched it and I didn't want them to inadvertently give anything away. I'm thinking of doing the same with Jurassic World.
I wanted to watch interstellar in IMAX, but all my friends said that it was too expensive. I went by myself, and it is no doubt the best cinematic experience I have lived through.
My friends doesn't love the movies as much as I do, or not enough to ahem pay for them at least so I simply got tired of harassing them (and they're probably glad for it too) to go for this and that movie so I just started to go alone.
I started doing this a couple years ago...it has become a habit now and I really don't like going to the movies anymore with other people. It's not like you need to talk to each other during the movie.
People who talk during movies annoy me. I don't mind as much if it's at home and I can pause the movie, but in the theater it drives me up a wall. I paid money to be here, ask me after.
Lol. I just saw Ex Machina when I fucking felt like it this last semester of college. Pop that popcorn for me. I am the reason you have a job, and you're damn right I'm getting this entire aisle to myself. Best movie time ever. Something, something procrastinating finals studying.
I like to take it that extra step as well. Weekend matinee or middle of the week late night? You get the whole theater to yourself. It has become my preferred movie viewing experience.
WTF, what was your normal movie experience, am I the only one who drives with the person you go there with? Arrives before the movie? Leave after its over? WTF are you guys just leavng in the middle of it?
Plus, if you're married, going by yourself means the tickets only cost half as much!
My $25 movie experience with wife and kid becomes a $10 experience of my own. The extra $5 is for popcorn. We can never go to the theater without the wife buying outrageously priced, mediocre popcorn.
its honestly pretty great. Super easy to find a seat. you can be in and out of the theater in no time. You dont need to worry about conflicting schedules or anything.
I'm to the point where I only go to the movies alone. The last time I went with other people was a Friday night, we were late because one person was holding it up and we got shitty seats.
Give me Sunday at 11am (or a weekday if I can swing it) by myself and I'm set. I don't even understand why seeing movies is a big social event anyway. You're getting together to sit next to someone in the dark and you're not supposed to talk.
There's nothing worse than going to a movie with a friend or partner, thoroughly enjoying it, having an emotional response to it, having it change your point of view, and then hearing your companion go "Well that was a giant piece of shit." It's the only reason I tend to see movies alone. It's not like I'm saying that my taste in movies is better than anyone else's but when you get lost in a good movie and you can feel your companion shifting around in their seat or hear them grunting or sighing their way through something you consider to be a masterpiece, it just kind of ruins the moviegoing experience for me. That hour or so after seeing a movie alone is very important to me. It's silent reflection time, no matter what type of movie I just sat through. If I have somebody jamming their opinion down my throat about how boring they thought the movie was it takes me out of the zone.
That happened to me with The Wolverine. I thought it was really good as far as comic book movies go. When it ended, my friend didn't want to wait for the after credits scene because, in his words, "that was like the worst movie ever." I don't think I've seen a movie with him since.
I think it kind of depends on the movie, at least for me. If it's a comedy or action movie, I'd definitely prefer to see it with someone (or at the very least a crowded theater). The audience reaction (or your friend's reaction) makes it that much more enjoyable.
When it comes to thrillers or good dramatic films, I totally get you. I don't need people making random comments when I'm totally into the movie. That is more of a solitary experience.
Agreed. Just did it for the first time last night (Jurassic World was fucking awesome) and really enjoyed myself. I got to sit exactly where I wanted and just got to focus entirely on the movie. No girl to distract me, no friends making shitty jokes in my ear the entire time, and no family members.
10/10, am going to do it again this weekend for Ant-Man
Especially with reserved seating. You don't need to stand in line or sit there for 20+ minutes by yourself killing time on your phone or whatever. Just show up as the pre movie ads are starting and you're golden.
I remember with Dark Knight Rises, I had a day off so went opening Friday. Because of traffic got there just as the IMAX logo was showing. There was one seat left, mine, right in the prime middle, because I'd reserved my seat days earlier.
About 2 weeks after Age of Ultron came out I went to the theater to see it mid-afternoon on a Wednesday. Completely alone. Theater was empty except for me. It's amazing.
You're obviously going to the movies with the wrong people. (That sounds aggressive. I'm sure you can enjoy a movie fine on your own.) I've never really gone to a movie at a time I didn't want to, or saw one I didn't want to, or sat where I didn't want to (except for the time my friends wanted to see Iron man 2 at midnight and no one wanted to go into the threater and we got shitty shit seats because of it). Plus having the conversation you want to have is beautiful! Then you get to talk about the movie afterwards
Saw jurrasic world on realeas by myslefe. Sooooo much easier planning by yourself and finding a seat. Just sat down and watched all the groups struggle to find enough room for themselves to sit next to each other. Ive been there guys, sorry :(
I honestly do everything I can to see movies by myself. I typically see them very early into their release. Nothing against my friends I just prefer the ease of going alone.
The best part is having the ability to walk out whenever you want. If I go with a friend or date I never walk out in the middle of a movie unless its super obvious we both hate it. I sit through a lot of movies that we talk about it afterwards and we both thought it was shit.
I used to always go to movies with people until I got a job at a theater. Free movies for me? Awesome. I would try to find people, but they weren't getting in free and didn't always want to spend the money. I said "fuck it" one evening and went to see Chappie all alone (which was fine because it was a mediocre movie), and from then on, I went to see every movie I wanted alone. It's great, sometimes I even clock out from work and just walk straight into a theater. If I see a movie that looks interesting I just go see it. I don't have to worry about the movie being bad since I got in free. Plus, since I work there, the staff turns a blind eye to my bringing in candy. I can also get free Pop and popcorn as well, so that's nice.
written from my iPhone, while working at this theater
Since we had our daughter there's often a movie that my OH isn't bothered about seeing and it's hard to get a babysitter during the week (when the tickets are cheaper!). I often go on my own and I love it - two hours peace and quiet with snacks that no one will steal!
Mmm I love this. I do it any time I ask a few people if they want to watch movie X and I get rejected. Well, I'll just watch it alone then, fuck y'all.
I make a habit of doing this at least once or twice a year, especially to go see movies that none of my friends really care to see. That way I get to see a movie I want, without having to drag someone to the theater that doesn't want to see it! I have seen most Fast and Furious movies alone.
I usually to watch a movie at the latest times so I can have the whole place to myself and do whatever the fuck I want when I want, going with friends is fun but sometime can be annoying
I have gone to the movies alone for years by choice. If you go to an art gallery and view art work, do you need a group to take it in? Same idea to me - you go to take in what the artists put together. Don't need others to take it in with you.
I can't stand it. I need to talk about how awesome or bad the movie was, pick apart its flaws, and just generally make fun of it. On your own you can't really do that until one of your friends sees it, and even then its not the same since it's not fresh.
Elysium, The Wolverine, Guardians of the Galaxy, Kick-Ass 2, Whiplash, Foxcatcher, Birdman, The Dark Knight Trilogy (IMAX all nighter) x2, Man of Steel, Don Jon, Under the Skin, The Fifth Estate, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Thor the Dark World, The Imitation Game, The Hobbit. These are a few I have seen by myself the past couple of years and they were all awesome experiences.
The IMAX all nighters for The Nolan trilogy were the best, I thought there would be more people on their own there but both times everybody (from what I could see) were in groups. Still it was cool to be able to chill by myself during the breaks!
This only works if you're in good health. I have a medical condition where I have to get up and pee a couple times a movie. Always afraid my spot will get taken.
This why I (F) shop alone as well. No longer have to give an opinion while a friend tries on everything in the store. No longer have to go into every store. I shop with purpose and hate the "window shopping" and "let's just try stuff on".
I've been going to the movies by myself for about 10 yrs now. It's amazing.
I do it all the time. If I'm bored, have no plans, and want to see something in theaters I just go. I've never felt weird about it either except for when I saw Frozen by myself.
I've always been willing to eat at a restaurant alone or even go to the bar alone (I'm a woman by the way), but I haven't attempted movie watching alone yet. But you now have me convinced to try. And really, why not see movies alone? During the event it is pretty much a solo activity anyway (i.e. STFU I'm watching this!). Of the three I mentioned it's the one that is most suited for attending alone!
Ugh...I don't know if I like how many times I used the word "alone" here... :-(
the first time, a long time ago, could not believe the questions and outright "what" I got. I saw a couple that we kinda know at the same movie, I think the rumor would of better if I was cheating rather than see a movie by myself- in case your wondering, not a porn flick
Yes! I used to do this all the time when I was younger, go on discount days and catch something none of my friends would go see. Usually something foreign, Korean cinema was having a bit of a boom at the time so a lot Korean films. I really enjoyed seeing Save The Green Planet! which I never would have seen if I'd been going with friends
Did this for the first time at Guardians of the Galaxy, I was in a different city visiting a friend (he was still at work) and it was the last week it would be in theaters so I decided to go for it. Totally worth it, I snuck in some vodka and had a blast.
I do that all the time (although now that I'm partnered I don't do it as often). The only weird part is when it's a kids movie and the parents give you weird looks.
(I'm not here to see your kids mam, I'm here to see the movie)
I work at a movie theatre and there is honestly nothing nicer than finishing work in the afternoon/evening and just relaxing by watching a movie alone! I really enjoy it. Plus I don't have to share my snacks with anyone.
I just watched Jurassic World by myself the other night and it was great. I like to get there a little early and get my snacks and find a seat but my friends always bitch about having to go early.
I saw Jurassic World on opening day by myself. Got there 15 mins before show, found a seat easily, exactly where I wanted. Even pairs had to sit in ridiculous spots, but groups of 4 or 5 were still arriving during previews. What did they expect?
When I lived in Zürich, Switzerland, I enjoyed going to the movies. The first time I went, I was happy to see that the whole front of the theater was empty so as usual I picked my favorite spot smack in the middle. Then I noticed everyone else was sitting all the way in the back in full rows. I looked at my ticket and realized it had a seat number on it. Everyone was looking at me as if I were crazy. I don't know why the theater assigned the tickets starting at the back, but everyone sat according to their assigned seat. I did this many times and other than strange looks, everyone was too polite to bother me except for one person. They came up to me and asked if that was my seat. I said "no". They said "what if the person who is assigned that seat arrives?" I indicated the vast sea of empty seats around me and said "then I'll move." I never got the assigned seats thing. He looked at me as if my reckless anarchy was the work of the devil, but he couldn't think of a counter argument.
When I went to concerts there it was similar. I took my assigned seat, but as an American I was the only one who would stand up and whoop and holler and clap. All the Swiss people stayed politely in their seats and golf-clapped. And this was for shows like Led Zeppelin, Santana, and Elton John. They thought I was a freak, but I didn't care.
Another time, at my workplace, I noticed that when all the monitors in the office had been unboxed, no one had taken off the annoying advertising stickers on the bezels. They were garish and stupid, so I went around and took them all off. Later, my boss asked me if I did it and I told him I had. He asked me why, and I said they were ugly and not designed to stay there. He seemed annoyed, but couldn't really think of any harm I had done. But I could tell he was still mad. So I said "they're supposed to come off. That is their function." He seemed somewhat satisfied with that.
Swiss people are very nice, but their passion for tidiness is very true.
I never understood why going to the movies has been traditionally considered a group activity. It's not like you can carry on a group conversation while you're watching. You just sit in a row and stare at a screen for two hours. Having other people with you adds nothing to the experience.
I have a friend who will happily to go a bar or go out to eat alone but would never go to the cinema alone. It makes no sense to me- you're not meant to talk at the cinema but the previous two are social/ chatty enviroments
I can't agree with this more. people act like going to the movies is a social thing. why? it's not like you can talk. also, my friend wouldn't be quiet during jurassic parkworld, I was trying to focus on the bad dialouge!
My favorite is going to a CONCERT (or sporting event) alone... I have had the best experiences. I can usually sneak way down lower than if I was with someone else and I feel like I'm 100% free to roam around and do whatever the hell I want. Hot chick at the hotdog stand? Let's go talk to her. Empty seat down in the front row?... let's study the ushers and try and to get to that seat little by little. Got a drunk text from an old gf? F$@k-it, I've seen enough of the show I'm going to ditch out and go get laid. I've also met a lot of celebrities with this freedom as well. If I'm in a hotspot event I'll just roam around the whole time looking for people I know (and have seen celebs I might want to say hi too). There is a guy who has basically snuck into every SuperBowl and this is why... if you are alone and clever you can pull off a lot of fun stuff!
The best thing is when you don't get assigned seat, you can squizz yourself in the best raws because people in group always leave a couple of seats between them to not be right next to strangers. No need to arrive in advance. Moreover people shut up when they're right next to strangers.
The same thing goes for going to concerts alone. It's usually something people don't do, but if you love live music, you should try it. None of the group-concert-going hangups are there. You arrive when you want. Leave when you want. Chat up who you want. Get as fucked up or stay as sober as you want. You can stealth your way into any nook or cranny. You don't have to drag along a SO who doesn't actually like the band. You don't have to listen to anyone complain. It's a wonderful, liberating, thing.
I can't remember the last time I actually went to the movies with anyone. I mean, it's not like you can talk during the movie anyway, so why bother? Exactly the same reason movie dates are awful.
Also you get to sit anywhere you want! You only need one seat so you can be that person that fills the very middle seat in between two different groups
Doing this since I'm a kid. It's actually weird for me go see a movie with someone.
Actually, one of my best memory of this is when I went to see The Night Before Christmas all by myself on New Year's Eve when I was 14. I wasn't alone!
Totally agree. I used to get off at 2 on Fridays at my old job. I had my Friday routine of get off work, smoke a bowl and go see a movie at the theater, go home take a nap then go out for the night. Best way to start a weekend
It is especially nice if you go to an early showing (11AMish) to a movie that has been out a while. I was the only one in the theater when I saw the last Hobbit movie and Kingsman.
On my "first date", the girl never showed up. I had extra money to buy food, and I could enjoy the movie in silence without having to pay attention to her. No regrets.
The seat thing is especially important when you see a slightly older movie or during a non peak hour. It feels like you have a whole theater to yourself.
And no sharing the pop corn! I love going to the movies alone, much prefer it. The first time it was a bit weird, but now it's my preferred method. I went to the movies for my 30th alone, it was during work hours for everyone so it was empty and I loved it.
I like to go and watch scary movies by myself a while after they've come out at weird times when there will be almost nobody else in the theater. I end up thoroughly scared and it's awesome.
Yes, all of this. When I was out of work for a while I started going to the movies by myself. My husband thought I was weird for doing it, but it's actually nice and relaxing to not have to worry about all that other stuff. (And it's even more awesome if it's during the weekday when most other people are working and the theaters are virtually empty!)
I started doing that last summer when I kept having trouble getting my friends to see the movies I wanted to see. Now I do it all the time. its awesome. I see what I want, when I want. I saw four movies by myself just last summer. 3 of which were on opening night.
Yep the best part is going to the last showing on a Tuesday or Wednesday night as well as a month or two after the movie was released. You get the entire theater to yourself and it is amazing.
I went to see Wall Street money never sleeps alone. I just said screw it I wanna goto the movies and I put on some pajamas. It was the most relaxing thing I ever to did.
I can't watch a movie alone, I just find it borning. I need pretty much constant conversation about what we're watching to stay engaged. My husband is a saint...
I see movies by myself probably 75% of the time. It's a much more enjoyable experience. I apply the same logic to road trips sometimes. Solo roadtrips are awesome. Just plan the trip so you goo see people you know so you don't get lonely. I've gone up and the east coast a few times doing this and it's amazing. Stop when you want, eat when and where you want, pee whenever you want, sing as loud as you want, you can stop at every stupid road side attraction or museum or whatever you want, roll down all the windows, literally whatever you want to do.
Doing this in London sucks because cinemas now force you to pick a seat before purchasing the ticket which usually ends up in you being seated next to random people or children.
And if you go in the day on a weekday alone, you might be the only person in the theater! This happened to me when I went to see Annabelle last year. Made it a thousand times more scary.
I may be the minority on this, but I really enjoy watching previews. I can't remember the last time I went to the movies with anyone besides myself and didn't miss at least half of them.
Yeah. It never made any sense to me. You get together with friends to go to an event where you deliberately don't get to talk to them? Throw in that if you have different movie tastes there may be movies you never see
I don't like seeing movies alone, but then again, I really only like seeing movies so that I can talk about them with people who also saw them, and that doesn't really work as well alone
I only go to the movies by myself during the day in the middle of the week. Its so quiet, get to the the whole thing with no distractions and no traffic.
Even better, going alone to a late showing at less popular theater can be even more awesome as you can luck out and be the only one in the theater. No one talking, no one shushing you laugh too loud. Want a different seat? No problem! Go get it! The guy operating the projector once paused the movie for me when I got up to go to the bathroom. 10/10 will do many, many more times. As an added bonus, since it's the slightly run down theater tickets are $4.
I thought it would be a good idea so I tried it once, when I walked out of the theater I felt so lonely seeing all the people out with their buds, I'm hesitant to try again.
Seeing a movie on your own is awesome IF you look socially acceptable to see the movie you are attending. I saw How to Train your Dragon all by myself when it came out, and I am a dude with long hair and a big bushy beard. The looks I got from some of the fathers I'll never forget. The moms looked at me with dread and even steered their kids away from me. I sat in the very back and literally no one sat in my row. I guess the logic they had was because I was a hairy guy seeing a "kids" movie I must be some kind of pedo. I'm obviously not and just wanted to see the movie. I've never been back to the movies since.
I travel for work, and this is the reality of every day for me. At first, it is strange and you sometimes even starve and not eat/do anything due to anxiety. But after awhile you learn to not give a fuck, because you will never see these people again, unless they are cool, and you want to.
I don't understand comments like these... Do you have nothing in common with none of your friends? If I wanna see the new Marvel film, I find some buddies and we have a good time. We don't talk during the film because we are adults. Afterwards we can go for a drink or eat. We can discuss the movie if we want, or not, because we have brains.
I really don't understand. The only difference with being alone is that it's easier to find a seat.
4.2k
u/senatorskeletor Jul 13 '15 edited Jul 14 '15
Seeing a movie on your own is awesome. You get there exactly when you want to, see exactly what you want to see, leave exactly when you want to, and you don't have to have any conversations you don't want to. It's beautiful.
EDIT: Thanks to /u/OHAITHARU for reminding me of the big one: you sit where you want to sit!
EDIT2: I absolutely can believe that my highest-rated comment is about doing something fun regardless of whether you look cool doing it. That's what life is about!