I don’t remember ever going to the movies alone. I don’t think it’s weird; it’s just not something I think is fun. I’m not going to judge anyone else for doing it, though.
I wish I liked going to the movies alone, because it’s hard to find people who want to see the same offbeat stuff that I do! Consequently, I miss a lot of good movies.
I never did before my wife and I separated. Since then, I’ve gone quite a few times, maybe once every month or so. I enjoy it and don’t feel bad doing it, though it does feel a little weird to me.
BUT, I’m such a social person that I MUCH prefer to go with someone to the movies. I like the sharing and conversation and people aspect of it, more than the movie itself unless it’s a really spectacular movie.
Way back in high school, I remember going to a movie once with a (male) friend of mine. I followed him into the row, he sat down, I sat next to him, then he scooted over to the next seat down, so I moved down one more seat. Then he said, “no. I like to sit by myself.” I remember thinking how strange and odd and downright inexplicable that was. Now I just think: whatever works for you if just fine with me.
Yes, I think there’s social stigma attached with going to the movies alone. But I don’t think that’s a good reason to not do it if that’s what you want to do. Why miss a great movie just because you can’t find someone to go with you? And if you’re lonely, well, a good movie can help you get your mind off that for a couple of hours, too.
I am an extremely independent person, so yes if I choose to see something and the mood strikes me I go alone. I will eat in restaurants alone also. However the other side of me loves company and most of my friends find it surprising when they ask what I did today and hear my answer. Well…hmmmm, I decided to eat at (great steak restaurant near my town) and then went to a show I wanted to see. All of this I accomplished without ever hearing the following:
I don’t eat meat
I ate there last week
It’s too pricey for me
OR
I saw that show already
I don’t like main actor/actress name
I want to see that one with my SO
So, with all that said, doing what I want is my selfish indulgence. I don’t get much time off and when I do, there are times when I simply don’t want to be bothered with anyone else. I don’t want to negotiate which restaurant or which film, I just want to do it. I am not considered a loner or unsociable. Most everyone I know finds me to be very outgoing and extremely sociable.
Don’t feel sorry or sad for the person eating or going to the show by themselves, they may want it that way. And for the record I do have choices, all my friends tell me, you should have called, I would have went. It’s hard sometimes to get them to understand without hurting anyone’s feelings. I enjoy their company most of the time, but sometimes, I just want to go and do with no regard to anyone else.
I truly hope the above post doesn’t make me sound bitchy and selfish, I’m not, sometimes I call friends to go and sometimes I don’t. It’s not a personal thing, I’m just intelligient enough to know sometimes I may not be the best company, but I don’t want to sit home either.
Yes I go to movies alone.
I go when my wife doesn’t want to see the movie and a friend can’t come for some reason.
I think it’s perfectly fine.
I don’t care what society thinks.
Once I went to see a movie alone. Beverly Hills Cop II. Anyway, during the trailers a group of girls sat down behind me and one leaned over the seat and kissed me on the neck and ear. I was such the loser at the time that I couldn’t even start a converstion with them after the film.
[\B]Racinchikki** What did you see on New Years Eve?
I go to movies alone and enjoy it.
It varies. Maybe once a month or so on average. My husband travels a lot, which means he’s not always around to go with me or he’s bound to see it on an airplane at some point. When the Hawklette was younger, I couldn’t take her to see mature stuff, so I went by myself, to a matinee when she was in school, usually, since I couldn’t leave her home alone at night. As she’s gotten older, we go see more things together, but when she’s gone to something with a gaggle of her friends and I still want to see it, I’ll take myself some afternoon. Sometimes I have a taste for stuff that’s darker or artsy-fartsy and no one else is interested in it. Last one I saw alone was “Far From Heaven.”
I don’t think there’s anything wrong or pathetic about my own company. Sometimes I prefer being alone with my thoughts during and after a movie.
I haven’t a clue what “society” thinks and couldn’t care less.
Yes, lots.
2. If so, how often do you do so?
Not as often as I’d like because I can’t afford to go to the movies. But almost anytime I go, I go alone.
3. What is your personal opinion on the social acceptability of going to the movies alone (e.g., great idea, acceptable idea, somewhat lame, totally pathetic)?
It’s a great idea. I actually prefer it most of the time. I’m on my own time table and no one complains that I (neurotically) need to be there 15-20mins before the previews start (that means in my seat with my snacks). I don’t have to have anyone talk to me during the flick. What can I say, I’m a loner.
4. What is your perception of society in general’s opinion of going to the movies alone (in other words, how do you think most people feel about it?)
I don’t think anyone really gives a hoot anymore.
1. Have you ever gone to the movies alone?
Yes.
2. If so, how often do you do so?
Now and then. I don’t see movies often, period. But I’d say that about 30% of the time, I see them alone.
3. What is your personal opinion on the social acceptability of going to the movies alone (e.g., great idea, acceptable idea, somewhat lame, totally pathetic)?
Completely pragmatic. I love seeing movies with other people. But, if that isn’t going to work out, and I want to see the movie while it’s still in the theatres, I go alone. I got burned too many times as a kid, waiting around for my family or friends to “make time” to see a movie. I missed out on a lot of movies that way.
Nothing is more fun than catching a matinee on the spur-of-the-moment. Also, I sometimes have weird tastes in movies, and am not about to coerce someone to come with me, only to have them piss and moan because they hate the movie. It would definitely ruin the movie-going experience for me.
4. What is your perception of society in general’s opinion of going to the movies alone (in other words, how do you think most people feel about it?)
I think it’s a mix as well. Some people see the practicality in it, others seem horrified. Frankly, I pigeonhole the people who are horrified as being in the same lamentable category as the people who are appalled that I travel alone—I think they are narrow-minded and uptight. I mean, what the hell? Why should I not see a movie by myself? Why should I wait and hope that someone will consent to see it with me, someday, maybe, perhaps? Why? Sometimes, I just want to see a movie. Sometimes I want to see it today. Right now. In 45 minutes. And damned if I’m going to let someone else’s hang-ups prevent me!
Sure. Twice in 2002 that I can think of: One Hour Photo and Punch-Drunk Love (second time I saw it). Other times in other years.
Well, a couple times a year, I guess. Not very often; I love movies, but I also love talking about movies, so part of the pleasure of moviegoing is getting a coffee or a beer afterward and talking about the flick.
No problem. I have an odd work schedule, so I do lots of stuff alone. I like it.
Way back when, I used to think people were seen as losers doing stuff alone. Then I dated a gal who told me that when she saw a guy sitting alone in a bar reading a book, she immediately assumed he was the coolest guy in there. Thanks to that conversation, I have no problem doing stuff alone.
Oh yeah: In 2002, I also saw the digitally restored Metropolis in the theater, alone.
Not according to this poll they don’t.
I think it’s odd it should be odd (or sad it should be sad?). Shouldn’t it be odder (or sadder) to arrange to get together with someone to sit silently (that’s the idea anyway) staring straight ahead for two hours? It’s not really getting “together” is it?
(Unless the movies’ really bad in which case you can make out during the dull parts 
)
It seems like the perfect solitairie activity to me.
I go to the movies on my own all the time. About three times in the last month, I think, mainly because my friends either didnt want to see films i was going to, or already had.
I dont have a problem with it. I don’t see why you need a bunch of comrades to sit and be quiet for an hour or two.
Saw “Dr. Doolittle” (the one with Eddie Murphy) alone.
I mean, ALONE.
As in, I was the only one in the theater. Now, that was creepy. I usually sit a few rows from the back, but ended up with my back against the wall. It was strange being the only one laughing, too.
I go alone all the time, primarily because I’m a loser. Sometimes I’ll even decline to go with other people, just to maintain my reputation. And yes, it is totally pathetic.
Yes. Once when I was home visiting my parents (no one else I knew from say, high school, was around. And several times since I’ve had a child. My husband gives me an “evening off” sometimes and a few times I’ve gone to see a movie alone.
Not really often (see above)
From personal experience, I think it’s fantastic. It feels really liberating. No one to wait for in the lobby! Only one ticket to buy! No one you have to share popcorn with! No negotiations about where to sit! Whee! Plus I feel brave, like I’m saying “I’m confident enough to GO TO A MOVIE ALONE!” I am sure this exhilration would wear off if I did it often.
My mom was aghast–she felt really sorry for me (apparently) and offered to go with me, even though she had no interest in seeing the movie and hadn’t gone to a theatre in YEARS. I think a lot of people are the same way. They think it’s weird, and that you are antisocial or depressingly friendless.
1. Have you ever gone to the movies alone?
God yes! Several hundred times.
2. If so, how often do you do so?
ALL THE TIME. Like SparrowHawk, my husband travels a lot on business and I go often when he’s gone. Even when he’s here (and we go out to see a lot of movies together) there are films he’s just not interested in, heavy depressing dramas, for instance, that I wouldn’t miss for the world.
Just in the past few days I have been doing some major marathons while he’s been gone on a business trip. I saw 4 movies New Year’s Eve (The Hours, Catch Me If You Can-twice!, and The Two Towers, again). I wouldn’t have wanted to go to a New Year’s Even party alone though. I didn’t go out New Year’s Day, but the 2nd I saw Far From Heaven, Evelyn and Talk To Her, and yesterday I saw The Pianist, Chicago and The Two Towers for the 5th, and probably final, time in the theater (well, unless they add a ROTK preview, in which case I’ll see it a couple more times). I’ve been in movie-lover’s heaven, since every single one of those films is excellent. I can’t even imagine missing a one because of some strange idea that there should be someone with me. No one I know except my husband is into movie marathons the way I am.
3. What is your personal opinion on the social acceptability of going to the movies alone (e.g., great idea, acceptable idea, somewhat lame, totally pathetic)?
GREAT IDEA! (lame? pathetic? what alien concepts)
4. What is your perception of society in general’s opinion of going to the movies alone (in other words, how do you think most people feel about it?)
I’m completely and utterly SHOCKED that it would be considered weird or odd or sad or lame or pathetic or out of the ordinary at all! I’m 46, and until I came across this thread, it had NEVER occured to me that anyone else would think it’s an odd thing to do. My mind is still trying process that thought. I guess people who aren’t really into movies have different thought processes. Anyone who is really into movies would understand that missing a movie you want to see because you have no one to go with is the sad and pathetic part.
Not that people who DON’T like to go out alone are sad and pathetic, just the idea of missing a movie. Movies are special treats for me. (No, not all movies are special, but so many are, especially this time of year, when there’s a wealth of good ones to choose from. At least, where I live.)
I often go to the movies alone. I love going to the movies and this is one way I can be sure to get to see the movie I want to see. Another advantage is that if it turns out to be a bomb, you can just take off. I saw Yentle with a couple of friends. Once we were outside in the parking lot we discovered that we were all miserable but we felt obligated to endure it because nobody wanted to spoil someone’s enjoyable time at the movie. Same thing happened with Eyes Wide Shut.
I don’t care what people think about me going to the movies alone. I am guessing that they rarely even notice.
I think I am going to see About Schmidt today and I will probably go alone.
1. Have you ever gone to the movies alone?
Yes.
2. If so, how often do you do so?
Frequently. Probably 80% of the movies I’ve seen in my adult life were by myself. I generally go to a Saturday or Sunday matinee and avoid crowded date-nights. My movie-going is on again/off again, though. Sometimes I don’t go for months; other times I go once a week.
3. What is your personal opinion on the social acceptability of going to the movies alone (e.g., great idea, acceptable idea, somewhat lame, totally pathetic)?
Great idea. I don’t consider movie-going to be a social experience, and I don’t generally care to dissect the film after I see it. I think over-analysis can kill the experience, though if I do want to talk to someone, it’s a fair bet that my sister has already seen the movie.
4. What is your perception of society in general’s opinion of going to the movies alone (in other words, how do you think most people feel about it?)
I think most people think it’s somewhat pathetic. I obviously don’t care though.