Sneaking In: Unusual Customs and Quirks in Movie Theater Etiquette

Everyone has their specific habits and customs when it comes to going to the movies. Some carry earplugs for the loud sound, while others bring their own food or even plants. In this article, we explore some of the more unusual and quirky traditions from moviegoers, highlighting the unique and sometimes bizarre behaviors that have been known to happen in theaters around the world.

Unconventional Movie Etiquette

First, let's talk about carrying earplugs. I always bring earplugs to a cinema because the sound levels are often too high. It's a common practice, especially for smart parents who often put earplugs in their children's ears when they take them to the movies. It may seem weird to some, but not to those who have made it a habit.

Bringing Extra Food

Introducing another classic example is bringing in extra food, such as a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) dinner. The tradition of bringing vast amounts of food into movie theaters isn't just limited to sandwiches and candy; it encompasses a wide variety of dishes, some of which might require careful planning to avoid detection. Kentucky Fried Chicken, despite its name, remains a popular choice for those looking for a hearty meal before the show.

A unique story comes from a teenager who brought a potted plant with them to a John Denver concert showing. They longingly thought, "My plant really likes John Denver." This anecdote highlights the creativity and eccentricity of some moviegoers who bring along not just food but living plants as well, perhaps to create a more fulfilling experience for themselves.

Animal Sniffing: A Bizarre Balloon Captain Escape

A more extreme and unusual story involves sneaking a live chicken into a movie theater during a Halloween-themed event. Some friends borrowed a chicken from Corn Blossom Foods and smuggled it into the Malek Theater balcony. They waited until a suitable moment during a scary part of a horror movie to release the chicken. This not only added a bizarre element to the movie experience but also created a lasting memory for those present.

Drive-In Theaters and Trunk Hiding

For those who still have drive-in theaters, the experience can be quite different. In the 1960s, it wasn't uncommon for groups of friends to sneak 5 people into an outdoor movie theater. Trunks were bigger back then, making it possible to hide people inside without being noticed. The sound of baseball games and the smell of popcorn mingled in a very different environment from the indoor multiplexes of today.

Films, Franks, and Fig Newtons

When I was a child, my father would take my siblings and a few neighborhood friends to the movies on many Sundays. He always packed a brown paper grocery bag with a bunch of peanut butter sandwiches (no jelly) and a box of store brand fig newtons. Since kids love figs, this was always a hit. On occasion, he'd even bring a few cans of Faygo to pass around. I thought it was weird because no one else I knew "picnicked" like this at the movies. But it was part of our custom, and the sandwiches and fig newtons always made the outing an enjoyable one.

Hidden Treasures and Movie Spies

As a step-parent, I frequently took my two small boys into the neighboring big city, which was a place for entertainment, recreation, and even cultural or educational activities. For them, it was like going to Disneyland every Saturday, seeing and doing things they had never seen or dreamed of doing before. One of the more sly tactics was hiding in the trunk of the car to avoid paying for two tickets. It was great fun, and I felt like a spy every time I did it.

When I influenced them to become Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, selling the idea of stuffing their socks with candy bars from the dollar store just before an expensive indoor movie screening became a bit of a challenge. But the act of furtively walking around with socks filled with candy and slowly getting them out, eating them very slowly, made those movie trips the best-tasting candy bars they ever ate. My older children have even taught their own children how to do this, keeping the tradition alive.

These quirky stories and customs may seem bizarre to some, but they're part of the unique experience of going to the movies. From bringing unexpected snacks to sneaking in live chickens, movie theaters continue to be places where creativity and fun can thrive.