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Many people think that going to the movies alone is weird. That it is best enjoyed as a romantic date or group activity, to be done with family members or friends. I felt the same way until I gave it a go. Now I wish that I had done it sooner! Let’s discuss the benefits of seeing a movie by yourself, and why you should try it.

I never gave going to the cinema alone much thought at first until my adult daughter moved over an hour away. I too had relocated to a new city. I realized that I had nobody to accompany me to the theater the one time that I wanted to abandon my work responsibilities for fun. 

I’m chronically online for my primary job. At that moment, my social media timeline was overflowing with posts about the horror film Sinners. It was directed by Ryan Coogler on the heels of his award-winning sequel Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever. The movie featured Michael B. Jordan, who has acted in each of Coogler’s five movies that he’s written and directed since Fruitvale Station was released in 2013.

The critically acclaimed horror movie Sinners received mostly high praise on my timeline by film critics, media outlets, and movie-goers alike. It not only smashed the box office into smithereens, but it broke numerous records and reached many milestones that the genre rarely accomplishes. Its meteoric success among fans is why it can still be seen in cinemas a year later. 

My timeline is mostly makeup video games, astrology, home decor, and cute cats. Yet my social media platforms showed me so many posts that referenced the movie that it was as if my account was hacked. I barely saw anything of what the algorithm usually showed because it was all that people discussed. 

Everyone talked about this movie among themselves to the point that it felt like an inside joke that I was left out of. So I made plans to see it on the big screen alone before it hit streaming services. I knew that if I waited, I’d not visit an actual cinema to see it filmed as it was intended for theatrical release. Watching it on my ipad in the corner of my desk beside my laptop as I worked would be an insult. A proverbial slap to the face of the groundbreaking cinematography used to capture the film. 

Sinners was the first movie to combine Ultra Panavision 70(2.76 aspect ratio), and 15-perf IMAX(1.43:1 aspect ratio). It alternated between the two during key moments that add a more immersive experience to viewing. It was shot on analog film, contributing to its high resolution and artistic feel. It won an Oscar for best cinematography with its recipient being Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the first woman cinematographer to bring it home. Describing the work that she and her crew masterfully created as “phenomenal” is lazy on my behalf. 

Between the trailer of the movie, the explanation of the filming process firsts, and the rave reviews from instant fans? I had to overcome my opinion that going to the movies alone is weird so I could experience it for myself. If I knew how enjoyable it would’ve been, I’d have done it a long time ago.

So let’s discuss the positive benefits of going to the movies by yourself.

1. Not everyone has the same movie tastes as you.

You can see any movie that piques your interest, and you don’t have to worry about if your friends, family, or partner will want to see it with you due to conflict of interest. This is beneficial if they are professional complainers like my father. Even if they don’t verbally complain, sometimes the energy of someone who’s not enjoying themselves can ruin the moment. 

2. What if it’s been seen already? Then what?

Going to the movies alone is helpful if it’s a movie that the other party may have already seen before you got a chance to. You can also rewatch a movie that you previously enjoyed without any judgement. I saw BeetleJuice Beetlejuice twice, and I went with different people who hadn’t seen it yet. Remember. This is a judgement free zone.

3. You can sit where you want in a theater.

You can choose to sit wherever you like in a movie cinema because you only have one butt to worry about, opting for where you are more comfortable with sitting based on your height and vision ability. Choosing seating based on your height can help avoid neck strain. Check out my post on how to choose movie seating based on accessibility. It covers vision, audio challenges, preventing neck strain, and tips for viewers with sensory issues. 

You don’t have to worry about finding seating together if it’s a packed house, and you have a larger group of people who are attending the movie showing. It can almost be as challenging as getting seats together on a crowded aircraft if you don’t plan in advance. 

4. It’s a more immersive experience. 

You don’t have to worry about anyone else enjoying it, and can fully sink into the storyline, sounds, visuals, and atmosphere. If you know of someone who likes to talk through movies like I do, then this is a plus.

5. It’s “me” time.

Seeing a movie alone is an excellent way to treat yourself. It’s great for introverts, and to give yourself a much needed break from life in a semi-comfortable chair. 

6. It’s a chance to disconnect. 

You get a moment to yourself with no interruptions when you watch a movie alone. No phone notifications. No instagram likes or unnecessary spam calls and texts. No promotional e-mails. It’s an uninterrupted focus on something that interests you, and a chance to disconnect from the world.

7. It builds confidence.

Doing things alone in public can feel empowering—especially if you have social anxiety. It normalizes solo experiences that foster more physical, mental, and emotional independence. Many report that they feel proud of themselves for trying something new. I know that I did. It’s okay to change your mind about something once you give it a go.

8. It can be cheaper. 

Movie theaters usually have matinee ticket prices for earlier movie viewings that are lower than peak traffic time prices. Weekdays are often cheaper, also. Plus, you would only buy one ticket as you have only one butt to sit in the chair when you watch the viewing that you chose. Life is better when you can see what you decided on with zero mental or emotional obligation to buy the other party something from the snack bar. 

9. You technically aren’t alone.

You may not know the other movie-goers that are in the theater with you, but you all share a common interest in the same movie. It’s a nice balance of solitude and community.

10. You can make it a ritual.

You can indulge in weekly solo movie dates to try new releases. It can be your time to plan a weekly activity that’s just for yourself to catch anything you may have missed or want to see a second or fifth time. Intentionally choosing a weekly day to see a movie can open you up to see hidden gems that you otherwise would’ve skipped. 

11. Free Will.

You don’t need a reason to do something positive that you find entertaining for nobody else but yourself. Thumbs down to people pleasing. 

Have you gone to the movies alone? If so, then leave a comment and tell me what you saw! Make sure to subscribe to receive updates when I post new content here, and follow me as @furycutitout on my socials! Otherwise, Freddy Krueger may come visit you in your dreams.