Going to Movies Alone

Updated on July 25, 2011
C.M. asks from Harpers Ferry, WV
47 answers

Hey! So, have you ever gone to see a movie by yourself? I always thought I would feel weird doing that, but I'm actually thinking about it now. Since moving here I don't have very many friends yet, and I do take my kids to see movies, but I never really get to see movies that I want to see. It's always kid movies. My husband is great about watching the kids for me so I can have some "me" time. He actually loves that because then he gets to play with the kids and be crazy and silly with them. So, have you ever gone by yourself and did you feel akward?

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K.M.

answers from Norfolk on

I go by myself all the time, at least once a month. I LOVE IT!!!!! I love that I don't have to compromise with someone on a movie, a theater, a time, if we eat before or after etc... I go when I want and get some quiet me time and I think it's fabulous!! I highly recommend it!

2 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

I LOVE to go to the movies by myself!! then I can see what I want to see and there's no negotiation....I go on MY time and see what I want to see!!!

I love to go with others as well...but I totally GO by myself!!! GO!! YOU WILL ENJOY IT!!!

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

I have done this several times. If it's something I want to see and my hubby doesn't, why drag him along? It's actually quite peaceful!

2 moms found this helpful

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A.H.

answers from Portland on

I always thought it would feel awkward. I'm so relieved reading your responses. What an awesome question. I have never gone by myself because when I go and wait for friends to show up I feel like everyone is looking at me, which they probably aren't at all lol.

4 moms found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

I always feel silly being in a movie with OTHER people. I mean, if I want to spend time with someone I actually want to be talking with them or doing something with them... not sitting in the dark, staring away from them, not talking. It's like "I don't really like you that much, how can we spend the time with as little human contact as possible?"

Now, theatre is different (plays, musicals, opera, etc.) because those are interactive experiences. Both during the performance, and during intermissions. Movies are 2 straight hours of non-interaction. And then 9 times out of 10, you go your separate ways. I just don't get it. Or maybe, I just don't have the time to waste these days. If I have 2 hours with a friend... I want to actually spend it with THEM, not a screen.

3 moms found this helpful
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P.S.

answers from Houston on

Yes, I do once in a while (if my schedule allows I'd go more often). You should try it - you'll like it!

I love it. I am around people all the time, day in and day out - helping them, coordinating activities, arranging playdates, talking, eating, studying, yelling at them, trying to avoid them, going on girl's night out and having to listen to some of them yammer on and on about who knows what - its nice to just go see a movie I really want to see, sit, and enjoy myself w/o having to talk to anyone. There's a huge movie theater near me that serves beer and wine so I can actually sit and enjoy a glass of wine while watching a movie I really want to see. And at the end of the movie, I dont' have to listen to anyone complain what a horrible movie it was.

Plus, I can squirt as much butter as I want on my popcorn and not have to share any of it.

2 moms found this helpful

L.B.

answers from Biloxi on

I have gone to movies by myself. Thought I would feel awkward about it - but I really enjoyed it. Got to sit where I wanted, got all the popcorn to myself.

But, I will not go to a movie by myself on a Friday or Saturday night - something about "typical" date night weirds me out. But a matinee - I am so there.

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A.C.

answers from Savannah on

LOVE going to movies alone! I really really like doing that, lol. A girl at a store I used to work at changed my life M A N Y years ago (I was about 19). It was her birthday and I asked what she was doing that night. She said she was taking herself out on a date. I was like "Whaaaa???" and she said "If you can't entertain yourself, how on earth can you expect to be interesting to anyone else?" DUDE! That totally changed everything. I tested the water by going to a restaurant with a book. I enjoyed myself! I went to get coffee and sat outside and people watched, read a book, got into a conversation with a hotty at the next table, scored 3 dates with him before he went back home (in town on business). I like going to movies by myself (depending on the movie) because I feel more comfortable reacting (laugh, cry, etc) and I like thinking without distraction about some movies. I actually do like purposely going on dates with myself, although not a hermit: I love going on dates with my husband too. Maybe I like doing all things I want to do, and no nice compromises? :P I think that girl was right though: As a kid (19-24 years old) I noticed a difference in how guys reacted to me when I started doing things alone a little more. I think it developed my confidence and gave me some experiences worth talking about, and I had time to develop my own viewpoints instead of just sharing whatever my friends had.

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S.J.

answers from St. Louis on

DO IT!!

It will be liberating, I promise you. Stop and have some ice cream alone on the way home!

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J.B.

answers from Denver on

GO!!!

It's a blissful 2-3 hours of solo time. Blissful, blissful, blissful!!!

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S.L.

answers from New York on

Yes I went to the movies alone and didnt feel weird. my daughter wanted to go with just her friend, so she and her friend went to one movie and I went to another. I'm not that big into seeing movies in a theatre or I would do it again

1 mom found this helpful

M.M.

answers from Tampa on

Yes and I have decided scary movies alone are not the best of ideas. My husband does NOT like horror films and I love them... I went to see Insidious by myself at night - BIG MISTAKE!!

1 mom found this helpful

B..

answers from Detroit on

If I had the chance, I would go in a heartbeat!

When my girlfriend shipped her last kid off to school, the first thing she did was go see a movie.

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S.H.

answers from Chicago on

Thank you so much for posting this... this has been my debate with myself for a long time!!
I loved all these responses & feel more confident in going to the movies alone!!

1 mom found this helpful

M.L.

answers from Houston on

I did one time. And no, I didn't feel awkward at all, though I thought I would.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

I go to movies alone and I don't feel awkard. Why would I?

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A.S.

answers from Boca Raton on

Yep, and I didn't feel awkward at all! It's actually fun!

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A.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I always think of it as a big TREAT I can give myself. I don't do it very often, but it's great fun. I can have whatever treats I like, and enjoy the time.

I take myself to a nearby restaurant before the movie. Yes, I take a book or some earphone music - just in case I want something extra to do. But I enjoy some mild people-watching and really savor the meal.

Then, it's off to the movies to savor that time too! I get home feeling relaxed, and restored. Ready to have some fun family time too!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

When I lived in another state where I didn't have many friends, I did it ALL the time. Some weekends (in the middle of winter), I'd go see as many as 4. I loved it by myself because there was no one to influence the way I felt about the movie. Sometimes, when I go with other people, and I can tell they don't like it, it can make me not like it either.

1 mom found this helpful

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

I went yesterday and saw Harry Potter in 3d. It rocked

If you can, go to a Movie Tavern or Studio Movie Grill. Have a cocktail or 2. It's fun. You don't have to comromise on what you want to watch. You don't have to sniffle back a tear if one forms. It's nice.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

All the time and love it. Go ahead and enjoy!

1 mom found this helpful
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K.G.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I love going to the movies by myselfI will be going on Tuesday to see HP in the morning. Dont go when its a weekend night or holiday its too crazy. best time is first showing or an evening showing during the week.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

Everybody is into their own thing when they go to movies.

I HIGHLY doubt if anyone EVER notices someone by themselves.

I know I wouldn't and IF I did notice I'd be...jealous!

I know many of my friends that don't have kids or thier kids are too "old" for Winnie the Pooh are considering going alone. If I didn't have my son I would have been at the FIRST show today, sitting where I wanted to and not sharing my popcorn!

(We're going tomorrow after my husband leaves for work.)

1 mom found this helpful

K.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I think I have maybe once but it's been awhile ago. My husband does at least a couple times a month; it is his "out" and "Me time" so to speak. He goes on an off day and time like a Tuesday or Thursday night or during the day on a weekday if he can swing it because he is self-employed. Sometimes it's later like when I'm home from work and the kids and I are in bed. He likes the feeling of escaping real life and being one of the only people in this big theater and not having to compete for space and have whatever treat he would like. This is seriously his therapy...and I am fine with supporting him in doing this. He has never felt awkward that I know of.

1 mom found this helpful

M.P.

answers from Sacramento on

I would go to a movie by myself - it's not like you are going to talk to whoever is with you during the movie anyways. Besides, then you get all the popcorn and soda to yourself!! : )

1 mom found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Yes, I've gone by myself and it doesn't bother me at all.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.K.

answers from Atlanta on

Yep quite a few times,,,nope did not feel awkward. Actually really enjoyed it, my husband gets a monster popcorn, diet coke and big water and he typically munches the popcorn rather loud (and is done before the movie even starts sometimes). He typically has to get up to use the bathroom so then I need to let him know what happened.

Updated

Yep quite a few times,,,nope did not feel awkward. Actually really enjoyed it, my husband gets a monster popcorn, diet coke and big water and he typically munches the popcorn rather loud (and is done before the movie even starts sometimes). He typically has to get up to use the bathroom so then I need to let him know what happened.

1 mom found this helpful

B.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi C.
You have inspired me. Before marriage,kids etc etc lol I used to love going to the movies on dates or with girlfriends. Now I get to see the latest kids ones.lol.
I too have moved and don't have friends here so I am going to go see a movie all by myself soon LOL.
Enjoy
B. k

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A.W.

answers from Kalamazoo on

I would love to! I mean, going to the movies isn't really a "social" event anyways. Great idea!

J.S.

answers from Jacksonville on

Yes! I just went Sat and saw Harry Potter by myself! Totally worth it. I always bring something to do before the movie and previews start. I am a writer so last time I brought a notepad and pen and did character outlines for my next book.

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L.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Yes, I go to movies alone all the time. It's one of my favorite ways to see a movie. I do go with my teen and with my husband. But there are many times when there is a movie that only I want to see. I bring snacks from home that are healthy and have my escape.

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F.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have. Initially it felt awkward not so much me being their alone, but I wasn't comfortable with activity or movement behind me. I felt like not having company I had to watch my back and be more alert, and less relaxed. But, since there are movies I MUST see, I will go and sit on the aisle seat, mid theatre. That makes me more comfortable.

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M.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I just moved here too and you bring up a good idea. Right now my only me time is when I run. Seeing a movie is fun since it gets the mind thinking about something else. I went when I was single years ago and remember thinking it wasn't so bad. i did the 5P movie on Fri so not to do date time.

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N.H.

answers from Peoria on

Aww you're hubby is so awesome about giving you your 'me time'! That's so sweet! I've gone to movies by myself before. It's usually the only way I'll get to see something that I want. Once I told my hubby I went to see a movie that 'we' planned to see together but he was out of town & I wanted to see it so I went ahead w/o him & he got really mad about it but I went a second time just so 'we' could watch it together (I didn't really care to see it again but just to make him happy...) but I JUST wanna go by myself b/c hubby is procrastinating & NEVER gets ready in time so we end up missing it & it makes me really mad that he doesn't seem to care so I end up having to wait for it to come out on dvd to either rent or watch on tv. I'd say go for it! It does seem weird at first but after the first time, it's not so weird, you may actually find that you enjoy it! No one to 'wait on', you can just leave, go to the movie, watch the movie & leave when you're ready. No one complaining that they wanna see 'this movie' or 'that movie' instead or making you wait or miss part of the movie b/c they hafta go to the restroom or want snacks, etc. I'd say do it! It's really relaxing going by yourself & while it's understandable you'd like to spend time w/hubby, you DO need 'me time' & going to the movies by yourself is a great way to spend it! I'm going to do this more often b/c if I keep having to wait on the husband to 'take me to the movies', I'll never get to go. Good luck!

G.W.

answers from Orlando on

I've done it only once but it wasn't so bad...it was way back in 1995 and I was in my last semester of college doing my teaching internship. My husband had finished college one semester ahead of me and moved to Birmingham, AL to start his job. I stayed in Auburn, AL to finish up school and lived with my grandfather. So, one Sunday when my husband left to go back to B'ham, I went and saw the Scarlett Letter with Demi Moore all by myself. Felt kind of weird but I don't remember it being too awful :-)

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S.O.

answers from Washington DC on

I started going to the movies alone when the kids were in school. At first I tried to go with a friend, but when that became harder and harder to arrange, I finally bit the bullet and went by myself. Initially, I did feel awkward going to the movies alone, but now I don't. In fact, I kind of enjoy it -- I end up going during the week, during the day, when the theatre is less crowded. Now, when I do go with my husband on the weekends I get annoyed that there are so many other people there!

J.B.

answers from Houston on

I LOVE to go all by myself and I am a major people person, but watching a movie isn't all that social so I enjoy getting some little snacks and chillin' in front of the big screen. But then again I LOVE movies, so I actually go to watch a film and not for a social engagement. I think if you aren't a movie buff it could feel weird, I get so lost in the movie I don't even think of being alone. But I don't like to be alone at night on a weeknight at a movie that has been out awhile. An empty theatre and a woman alone is freaky to me, so I pick major movies that are newer and I don't go if there aren't several people in the theatre.

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L.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

I love going to movies alone!

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L.M.

answers from New York on

I rarely go to the movie theater, it's always too loud and hurts my ears. I went once by myself, the kids wanted to see their movie, so they went in one theater and I went in another to see my movie. I didn't feel like it was ackward.

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K.M.

answers from Memphis on

I can't remember a time when I didn't go to movies alone at least occasionally. Even when I was a young teen, my parents would drop me and my brother and sister off at the movie theater and sometimes we would all 3 see different movies. As an adult, I have always done it. Sometimes I just wanted to see a movie when no one else could go or I wanted to see a movie none of my friends wanted to see.

I enjoy going to see movies with my husband but we don't do it often because I feel like if we have to pay a babysitter for a date night so that we can have time to connect, I want to actually be able to talk to him not sit in a dark room not talking.

Also, I worked at a movie theater for a few years in college and many, many people came to see movies alone. Virtually every showing had at least one person who was seeing the movie alone. Don't feel weird there will be plenty of others who are doing it too.

L.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

I went to see harry potter 3d by myself a few nights ago. ate popcorn. got a diet coke. had the TIME of my life! so fun--- do it!

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I worked at a movie theater for 7 years, I have no problem going to a movie alone. It works out really well when I want to see something my husband doesnt.

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K.M.

answers from Denver on

I go to the movies by myself sometimes and before I had kids and had one weekday off while my husband was at work I went by myself all the time. I don't feel weird about going but I do avoid going when I know it will be packed like Friday or Saturday night. I will confess that I went to Bridesmaids earlier this summer on a random Tuesday night thinking it would be empty but I have gone to less crowded weekend movies than that night. In my experience though it is a nice way to spend a couple of hours by yourself. Other thing I might avoid is ones where you feel like you need to talk to decompress from the heaviness of the movie afterwards. My husband and I went to Black Hawk Down when it came out and after the woman next to us was crying and talking to us about the movie. We didn't mind but we didn't even realize she was there by herself until she got up with her box of kleenex. Those kind of movies I really would go with someone else if possible just to decompress from the movie after. Maybe you could find other movie going moms in your area through this discussion board

P.L.

answers from Washington DC on

C.,
HI! I need to to hook you up. I know a couple moms that live in Chantilly. I'll ask if its ok if I give out there e-mails, one works and one is a SAHM. Anywhoo you got some great answers. I used to go to the movies by myself cuz a lot of my friends were not into 'chick' flicks that was when I was single. Havent been to a movie alone in a LONG time and I think I should! Kids in camp end of July so I'll go and pay matinee prices, woohoo! But if you do want to go see something on a Mon or Tues night let me know! Thats the days my hubby has off, I dont know of a good movie theater in Loudoun Co. I normally go to Potomac Mills, Tysons AMC or Kingstowns Regal. One thing I do is sneak in my own twizzlers and m&,s. I figure the theaters are getting tons of $$ from my ticket, popcorn and drink.
~Pammy

J.S.

answers from Hartford on

I did it last year with Harry Potter 6 and it was AWESOME. I loved going alone. I didn't have to share my treats. I got to sit wherever I wanted. I didn't have to listen for anyone whispering in my ear. It was just blessed being able to be alone in a crowded theater.

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I.K.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi C.,

I have gone to the movies by myself and I really enjoyed it. The last movie that I went to alone was Eclipse (part of the Twilight series). So, even though it has been a while, I will do it again. I know that my husband enjoyed it as well since he got to spend time with our then 5 year old and I was expecting baby #2, so it was a really nice treat for me and I got to have some "me" time. Have fun!☺

I. K.

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P.K.

answers from Denver on

I'm thinking this more and more about doing this. My husband hates the movies...and it seems like I would enjoy it more if I could just slip off by myself...

good post!!

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