Moviefone Moviegoers Poll
- Seeing it on the big screen - 74%
- Seeing new trailers - 12%
- Seeing a movie on opening weekend - 10%
- Seeing it with a crowd - 5%
- People talking or yelling at the screen - 45%
- People on cell phones or texting - 27%
- People kicking your seat - 25%
- People hogging the armrest - 4%
- Ads or trailers - 59%
- Movie stars or directors involved - 18%
- Critics' reviews - 10%
- Friends' recommendations - 10%
- Whatever's playing at the closest theater - 3%
- Popcorn - 62%
- Candy - 18%
- Other - 13%
- Nachos - 7%
- Butter - 74%
- No Butter - 26%
- No - 71%
- Yes - 29%
- No - 93%
- Yes - 7%
- No - 51%
- Yes - 49%
- No - 77%
- Yes - 23%
Going to the movies is one of America's favorite pastimes, and better home theater technology, easier accessibility to films online -- even the growing recession -- aren't changing that fact one bit. Don't believe us? Just look at the recent box office records.
We wanted to know about your moviegoing habits. Why do you rush out to theaters rather than just wait for the DVD? What can't you stand when you're at the movies? (The talking?! The texting?!!) Where do you like to sit? And lest we forget, do you super-size?
After 160,000 votes, we present the results.
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1. What's your favorite thing about going to the movies?
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2. What's your biggest pet peeve at the theater?
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3. How do you usually decide which movie to see?
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4. What is your go-to movie snack?
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5. Popcorn: Butter or not?
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6. Do you super-size to large soda and popcorn when offered?
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7. Have you ever dressed in costume for a movie?
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8. Have you ever made out during a movie?
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9. Have you ever snuck alcohol into a movie theater?
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Reader Comments (85)
Mian at 1:16PM on Jun 18th 2009
I hate it when people talk/chat during movie. And the worst is when the person who sits behind me keep kicking my chair during movie.
Jessica at 9:52AM on Jun 19th 2009
In cases of the chatty cathy's you can either A) Move to another section or B) stand up for yourself and put them in their place.
I recently seen 'The Hangover' with my husband. Midway thorugh the previews a group of middleaged indivudals sat behind us and would not stop talking. 10 minutes into the film I turned around and said "Are you going to continue to talk throughout the entire film? Its rather distraction you know" in which one responded "Yes, more than likely we will" i shot back "then what the hell did you pay for?! If you want to talk you can do it out in the lobby for FREE!" I didn't hear a peep out of them for the rest of the film. :)
As for the seat kickers, if you have the space available in the theater you can simply move. If you're feeling especially aggressive (assuming its not a child that was kicking you) you can move behind them and return the favor ;)
walter williams at 10:06AM on Jun 20th 2009
i feel the same about some one kicking my chair even when they are seats away from me i can feel the vibrations i like going to the movie but can't wait to hit home because of the kicking at the show
Dave Simms at 12:31PM on Jun 23rd 2009
I have on several occasions told the people behind me kicking my seat, usually a child, that I would dump my pop in their lap if it continued. Never had a problem after that.
Jeff at 1:37PM on Jun 23rd 2009
A few years ago I took my little brother to see the first Transformers movie. It was packed and a few rows in front of us was a group of women who would not shut their mouths. My brother kept leaning over and asking me what the characters had said whenever the women got too loud to hear. I managed to catch some of what they said, but at one point I missed it. So when he leaned over and asked me, I said in an extremely loud voice: "I don't know, Dwayne. Because some people in this theatre will not SHUT UP!"
That entire group turned to look at me and I just grinned because at that moment an usher came and made them leave. It was a noisy ordeal, but we were able to finish the movie in peace.
Tim Higgins at 7:54AM on Jun 19th 2009
The one thing that really bothers me nowadays is the amount of commercials before a feature is shown. Movie trailers I can deal with because to me that's part of the movie experience. On the other hand the Sprite, Fanta, Coca Cola, Mazda, Nissan commercials really have to go. The majority of them are overly loud and obnoxious to begin with. I really believe cell phones should be checked at the door. I may be showing my age but I didn't need to talk to anybody while I was watching Bullitt or Shaft. I really wouldn't have wanted to be bothered, especially during that chase through the streets of San Francisco. So commercials and cell phones BEGONE!!!
tami at 10:55PM on Jun 24th 2009
And don't forget the "ISSUE" commercials. Makes me want to throw stauff at the screen.
dbaez at 8:11PM on Jun 18th 2009
1. Almost all widely distributed films are made for a semi-literate very young demographic, unlike films of the 30s and 40s. There are decent indies and many superb foreign films, but they are easier to rent or download at far less cost, and greater convenience.
2. More annoying are the policies of the theater chains. The quality of the snacks (popcorn, pseudo-butter oil, disgusting nachos) is hideous and the prices are ridiculous. You might spend 30minutes forced to endure commercial ads and trailers for films you would not possibly want to see.
Netflix and video rental more and more become a reasonable alternative.
Dylan at 8:15AM on Jun 19th 2009
It realy bothers me when people sit right behind me when im with my girlfriend and laugh hystericly at the jokes in the movie. Or when big tough guys come in talking and using cell phones, because im terrified to do anything without getting my ass kicked !
J at 9:02AM on Jun 19th 2009
The most annoying thing about going to the movies was not mentioned in the poll. The god-awful, too many and too long commercial advertisements. I did not pay through the nose to sit and watch ads. Enough already! Start the damn movie!!
pat spring at 9:28AM on Jun 19th 2009
Going to the movies cost more that a great dinner at a nice restaurant. We used to do both but who needs to spend $12.00 for Popcorn and a Soda. Give me a break. I reallize the Cinema needs to make money but get the movies cheaper and lower the prices on the snacks. I take in my own snack in a small baggie in my purse. I don't buy a drink unless I am sure I can not do without it.
anj ie at 2:21PM on Jun 23rd 2009
It sounds like you may need a bigger purse! I pop a 20oz of water or soda in there without fail!
cdd at 9:55AM on Jun 19th 2009
i cant stand when someone sitting in the movies and pop gum all through the movie i just want to get up and bust them in the face !!!!!!!
serbiannecullen at 11:56AM on Jun 19th 2009
yeah I hate when they are talking during the movie or when they laugh really loud when its not even funny. When they hit the sit it usually little kids.
Guy King at 12:00PM on Jun 19th 2009
There's a lot not to like. First- too many movies are just stupid... lousy dialog, bad sight gags, poor scripts. Also, too many previews and commercials... all far too loud (and the movie usually is, too). Forget the snacks... you fit the quality of movie if you buy that cardboard.
Noisy patrons are in the list, and being fat does not qualify you to sit in the handicapped seat.)s. And bring back the cartoons (yeah, I'm old enough to remember when they were good).
Rachael at 12:31PM on Jun 19th 2009
I can't stand it when people bring younger kids into pg-13 or r rated movies. It's horrible to have to sit around them during during sex scenes and the like. What are these parents thinking?
Gina at 10:38AM on Jun 25th 2009
Yes someone brought what looked like a 10 year old when I went to see Brokeback Mountain, I have a 10 year old definitely not approriate for someone that age...
karen at 1:18PM on Jun 19th 2009
I don't like crowds and sitting next to people who are faring, burping, talking or just plain smell. I wait for the dvd to come out or I go to the drive-in where I have the space and privacy of my own car. I can bring a bottle of wine and my own snacks and enjoy the movie in peace!
karen at 1:31PM on Jun 19th 2009
I mean't farting! yuck
Fred at 1:52PM on Jun 19th 2009
I accept that monopolistic prices on snacks at the movies are here to stay. But some theaters specifically prohibit any outside food, and make the lamebrained claim that it is purely in the interest of safety. If that were true, they would take the same attitude as stadiums: outside food permitted but absolutely no metal, glass or alcohol.