Do you prefer your movie theaters empty or full?

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rmj Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 05:08 PM EST

I saw the movie Dark Knight twice. First at an IMAX theatre that was a packed house and second at an regular screen afternoon showing a good 6 weeks after its release. The second showing may have not been as dramatic as the IMAX viewing but there were so many things that I didnt "see" the first time that I caught at the 2nd viewing, that Id have to say EMPTY works better for me.

liesel Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 05:07 PM EST

its ironic, because the first time i saw the dark knight (at a free screening at the premiere) of course it was fully packed, but only with hardcore fans that were crazy enough to wait four hours (like me). so it was pretty much the best theater-going experience of my life; there was that electricity, uncontainable excitement going through the crowd, but there were no silly disruptive conversations; everyone was ridiculously into it. it was perfect.

eGad! Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 09:42 PM EST

"Do you prefer your movie theaters empty or full?" Empty! I love a good bomb; movie that is.

Marvin T Glick Sat, Sep 20, 2008 at 06:10 AM EST

just how self-absorbed is this guy? who gives a crap about his experience with free junk food and extra leg room? quit being a prima donna and just tell us about the movie!!!!

monica Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:37 PM EST

i was in the second row for Dark Knight with a concave screen, which helped, but i still needed to slouch down to get the full effect (but i missed the subtitles cause of the seat in front of me, lol). The theater was packed but I enjoyed the communal experience. however, there's a difference between a packed theater of moviewatchers and a packed theater of disturbances, like children that are crying, running around or talking, and of course adults who are texting, talking, laughing at inappropriate moments, and blocking my f*ing view. In general, I like a huge audience for comedies (so no one can hear my annoying laugh), small ones for romantic movies (want to be able to hear every word), and nonexistent ones for action movies (don't want to miss not even one frame of action).

Janna Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 11:37 PM EST

Empty because I can't stand talking and other distractions. The exception would be silly comedies... because it doesn't matter too much if you miss something and it's nice to have other people laughing around you.

Liz M. Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 03:51 PM EST

It depends on the type of movie. For a sad movie or an indi flick I would like to be in a semi empty theatre, but for a Blockbuster hit I like to be in a packed room with a good seat. For the blockbuster I find it fun to be with lots of people all anticipating the same thing and somethines the reactions of the crowd make the movie better. I have a real noticable laugh that makes others laugh. But for an emotional movie it is better when there are few people to see my reactions

RachelSun Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 01:22 PM EST

Used to luv a packed theatre but not any more. with cell phones, texting (beacon of light in a dark theatre is distracting people!) and general rudeness, a half empty, afternoon showing is bliss.

Scott Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

Definitely empty. I remember going to see "Waking Life", and I was the only person in the theater. Bliss!

Beth Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

Sometimes you can't avoid the crowds no matter when you go for certain films, but I'll go out of my way to find the crappiest seat on the side and hope no one will sit near me. If I go blind, it's because of the talkers, eaters, cell phoners, and the back-of-the-seat hitters.

Carli Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 11:35 AM EST

Depends. If it's a movie that I wasn't really looking forward to, but was bored and had time to see it then empty is fine with me. If it's a big blockbuster movie or a comedy, I definitely need a crowded theater. I like hearing everyone else's reactions to things. Comedies are so much better with a lot of people.

Amy Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 10:37 AM EST

The emptier the better. Unless I have a day off work, I usually go first thing on a weekend morning, before everyone's out of bed. I saw The Dark Knight the day it came out and the cinema was packed, but that was bearable because everyone there was so excited about the movie. Seeing Juno on a Saturday afternoon? Not so fun, when you have a theatre full of 15 year olds talking throughout the movie.

Benjh Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 09:50 AM EST

As empty as it gets. Unfortunately, for big movies like Dark Knight, I can't stand waiting more than a few days.
But if anyone around me talks, uses their cellphone or whatever else, I will tell them to stop. Politely the first time, not so the second.
the worst thing, though, might be people chewing their popcorn so loudly I cannot hear the movie anymore. Never mind the fact their parents never taught them to eat their mouth shut, they should know chewing was never part of the soundtrack. Popcorn should be outlawed in movie theaters (wishful thinking, I know).

Rachel Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

For first-run movies, empty definitely. I love it when it feels like I'm alone. That's probably why I don't go to many movies - too many people!

I do enjoy a full house at a rep cinema, though, seeing something where the audience is there because the already know and love the movie. That's always fun.

Apey Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 09:10 AM EST

My daughter and I went and saw The Longshots in a half-full theater. There was a mentally challenged young man who was so caught up in the movie that he clapped and talked to the screen the whole movie. Normally, I hate that, but he was so endearing that the whole theater laughed and started to clap with him. We all loved the movie more because of him!

Derek Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST

I avoid going opening weekends whenever I can. Usually on opening weekends, I always somehow end up next to a talker (or talkers). For example, I went to see Hancock on opening weekend. Behind sat a man with his significant other and his five year old daughter. The child kept on complaining throughout the movie that the movie was too scary or too boring. The father either ignored her or hushed her here or there (And who takes their five year old to see a PG-13 movie?). Then this man proceeded to make personnal phone calls during the movie. And I could not really move, because it was opening weekend. Needless to say, I could not enjoy the movie experience. I love going to the movies, still do go, but I do avoid opening weekends whenever I can. I just saw Dark Knight this past week, weeks after it came out. I am happily to report that I had no problems and enjoyed that movie experience.

tom Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 08:26 AM EST

"popcorn movies" attract people who get up throughout the show for refills, bathroom breaks, bringing their kids to the bathroom, teenageers checking their cellphones. I prefer the "oscar bait," (knowing it'll be an empty house with people who enjoy movies), but I cringed and sit away from senior because I know that they'll make comments to one another throughout the damn movie. "That's a '57 Buick...they really went to great lengths to find that car----save your comments for the ride home.

Emma Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 08:18 AM EST

I think I'm good with a half-full theatre; enough people to feel like you're sharing a common experience without having to deal with idiots sitting next to you. My husband and I went to the movies every weekend when I was pregnant last summer (a last hurrah since we don't take our baby to the theatre) and we found that weekend matinees were usually the best. Except for 300, where halfway through the trailers a group of 6 guys came in to sit next to me with their fast food and proceeded to catch up with their friends. I told them very explicitly that if they were going to talk they could find other seats, and they didn't say another word, so sometimes it pays to let people know they're annoying you; they may not even realize they're being obnoxious. We are lucky enough to have a drive-in close by, and with a baby we've found it's the best way to get the movie experience without actually having to deal with other people.

bud Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 06:38 AM EST

Definitely empty. My job affords me the luxury of going to afternoon shows and it's glorious to go with just a few people. My favorite week of the year is back to school week, it means I can go to see a movie without being pelted with Skittles, my worst movie going experience ever.

whoever Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 06:14 AM EST

I prefer a full theater. Many years ago I was living in Lexington Ky where I saw a showing of the original The Longest Yard with a theater full of college students from UK. It was great. Everyone really got into the movie and there was yelling, and hollering and cheering, just like a real football game, and it added such a great element to the enjoyment of the film. But I think this was because it was a comedy, a serious drama just wouldn't work with this kind of audience.

Tidmore Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 12:35 AM EST

It depends. Sometimes I just want to go to a Matinee and relax without many people, sometimes I want a packed theater. It's depends on how I'm feeling and the movie.
If it's a comedy I love a packed house laughing all together so you miss some dialogue (but I hate the WAY TO LOUD laughers and those who laugh and things which are clearly not funny)
I also liked a packed house in horror movies, it's a blast to hear the girls scream and that one guy yell out "Don't Go In There!!!!"
But with a lot of dramas it's nice to sit in a silent theater and be able to catch all the dialogue and soak it all in.

kruss Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 12:01 AM EST

It depends on the crowd. I went to a midnight reissue of The Exorcist and the couple that sat next to me brought in one whole fried chicken in aluminum foil that they brought from home. I listened to them slurp on chicken bones through THE EXORCIST! Ick. I prefer a less crowded theater. And I know other people out there have had the similar experience of hearing the entire movie translated into a foreign language from someone sitting behind them.

t3hdow Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 11:48 PM EST

To Alex:
All is forgiven. I'll even give you brownie points for the Sartre reference.

trepithet Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 11:17 PM EST

I usually enjoy a big crowd for the "event" type movies. I saw Snakes On A Plane at midnight and the exuberant crowd made the movie way better than it would have been otherwise. Although saw Dark Knight on opening night as well, and the guy in front of me puked into his big gulp (seriously, who pregames before a Batman movie?), so it can be hit or miss.

One of my favorite moviegoing experiences was the second time I saw Hot Rod in its opening weekend. Besides me and the other two Lonely Island fans I went with, the theatre was empty, which left me free to yell "JORMA!" at the screen whenever he came on. So there's I chance I might be the type of person that makes other people glad for small crowds.

Alex Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 11:16 PM EST

To me, rarely is there a place where the phrase "hell is other people," more evident than the movies. (rivaled only by airplanes). Sorry. I guess I'm an elitist. Perhaps it's the theaters I go to, but the crowds are just terrible. Loud, coming into movies late, saving seats for no reason other than not wanting someone sitting next to them. I will totally own the fact that I hate missing any dialogue, even in comedies. But more than extra laughter are the cell phones, kids at inappropriate movies (hello TDK!), and my latest pet peeve: texting during the movie which means tons of tiny screens lighting up the theater.
Okay, rant over. Lucky for all of you I see movies when the theaters are empty so you don't have to deal with a mean grump like me.

JJ Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 10:50 PM EST

For a drama I don't really care. For a comedy or action/sci-fi/summer blockbuster type, absolutely a full theater. Comedies are funnier in a full theater -- laughter is truly contagious. And it's fun to hear people react to big moments in dumb (or smart) summer blockbusters. My favorite full-theater experience ever? Terminator 2. Among a dozen memorable moments in that movie is the one when the creepy asylum guard licks Sarah Conner's face -- and the entire audience of 300 people I was sitting in the middle of went "Ewwwwww!" at the same time. I saw T2 three times in the first four days it was out. I still love it, but the home video experience is not the same.

Rob Grizzly Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 10:35 PM EST

Not completely packed, because that's just too much pop corn crunching, drink-slurping and bag-rustling for my liking.

But I do like the collective buzz of watching a big-budget blockbuster with a crowd. So long as they aren't obnoxious.

But given the chance, an empty theater is bliss.

Dixie Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 09:22 PM EST

If I'm just seeing a movie out of a lack of anything better to do, I don't really care. When it's something I've been looking forward to, though, I actually like a full theater. It creates a party-like atmosphere. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was probably my favorite crowd movie. Wall-to-wall people, some of them wearing Hogwarts robes (I didn't, but I was tempted). The highlight was when some guy proposed to his girlfriend via an announcement on the screen.
The only downside is the noise factor, but in a theater of diehard fans that's rarely a problem. I saw TDK the day after it opened, & although every seat was full, there wasn't a sound in the place besides the occasional nervous laughter.

MG Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 09:12 PM EST

I have to say I find disgusting that you would rejoice about sitting in a handicapped seat without an ounce of awareness that the extra leg room is not there for you. Those seats should be saved for the people who can't sit anywhere else, even if no one else is there at the time.

Farva Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 07:14 PM EST

If it's a drama, empty; If it's a comedy, full

Jelana Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 06:38 PM EST

Morning matinees are a really good option if you find yourself annoyed with crowds at the movies. I saw TDK on the second weekend at a Saturday 10:45 am show. The theater was about 65% full with mostly adults, and all were well behaved. And this is in South Jersey. So I got the audience reaction without the problems. It's also nice that it's cheaper.

kim in kentucky Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 05:52 PM EST

like most people - yes, a comedy usually works better with a crowd - try watching the same flix at home and see if you have the same reaction as you did in the theater. A crowd is great IF everybody there is in the "zone" - like the opening night of a Star Trek film - we're a family!!

Jake Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 05:51 PM EST

I think it depends on the people in the theater. For example, I saw Knocked up in a theater filled with 10 year old girls and their moms (what's with that?) and none of them laughed. I was the only one in the theater laughing. however, when I saw The King of Kong (great movie), in a theater with only about 10 theaters, it was a great experience. At the end when a certina thing happens (I won't ruin it) everyone in the theater was clapping and cheering.
My Dark Knight experience was a great one. Everyone clapped at the "magic trick" and at the return of a certain person (I can't believe I have to worry about someone having not seen Dark Knight). However, a cell phone did go off, which is becoming very common. There have been at least 4 movies this year where a cell phone has gone off. During Iron Man, 4 phones went off! And during Get Smart, the schmuck sitting next to me answered his phone.

Kurt Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

It depends on the movie and the feel of the crowd. Crowds are usually preferable for comedies ("Saved" a few years back I remember for having an especially good crowd- though it was probably the only theater in the country that played that movie to a full house) and less serious action films. Dramas and slower films I prefer to see with smaller crowds, though there are exceptions. Sometimes you get the inappropriately laughing or constantly coughing guy, or the guy who loudly proclaims they have no idea what's going on so they're just going to start a conversation with the people they came with.

More often than not though, even in heavier movies with pretty big crowds, I've been pretty lucky as far as fellow watchers being respectful and keeping noise to a minimum.

Only once have I seen a movie where someone actually answered their phone (admittedly, that was "Spiderman" on a weekday afternoon and other than her group, me and my friends were the only ones there so no harm no foul.)

Jeanne Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 05:20 PM EST

I generally prefer a crowd, particularly with big event movies (it made the recent X-Files movie so much more enjoyable.) I love it when there's a palpable feeling of excitement buzzing through the crowd for those. I do enjoy the odd mostly-empty theater, but I hate being the only one in a theater. It just feels wrong to me. Going to the movies is one of the few communal events that I actually enjoy these days (and since I go to the movies by myself most of the time it's the only way I get to watch movies with other people.) And so far whenever someone does something stupid in a crowded movie theater at least one audience member, more often several, will call them out and tell them to shut up. We don't tolerate theater foolishness in my neck of the woods.

Rasha Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST

It definitely depends on the mood. If it's a movie I can't wait to see and I scrounge up the money to go on the opening weekend, I'd rather the theater be full, because the reaction is a part of the experience. I saw "The Dark Knight" at midgnight on opening day sandwiched next to a guy dressed like Batman and behind a row of teenagers who didn't get "The Breakfast Club"-esque JC Penny commercial...all apart of the awesome that is "The Dark Knight."

If it's a formulaic rom-com, odds are I'm rollin' into the theater in the middle of the day disguised so my film school friends won't recognize me.

t3hdow Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 04:53 PM EST

I only remember watching one film in a completely empty theater with my brothers, and it was a bizarre experience. I'm a bit of an isolationist, but even that felt odd to me. I definitely wouldn't try it for too many instances.
I don't mind watching most movies in theaters, though it does add an extra element of enjoyment for action films and comedies. The best theater experience came from Grindhouse, especially with the fake trailers. I can never forget the moment during the Thanksgiving trailer with the knife through the cheerleader part. The entire audience erupted at that part with equal amusement and disgust. Same with Joker's pencil trick on TDK. It demands a "HOLY F-ING S***!" gut reaction, and experiencing that with a crowd makes it all the more memorable.

Snarf Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 04:53 PM EST

Depends - If it's something I've been jonesing to see I like it full with other "can't wait to see this" folks.
Otherwise empty just suits me fine (anti-social but true)

Tim Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 04:45 PM EST

Empty. Across the board. Most films I like require immersion and I can't get that with fools on cell phones, infants in R-rated films and incessant eating.

Movie tickets are not cheap. I don't want to miss a minute of a movie because some idiot doesn't know how to act appropriately in a theater.

Tim Lade Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 04:39 PM EST

From my days of being a projectionist...alone...very very alone.

Raven_Moon Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST

I like both. When it comes to a film like "The Dark Knight" I like to go opening weekend. The house is packed & there is a certain energy and excitement. I dig that. On the other hand, it's kind of fun to have the theater to yourself & a friend. It's much more relaxed & you can stretch out & make comments without interrupting anyone else's experience.

Lee Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

I like my movie theaters almost empty. It makes me feel like I'm watching my movie on the biggest plasma screen out there. I hate having other people talk, get up to use the restroom, and generally distracting me from the movie.

Jane Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

I love packed theatres, especially on opening night. I don't only go to the movies for the movie, I go for the whole experience. When I saw Dark Knight at midnight, the energy in the audience was incredible and just got me even more excited to see the movie. I love the communal experience: clapping at "oh snap" moments (like the magic pencil trick), laughing, and shouting at amazing action sequences. When I saw the movie a second time a few weeks later the experience just wasn't the same. The movie was just as good, but the audience was so dull that the trhill I felt the first time was missing.

Gre Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 03:39 PM EST

Some bad movies are actually better in empty theaters. I saw the movie MEET JOE BLACK in a completely empty theater, and there was a serenity about the whole experience that was very affecting. I haven't seen the movie again since that first time, because I know the experience will never be duplicated.

junior Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 03:13 PM EST

Scary movies are great to see in a crowded theater too! I saw "The Sixth Sense" and "What Lies Beneath" (twice) in crowded theaters and it added to the experience. Dramas are better for small groups or empty theaters, as someone said.

Cory Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 03:10 PM EST

A follow-up to my original post: On occasion, I do like being in a pack movie theater because it adds excitement to a movie I'm already really effing excited for. Some examples are Revenge of the Sith, King Kong, and the Lord of the Ring trilogy.

Laura Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

I much prefer full. Partially because I'll talk to myself if the theatre is empty, but I find the experience so much more enjoyable when the audience is responding as a whole. Climaxes are all that more exciting, which is why I regret not having seen certain movies in theatres (like Transformers, August Rush, etc)

Cory Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 03:07 PM EST

I actually don't like going to the movies too often because I don't like seeing movies with very many other people. Usually, I just wait until the movie comes out of DVD.

Melinda65 Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

On one hand, it can add to the movie-going experience if there are other people in the audience; as R.O.B. said, it can help make comedies funnier (or just make me think they are) when other people are laughing, too. I don't like them packed, though, because I like some room around me, and I hate having to sit in the front row like I did for The Sixth Sense. I saw Serenity both in half-full and nearly-empty theaters, and it was definitely more fun with more people.

OTOH, my son and I went to the documentary Wordplay and were the only two in the theater, so we could call out the answers to the crossword puzzles without annoying anybody. (Yes, we are nerds who went to a movie about crossword puzzles.)

LisaM Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 02:14 PM EST

I prefer a full theater because that means the movie will be a hit and I like it when good movies are hits.

KateDFW Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 02:03 PM EST

The only movie that I have seen in the theater this year was Sex and the City. Die-Hard fan of the series, went with my girlfriends and had a blast. Other than that, I wait for movies to come out on DVD for all the reasons that others have stated. Rude people, text/cell phones and how about cost? To go to a matinee will still cost over $15-20 for one ticket, small popcorn and small drink. I can go to Blockbuster, watch in HD and have the "refreshments" of my choice! (which usually makes the movie better)!

ET Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

I loved seeing "Iron Man" with a theater full of fellow comic nerds on opening weekend. There were, literally, fists pumped into the air and loud YESes exclaimed at the secret scene after the credits.

As a side note, I waited to see "Dark Knight" for the first time this past weekend, and the theater was packed! In fact, it sold out!

Tim Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 01:28 PM EST

I went to see Tropic Thunder on a Sunday @ 11:30 am but it was cool b/c being rated R it was full of adults only. No talking, no cell phones, no giggling teenagers and crying babies.

Missy Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

I prefer empty but for blockbusters I can stand to be around other moviegoers. For example, when we saw "Transformers" last summer and Optimus Prime showed up, the whole theatre erupted in cheers. 80's babies rule!

Henry Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

When some things go right, a crowded multiplex theater is one of the most enjoyable and memorable theater experiences I've ever had. The crowds for Star Wars: Episode I (the buzz in the crowd was palpable and cheers erupted once the BANG! moment of the theme kicked in) and The Matrix Reloaded midnight showings were memorable for me. Yes, there are the inevitable opposite sides to this case, as you do get what you have called "the accidental soundtrack," but in terms of sheer thrills for a big movie, a big audience works. Even small movies with big crowds are a great experience. Finding Nemo and Lost in Translation (packed into a small theater) were great. Movies are supposed to be a communal experience anyway. But I understand the need to go see big movies in a smaller, less pressurized environment like a small crowd.

Ronda Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 01:25 PM EST

I prefer empty, without teenagers, and the very last row at the top with the seat in the corner near the wall and I get squemish if someone wants to sit near me. I can't stand having people talking behind me and kicking my seat.