Going to the cinema alone can be a daunting experience. There’s always a stigma around people who go to the cinema on their own. But why?
There should be absolutely nothing stopping you from taking some me time and indulging in a lone ranger experience to your local cinema.
Not only is it relaxing but it’s actually very therapeutic!
I’d like to put forward the reasons why going to the cinema alone sometimes can be the best experience and how you can enjoy going to the cinema alone yourself.
Why You Should Be Going to the Cinema Alone Now and Again
A simple getaway from everyday life. A bit of alone time or the simple comforts of your own company are just some of many reasons why you should be going to the cinema alone now and again!
Let’s jump right in with how you can enjoy the magic of your movies without the need for company.
No Need to Rely on Others
So you’re heading to your cinema with your friend who says they will be ready at 7, the clock strikes 7:15 and the movie is starting in just 30 minutes.
Is there enough time? What if we miss the start? What if you’ve booked a ticket but your friend hasn’t?
So much hassle, so much unneeded stress to be added on to what is meant to be a nice enjoyable experience.
Having someone holding you back who isn’t a good timekeeper or is constantly late for whatever reason can be stressful.
Thankfully, you’re going to the cinema on your own and don’t need to rely on anyone else only yourself.
Get there nice and early, get there 10 minutes before showtime. It doesn’t matter, as long as you get there on time to see the start of the movie that’s all that matters.
I have lots of unreliable friends who have other priorities in life than to commit to meet-ups regularly, step into your own self confidence and do things on your time at your pace, you’ll start to enjoy your own company a lot more!
Watch What You Want
If you’re going to the cinema with a friend or even worse in a group actually choosing what film to watch can be a nightmare. You’ll have a good old debate over what movie to watch and then potentially end up seeing something you didn’t want to see that everyone else voted for.
I’ve had situations where there has even been arguments about the film we’re watching! Actual slanging matches between friends where the choice of a simple movie has escalated into a full-on war. We missed the film and had an entirely different show to watch in the foyer instead!
Enough of the drama, grab your coat, head on out and watch what you want to watch without any arguments or debate.
No Need to Share
That giant bowl of popcorn you’ve just purchased or that huge nacho tray and extra-large soda you’ve just got at the counter.
They’re all yours!
No friends diving in and stealing your food throughout the movie just sit back, watch the film and eat to your heart’s content.
I’ll never forget a screening I attended in the day of a film that I was actually an extra in, I knew absolutely none of my friends would want to go and see this particular movie so I went on my own.
Myself, a hot dog, a drink and a movie and I was more content with life than I had ever been before. Easily one of the best trips to the cinema I’ve ever had!
It’s a Freeing Experience
The stigma that I mentioned earlier in this article is always what holds people back from going to the cinema. You may feel as though everyone is looking at you wondering why you’re not with anyone but I highly doubt they are.
Stop speculating and stroll in there with you, only you and nothing but you. Your awesome self, giving yourself the best company in the world sitting down to watch a movie. No shame, no worries. Hakuna Matata.
As soon as the lights go down and that film begins, nothing else matters.
If you’re someone who gets anxious or really doesn’t like the idea of seeing a movie alone when there are many people inside the theatre then check out an early screening.
I find that early screenings are usually empty even for brand new releases. For 4DX screenings, I always go to the earliest ones as I’m always the only person in the cinema.
Not many people want to be on moving chairs at 10 am in the morning but I do!
If it’s a ridiculously early screening you can grab a coffee before you head in. There’s nothing better than sitting in the cinema really early in the morning with a lovely cup of coffee or tea. In the winter when its cold outside and you’re in a heated cinema with a lovely cup of hot chocolate or a pumpkin spiced latte, ah bliss.
Wear What You Want
You’re not on a date, you’re not there to impress anybody, Get those comfy clothes on and go and enjoy a movie. The comfier the better!
Heck, why not take a blanket, jump on a Vue recliner and relax as thou you’re at home watching your favourite classic.
Make sure you’re actually wearing clothes thou otherwise that day trip could go south real quick. No birthday suits and absolutely no pyjamas!
A comfy hoodie, sweatpants or loose-fitting clothing and sink into your seat for a good time.
Enjoy Some Quality Relaxation Time
Whilst I’m all for going to the cinema with my friends (when we’re all agreed on a movie) it doesn’t hurt once in a while to focus some time on yourself.
A dark room with a great movie in sheer luxurious comfort is your time. A time to relax, to unwind from the stresses of the outside world and get lost in cinematic magic.
Consider a trip to the movies alone to be therapy. No friends whispering in your ear throughout the movie or asking questions about what’s happening on screen. Just your own company which most of the time is the best company in the world. Who knows you more than you right?
When those lights go out, it’s just you and the screen. Get whisked away with your favourite characters and lose yourself in the world of cinema.
Enjoy it!
Overall
Overcome the stigma of assuming other people’s thoughts. Embrace your independence and indulge in everything the cinema has to offer.
I went to see Detective Pikachu, Frozen 2 and even The Girl with All The Gifts on my own and they are three of the most relaxing movie experiences I’ve ever had!
Give it a try, get those comfy clothes on, choose a film that you and only you want to see and thank me later!
