With the rise of services such as Netflix and Hulu, many people speculate that movie theaters are becoming a thing of the past. However, there are still plenty of people that truly treat going out to see a movie in theaters nearby as an event.
Whether it's seeing an anticipated blockbuster before anyone else, hanging out with friends, or that yummy popcorn, movie nights offer a fun time for most anyone. But with the process of getting tickets, snacks, and picking seats, sometimes going to the theater with a group can seem like preparing for battle rather than a relaxing night out. Here are some tips to make the most out of going to the movies at your local theater. (Including finding local movie listings, new movies that are now playing and the best movie theaters)
Tips for before the movie. When selecting a movie to see, make sure it is the best choice for everyone. If you are planning on taking children along, check the ratings to see if it is appropriate. If the movie you are planning on seeing is very popular, you might want to book your tickets online ahead of time to ensure a seat. Sometimes theaters will even let you reserve the exact seats you want in the theater. Check to see if your local theater has any discounts. Sometimes theaters will offer discounts for college students, senior citizens or veterans. Some chains will have rewards programs that will give credits towards your next movie.
Tips for during the movie. If you're not worried about seating selections and ads aren't your thing, arrive 10-15 minutes after the displayed showtime for the movie. The trailers should be over by then. If you are attending with a few people, have everyone chip in for a large popcorn. Bring along extra paper bags and divide up the popcorn to save money. Bring along a sweater or light jacket, even in the middle of summer. Movie theaters are notoriously cold. Jackets can also be used to save seats if you have a larger party. And if someone is ruining your movie theater experience, don't hesitate to politely ask a staff member to step in. Chances are, they're annoying everyone else in the theater, too.
Tips for after the movie. As soon as the credits start rolling, everyone crowds together and starts shuffling towards the exit. To avoid the mad dash, relax in the seat for a few minutes. Sometimes movies even have after credit scenes that you'd miss if you left right away. There will also probably be a long line at the restrooms right after a movie lets out, so try to wait until you get home. Employees will let you take home any leftover popcorn or candy that you did not finish during the movie, so you can have a snack for later.
Best theaters. What makes a good movie theater depends on what you want from one. Do you want cheaper ticket prices? Look for a local theater that shows movies a few weeks after they first come out for reduced prices. If you want a comfortable seating experience, look for a Marcus Theater, which offers reserved seating in its leather recliners. If you see movies often, look into theater chains with reward programs such as AMC or Cinemark. If you want a unique experience, see if there are any historic theaters in your hometown that have preserved the old-timey feel.
Finding theaters near me. The easiest way to find a theater near you is to do a quick internet search. Sites and smartphone apps such as Google Maps or Yelp will also have customer-rated reviews, so you can see beforehand if it is worth going to. If you are loyal to a chain, there will probably be a locations list on the company website. Or, you can simply ask around and see what theater your friends prefer. Of course, you can always try out different theaters for yourself to find which one offers the best experience for you.