It happened by accident the first time.
Years ago I was staying after school but had late-night plans to meet friends at a downtown movie theater. I was going to catch a lift with my parents, watch the latest Bruce Willis blow-em-up, and then squeeze into my friend Mike’s rusty Saturn for the ride home.
Well, I got there late and the theater was already dark with hypnotic Fruitopia commercials playing as I walked in. I had no choice but to walk around whisper-yelling for a few minutes before eventually giving up and settling into a cozy seat at the back, figuring I’d find them after the show.
After the super slow-mo explosions faded into tearful hugs and scrolling credits the lights lifted up and my friends were nowhere to be seen. I felt like inventing a wireless telephone to send them electronic letters on the spot, but the network infrastructure just wasn’t ready. So I bundled up and walked home before sorting out the mixed up plans the next day.
And sure, it felt a bit strange sitting alone at the back of the movies for the first time, but you know what? It was pretty enjoyable too:
1. Dress down for Chinatown. When you’re chilling at home under the blanket you can relax in old sweats and classy bedhead, but when you’re on the town it’s time to squeeze into tight denim and well-coiffed hairdos. Now, when you’re hitting the multiplex solo you can fight the fashion police in your maroon nylon jumpsuit and tank top.
2. Bag the bucket. Enjoy the whole bucket of popcorn to yourself with worrying about getting stuck with the oily kernels and burnt bits at the bottom of the bag.
3. Kick open the escape hatch. When you’re lugging your baby brother to a Saturday afternoon cartoon or doing date night in a syrupy romcom that escape hatch is bolted on tight. But if you’re watching a movie alone and aren’t digging the flick you can just bail and see something else without guilt. Freedom is always nearby.
4. Squeeze into center seats. You know when you’re looking for seats in a crowded theater there’s never any twos or threes in the best spots? Well, there’s usually a single seat wedged in there! If you’re late just forget the front row and get into the game.
5. Invest in yourself. Because there’s something sweet about getting quality You Time. Sure, we’re social creatures who love dinner parties, basement hangouts, and constant texting… but it’s also good unplugging your brain and escaping into distant fantasy worlds on your own. No talking, no whispering, and plenty of armrests mean you can enjoy the solo trip.
Going to the movies by yourself is about growing up and growing older and growing more comfortable in your own skin. It fills you with the freedom of just being yourself and letting everything else just slip away …
AWESOME!
I totally agree! I had wanted to do this for a while and just recently was able to for the first time. I absolutely love the freedom of plans involved in going to a movie by myself!
Ohhh, this one’s to love !
I always see movies by myself… Although when with friends I never share the popcorn anyway.
However I’ll never understand why people go in crowds at movies… I dislike speaking, being asked stuff, and so on. Besides, there are already some ********* in the theater who answer phone calls, why would I go ahead and spoil it more…
I treasure the theater experience deeply and hate anyone who messes it up for me.
Besides… I don’t have the same tastes as everyone else and, yes, if I remember correctly, I did see the Chipmunks squeaquel on my own . :D
Also, last time I’ve been to the movies, the guy at the counter gave me the best seat in the house, one that was in the top middle, where you had space for your legs and felt like the queen. :D Might’ve mentioned this before, but here’s to the guy at the counter ! I’ll never forget his kindness. :D Besides, he made sure nobody sat next to me either, leavin’ at least one seat both to my right and left… Ah the pleasures… :D Sometimes you gotta love people. Only sometimes tho…
Yes! I LOVE that you posted this… I often do this and wonder if I’m the only person in the world who does it. Glad to know I’m not the only person, and also doubly glad to know it’s considered AWESOME!
I went to see a romantic movie today，alone.
But I think it’s great , you can enjoy some time with yourself.
Awesome…..!!
I work at a movie theater and we’re allowed to see free movies whenever we want with one free guest. As much as I’d love to bring someone along with me, I always save those free movie trips for just myself. There’s nothing like sitting in a big, comfy, reclining chair and eating an entire bag of popcorn by yourself. I love it.
I did this a couple weeks ago when I was feeling really down and lonely. I had no friends to hang out with and usually I’m just about the most social creature out there. I felt like I needed something–anything to cheer me up, so I went to go watch The Other Guys and oh man, it was well worth the trip.
It cheered me so much and I felt so happy afterwards. I think we place far too much stigma on being alone.
Also, that movie was fuckin’ hilarious.
I’m so glad someone shares this love with me! One time I went by myself and the lady asked if I needed to buy two tickets and I said no, just the one. Then she looked at me with horror and said “You are here by your self? That is so sad!” No, its not it was so enjoyable! I am a mom so any quiet time by myself is a plus, throw in a good chick flick and that my friend is a bonus!
The first time I went to the movies by myself, I was by myself… seriously. No one else was on the hall!!! I enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean by my own with no onelse around me. The movie theater employee went to check me by several times and I was laughing and enjoying the hole movie. It was one of the best experiences ever. I felt I was getting older but wasn’t afraid of it. Since then sometimes I go alone and enjoy the moment. Sometimes people staring at me like wondering what am I doing there alone in the dark or as if I was a solitary lonely pathetic woman but I feel so POWERFUL. Most of them don’t dare to do something like that.
Who the the freak goes to the movies ALONE.
The first time this happened to me was an accident too. I went to see this new blockbuster hit with my two friends, and they were really into it. Me, on the other hand, not so much. I went to the bathroom and saw that the movie I truly wanted to see was just about to start, so I popped on in. Let me just say it was the best movie experience of my life! No annoying jabber in my ears for the first time ever! I did feel somewhat awkward being alone, but the simple pleasure of seeing a film on the big screen with no one to bother you is so very worth it.
Pee-wee Herman destroyed this for me.
I’ve never experienced that before. I’m only eleven, so I’m still considered a minor, but as soon as I get the chance and my mother doesn’t cry her eyes out over my ‘milestone’, I’m home free! I’ve been wanting to do that forever!!!