Q&A for How to Go to the Movies

This is pretty unlikely to happen unless you make it extremely obvious you're bringing in snacks. Don't be combative with the employees if they do ask you to empty your pockets. They won't kick you out of the theater, worst case scenario, they will ask you to throw out your snacks.

You can stay through the closing credits or walk out - it's your choice. There is no rule saying you can't leave until the film is completely over.

Read a synopsis of the film, have sufficient snacks and ensure that the seat you're in suits your eyesight needs. Ensure that your friends get there on time. Get excited. Go the bathroom so that you don't need it while in the movie.

Go to the bathroom and clean yourself up. If it was a lot, you may need to splash a little water on yourself, blot with paper towels, and just say you spilled your drink on your lap if anyone asks.

You can pay with cash, unless you're ordering online.

Either ignore them, or you can move away and sit somewhere else.

No, most theaters do not do that any more. However, if they do, proper etiquette is a good thing.

Yes you can. You can bring a range of personal comforts provided they don't disturb other people in the cinema.

You can wear anything to a normal movie theatre. If going to a more formal cinema, check their web site to see if there is a dress code.

Buy one online before arrival and collect at the cinema or purchase one at the cinema by lining up wherever they dispense the tickets from.

No, because they either need to clean the cinema for the next movie or they're going to close for the night.

No, they won't. The kids have to be above 12 years old and must be accompanied by the parents to see R rated movies. You should not be letting young children watch horror movies.

It depends. If your cinema has a website you might be able to purchase tickets on it. You can also call the cinema and ask.

Plenty of people bring their phones. Just make sure you turn it off or silence it during the film. As for the blanket, that's definitely less common, but it makes sense...theaters can be chilly!

It depends on where you live and which movie theater you're going to, but the tickets should be between $5 to $15 a piece.

Usually in cinemas there are VIP seats and normal seats. The VIP seats usually cost more but are more comfortable and have more space. If you can't afford to get VIP seats, the seats near the middle are usually the best for viewing the screen.

You can bring your phone to a cinema, however you are expected not to use it for the duration of the film. You should switch it off and put it away or mute it completely and then put it away.

It really depends on the theater, but most of the time they won't ask to look in your bag. Even if they did, the worst they'd do is tell you to throw it out.

No, the movie theaters rarely have intermissions in the twenty first century. Most of the time, the producers of the movie will create a Parts 1 and 2. That way, they will make more money off the sold tickets. Intermissions used to be a thing of the twentieth century that gave great value for money in a time when people had more time. Now people like to rush in and out and watch whatever they missed at home.

Sure. But be sure to not eat too much if you want to buy concessions at the theater.

Try this" "Hello, I would like 1 ticket for the [X movie]." They'll say something like: "Oh, okay how many are with you today?" Then you can reply: "Just me [or One for me and one for my friend]." That's it! Then, pay the money and take the tickets. If you want ice cream or candy, just ask for these when the attendant asks if you want anything else and remember to always say please and thank you.

In most cases there are advertisements at the beginning, so you probably won't really be late. Even if you are late, you will usually still be allowed in, just try to be as quiet as possible so you don't disturb the other patrons.

No. In most cinemas you aren't allowed to bring alcoholic drinks in, and those that do allow alcohol only permit alcohol served by staff on the premises.

Plan ahead for this. The app RunPee tells you when a boring part - i.e. a good time for a bathroom break - is coming up in a movie (it will vibrate so you don't need to have your phone out in the movie), so you can go to the bathroom and do whatever you need then.

Check the movie theater's policies on this, and consider the age-rating of the movie you want to see. For example, in many movie theaters, you can't see an R-rated movie without a supervising adult if you're less than 17 years old. If you're old enough to see the movie you want to without an adult, it's also worth bringing some form of photo ID (such as a passport or school ID card) just in case you're asked to prove your age.

If your cinema lets you pay in-store, you absolutely can! (Most cinemas do.)

Go to the bathroom and hope that someone will fill you in on what you missed!