From noisy snackers to glowing phone screens, the actions of fellow moviegoers elicit strong opinions from Americans visiting theaters. Our latest survey dives into the dos and don'ts of movie theater etiquette, finding mixed opinions on texting and public displays of affection, but overwhelming agreement that loud talking and spoiling plot points are unacceptable. We also asked about theaters implementing rules to curb disruptive behaviors, finding that most are in favor of restrictions on phones and talking, but that a policy barring late arrivals is more divisive.
Theater etiquette
The theater-going behaviors among 26 asked about that are most divisive — meaning they come the closest to splitting opinion evenly about their acceptability — are singing along to music in a movie (33% say it is acceptable and 47% say it is unacceptable), making out (32% vs. 52%), and texting (36% vs. 50%).
Some theater sounds are less welcome than others. Near opposite ends of the acceptability spectrum, a majority of Americans (71%) think it's appropriate to talk in a whisper during a movie, but just 11% are OK with a theater patron speaking at a regular volume. More are OK with someone laughing loudly during a movie (64%) than crying loudly (22%).
Among the most widely disliked movie theater actions, each voted down by at least 80% of Americans, are talking or video chatting, leaving trash when exiting, spoiling plot points, putting their feet on the seat in front of them, and bringing a dog that is not a service animal.
Most think it's fine for someone to leave a movie before it ends, including to use the bathroom or before the credits finish. Far fewer think it's acceptable to applaud during a movie (57%) than at the end of it (86%).
How would Americans react to someone behaving unacceptably during a movie? The largest share (43%) would ask a theater employee to address the problem. 18% say they'd do nothing, 16% would quietly ask the person behaving unacceptably to stop, and 7% would glare silently. People who go to the movies at least once a year are more likely than those who go less often or not at all to say they'd quietly ask a person behaving unacceptably to stop.
Theater rules
Certain movie theaters place a greater emphasis on cinema-going etiquette than others. Alamo Drafthouse — a Texas-based theater chain — is known for the swift removal of disruptive patrons and strictly enforcing rules against talking, texting, late arrivals, children under 6, and unaccompanied minors. It also serves food and alcoholic drinks during movies.
Most people (78%) approve of theaters banning the use of phones during movies, and 60% think it's acceptable to require children under 18 to be accompanied by an adult. A ban on children under 6 is highly divisive: 39% say it's acceptable and 40% unacceptable. People who have children under 18 are more likely than those without minor children to think it's unacceptable for theaters to ban kids under 6 (54% vs. 37%).
More think it's unacceptable than acceptable for a movie theater to charge extra for prime seating, and the same goes for refusing entry after a movie has started. Americans are divided on whether it's OK for a theater to ban outside food and drinks: 40% think it is and 43% think it's not. Slightly more are OK than not with a theater selling alcohol.
Movie experiences
The survey also asked Americans whether they have had other types of experiences at the movies. 84% of Americans say they've been to a movie theater at some point in their lives, including 67% who have been to a drive-in theater. Experiences with drive-in theaters are much more common among older Americans: 87% of people 45 and older say they've been to a drive-in, compared to 52% of people between 30 and 44 and just 33% of younger adults. As many Americans have seen a movie in 3D or IMAX as have seen one in a drive-in, though 3D and IMAX experience is more common among younger adults than among older ones. Just 35% of people have been to a theater where meals are served during the film.
Sneaking food or drinks into a movie is one experience shared by most Americans (63%). Far fewer — 12% — say they've snuck themselves into a movie without buying a ticket. 40% have walked out of a movie in theaters, 39% have fallen asleep during one, and 31% have watched multiple films in theaters in one day.
Popular snacks
What do Americans most enjoy snacking on during a movie? Popcorn is by far the favorite: 74% say they enjoy it while watching a movie in theaters. Just 32% choose the next most popular option when asked to select from those provided: M&Ms. Reese's Pieces, nachos, Raisinets, hot dogs, and pizza also are popular snacks.
Related:
- Unpacking guest behavior: What do Americans think is acceptable at hotels?
- In-flight drama: Where Americans sit on airline etiquette
- Minding their manners: Do Americans follow traditional dining etiquette?
- The unwritten rules of eating out: What Americans think about restaurant etiquette
- I do or don’t: Surveying Americans on wedding etiquette
— Carl Bialik contributed to this article
See the results for this YouGov poll
Methodology: This poll was conducted online on October 9 - 12, 2024 among 1,134 U.S. adult citizens. Respondents were selected from YouGov’s opt-in panel to be representative of adult U.S. citizens. The sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, education, 2020 election turnout and presidential vote, baseline party identification, and current voter registration status. Demographic weighting targets come from the 2019 American Community Survey. Baseline party identification is the respondent’s most recent answer given prior to November 1, 2022, and is weighted to the estimated distribution at that time (33% Democratic, 31% Republican). The margin of error for the overall sample is approximately 4%.
Image: Getty
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