Going to the movie theater alone can be described in one word: freedom.
It’s complete freedom to watch in your own manner. This freedom makes the experience relaxing, yet for some the thought of sitting alone in a theater full of couples, friends and families can seem terrifying. For those first timers, here are a few do’s and don’ts to have a successful solo movie outing.
Do get a snack
Don’t go see Star Wars in 3D by yourself. Takes some hints from the CU Independent. (Robert R. Denton/CU Independent File)
This is senior broadcasting news and ethnic studies major Stacey Sams’ go-to solution for going to the movies alone.
“I would see anything by myself if I was really interested, and I always get a snack,” she said.
Getting a snack keeps you busy before the movie and is a nice treat for a solo mission. A snack also helps, specifically a popcorn tub, as a seat saver when you need to run to the bathroom.
Don’t go to a film you wouldn’t want to be seen at
When choosing a film, don’t choose one where you wouldn’t want to be seen at or where you may feel uncomfortable. For example, don’t go to a children’s film alone in the daytime or times where mass amounts of children may watch the film. They may annoy you, and you could look like a creeper. Aim for a later showing where you won’t seem creepy and there will probably be less children.
Do choose a film you want to see
Choose a movie that gets you excited and truly sparks an interest. This may seem obvious – who wants to spend money and time on a movie that they don’t want to see? This may not be so simple when watching a movie with friends, as your first choice may get silenced. You get stuck watching something that doesn’t interest you so that more people in the group are happy. But this isn’t a problem on your own.
“I prefer to go the movies by myself, because I get to choose a movie that I want to see and get to keep it as my little secret,” recent CU grad Jess Serowski said.
Don’t shy away from scary movies
Scary movies tend to do what their genre suggests: scare. Don’t let the fear keep you from watching it. Choose a good time that won’t let out too late, preferably in the daytime, where your imagination won’t make things scarier than they actually are.
“I won’t go see a scary movie by myself late,” senior computer science major Brittany Harsha said. ”If I go to see a scary movie, it’s one of the first showings of the morning, especially at the theater here with the parking garage.”
These are just a few dos and don’ts that are a great way to ease you into heading to the theater alone.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Claudia Rebora at Claudia.rebora@colorado.edu.
