A Quick Guide to Going to the Movies Alone
Is going to the movies alone weird? Hell, no. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite solo date ideas.
But before we start getting into the what and why, let’s get ahead of one thing: going to the movies alone is not pathetic or sad. It’s a great way to treat yourself. But even so, people always seem reluctant to go to the movies alone.
I admit, I thought it was weird at first – but I’m a person who thinks a lot of things are weird until I try them.
But movies are my safe space, and I I was having a stressful day and decided I needed to get out of the house (which also happens to be my office). I’m a regular movie-goer, and it had been a few weeks since I’d went to one.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t anyone available to join me, but I REALLY wanted to go. So, I booked a ticket through my Cineplex App using Scene points a few more minutes before the film started, and headed off to the movies.
And OH MY GAWD, it was THE BEST movie theatre experience I’d ever had!
Why go to the movies alone?
I don’t know how you feel, but watching a movie is really a solo act—unless you’re participating in a “Netflix and chill” scenario, but that’s a different topic for a different post.
With that in mind, I honestly have no idea why it’s such a stigmatized activity. Beyond it simply making sense, going to the movies alone is a great way for you to spend some time by yourself. Every girl needs some great solo date time.
While everyone else finds the theatre to be a social activity, I’m over here enjoying some me time with my favorite actors and a great story. Honestly, it’s a beautiful thing.
So, why do I love going to the movies alone?
Watch anything you want
I’m not a big fan of compromise—maybe that’s why single life looks so good on me. When I’m headed to the movie theatre, I want to watch something that I want to see. Whether it’s something brand new or I’ve already seen it a few times, I don’t want to have to justify it to anyone else.
Movies that I REALLY like, I tend to see multiple times in the theatres. None of my regular movie-going friends are into that (which is fine with me), but honestly, it’s often just about the great popcorn and the experience to me.
Eat whatever food you want
There’s no need to feel guilty about buying treats.
I LOVE movie theater popcorn, and seriously love a cup of sold—when I go to the movies alone, I can buy whatever I want without anyone there to judge me. Except maybe the kid behind the concession stand, but the’s probably in high school… so who cares.
It’s fine to treat yourself with popcorn, chocolate and a drink (if you want). And heading to the movies by myself simply means that I don’t have to worry about feeling bad about it.
Enjoy time to yourself
I’m big on self care these days (though I’m not always great about it), and attending the movies solo is one of the most relaxing ways I do that for myself. It’s great if you need a quick few-hour escape, want to decompress or simply want to watch an entertaining film.
When is the best time to go to the movie theater alone?
I frequently go to the movies alone, and I’ve tested out pretty much all your options. I’ve found that the best time to head to the cinema solo is the Sunday late-night show.
Now, this time works for me because I work from home and don’t usually start my day until 10 am. But it might not work for everyone.
Ultimately, I find that the films with a 9 pm to 10:30 pm start time on Sunday’s have low attendance, which means quieter theatres! But you can say a similar thing for every weekday movie at that time.
Solo movie date tips
Ready to head to the movies solo? Here are a few tips and tricks to make your experience the best it can be:
1. Dress for comfort
I’m not necessarily above heading to the cinema in yoga pants and a tank, as I’m all about comfort. But I do like dressing up, so when I’m taking myself out to the movies I try to aim for casual, cute comfort.
I avoid the traditional casual jeans and tee combo because you’re going to be sitting for a few hours and I don’t know about you, but I don’t find jeans to be all that comfortable.
Typically I’ll aim for a comfy jumpsuit / romper. And if you’re plus-size like yours truly, you can totally get away with a jumper. I do it all the time.
Choose a comfortable material like a rayon and spandex combo, or even cotton. Pattern-wise, I hit up florals or stripes, but avoid anything horizontal. And if you’re wanting to show off cute accessories, go for a dark neutral.
The beauty of going solo to the movies is that save for the ticket guy and the person selling you snacks, virtually no one is going to see you. And even those that do, they won’t care (if they do that seems like a them problem).
If it’s summer and you want to dress up a bit, a cute Maxi Dress / Romper combo is comfy and fashionable!
I like this combo because I’m a tad bit self-conscious about my legs, but it’s only open in the front and rarely do people stand in front of you to stare you down. In a theatre, they’re much more likely to be standing behind you, but in this case, the back is covered so you’re golden!
2. Pack the necessities
What are the necessities, you ask?
Image: Amazon
The right bag
I’ve recently discovered that I’m a hands-free kinda gal, so where possible, I cart along a backpack with me.
When I’m going to the movies by myself, I want a bag that will carry all of my things, is comfortable to cart around and looks cute. Travelon’s Addison backpack fits that bill – I have it in floral (and love it).
Image: Amazon
A large scarf or shawl
Movie theatre temperature is sporadic—sometimes it’s too hot, other times it’s too cold, but never is it just right. So whenever I head out to the movies I bring a scarf or shawl in my bag.
It makes a great shoulder cover or lap blanket, and let’s be honest, aren’t movies better when you can cuddle up?
Image: Amazon
Tissues
Facial tissue is a must-have, especially if you’re headed to a teary movie. Grab a tiny pack of tissues and shove it in your bag.
They also work in a pinch if you’ve accidentally spilled something on yourself… not that I’m speaking from experience or anything ?.
Image: Amazon
Hand cream
I don’t know about you, but I hate having dry skin on my hands. But no matter where I go, I always end up with chapped hands.
So whenever I go to the movies alone, I make sure to toss a bottle of hand cream in my bag (AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream is my favourite).
Image: Amazon
A good book
Hear me out!
I love watching movie previews and getting the best seat, so I make sure to head to the theatre early. That way I have my popcorn and to make sure I don’t miss the previews about what’s coming up.
But that means I’m there REALLY early. So, I usually have a bit of extra time to kill.
That’s where having a book in my bag comes in. I sit in the lit theater and go through a few chapters before the lights go down, and we’re ready for the show.
3. Treat yourself to some goodies
Seriously, when it comes to goodies at the movies, go nuts… well, within reason. I always go for popcorn and a drink, but occasionally when I’m really itching for it I opt for nachos as well (shhh… don’t tell anyone).
There’s no need to be “polite” on a date or fake wanting to eat “simply a handful of popcorn” then continue to stare at the bag for the next few hours. You can get what you want!
Wrap up: Going to the movies alone
Whether you do it on a regular basis (like me) or you save it for a rainy day when you can’t find someone to go see your next guilty pleasure, you should most definitely go to the movies alone.
It’s a great experience, and I firmly believe everyone needs a chance to experience the freeing feeling of spending the afternoon at the movies alone with your popcorn and celebrity crush!
