How to Theater Hop

Last Updated: April 5, 2021

Theater hopping is a great way to see multiple movies in a single day and all you need is a little bit of planning and the price of admission to one movie.

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Very rarely you can be arrested for theft of services (similar to shoplifting).
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Be sure it’s a place that has a ticket taker at the main entrance and not in front of the theater doors.

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Be sure to use a site that lists the length of each movie. You can use a movie hopping schedule application called The Movie Hop or TheaterTag.com to plan a movie schedule.
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Re-adjust the start times listed by adding 15 minutes, that’s approximately the real start time after all the commercials and trailers have played.
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Go to the matinée on a weekday, the staff will be minimal and the chances that an usher will be watching theater doors will be slim.
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Purchase the ticket of the most popular movie you’ve chosen to see that day, be sure to buy it for the time you actually expect to see it since that will be the theater most likely watched by ushers.
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Buy your snacks and (optional) enter the theater of the movie you have scheduled to see and repeat throughout your day, just casually walk in and out of the movies at your schedule times.
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Tips

Don't use the same theater all the time.

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Go to the restroom between movies, even if you don't have to actually use it, so not to attract attention or be noticed as much. Use different restrooms each time. This gives the illusion to anyone who sees you that a.) after the movie, you're just using the rest room before you leave then b.) you just used the restroom after arriving before going into your movie. Stay out of the lobby as much as possible. Out of sight, out of mind.

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Try to not buy concessions. You want as little interaction with the staff as possible.

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Warnings

Do not make a scene if you get caught, it's just a game and you already got to see at least one movie. If you leave quietly there's a good chance they won't remember your face, if you make a scene you might as well find a new theater for at least the next 6 months

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Be sure to buy the ticket of the most popular movie that weekend since that will most likely be the movie you'll be asked to show your ticket for as you enter the theater.

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Things You'll Need

Money, at least enough to cover the price to one movie (or a free pass. You can get these for giving blood in Los Angeles, CA.)
Internet Access to view sites that list show times and the run-time of each movie

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How to Theater Hop

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