Why I’ll Go to the Movies Alone

And why you can too

Image from Canva

I spent a lot of time by myself when I was living in LA in 2019. I normally spend my time going to the movies with friends. That is harder to do when you know about three people in town and they all have busier schedules than you do.

I missed out on a lot of movies that I wanted to see in theaters because I was nervous about going alone. One day I decided that was ridiculous. No one goes to the movies to watch other people, they go to watch the movie.

I wasn’t going to miss out on any more movies I wanted to see because someone else couldn’t, or didn’t want to, go with me.

The first time I went alone was awkward - until I started looking around. I looked around at the other groups and no one noticed me, then the lights went out and for sure no one could see me. Not that time, or anytime after that, has anyone noticed I was seeing the movie by myself.

Going to the movies should be an experience, some films are destined for the big screen (think back to Avatar (2009)). It’s silly to miss out on that just because you don’t want to feel alone. Movies bring us together no matter how we see them initially, so if you want to see it in a theatre then go do that!

Here are some tips if you decide to go to the movies by yourself, but are feeling nervous:

1. Find a time during the day on a weekday. This will hopefully avoid running into any large crowds and having to be out at night by yourself.

2. Get something to eat or drink. That will give your hands something to do other than nervous fidgeting (at least it did for me, a habitual nervous fidgeter).

3. Show up right on time for the movie to start. That way the lights will already be out.

Also, I have heard the argument - “But then I won’t have anyone to talk to.” You shouldn’t be discussing the movie while it’s playing anyways. Talking during a movie is still considered rude in theaters.

I want to conclude by saying that I highly suggest everyone go at least once to see a movie by themselves. I find that when I do it gives me more opportunities to think about how I really feel about the movie. This makes conversations I have later with friends or family that also had a chance to see the film go more in-depth, and fun.

So let me know:

Have you ever seen a movie by yourself?

If you have, what tips would you give someone who is nervous to do so?

Do you like discussing movies in-depth with family and friends?

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