Loud eaters and phones nearly spoiled my cinema trip - and it's not just me

As the cinema lights dim and you're comfortably settled into your seat, preparing to immerse yourself in the film, an unexpected reality intrudes.

Surrounding you, patrons are distractedly scrolling on their phones, engaging in conversations, and eating loudly.

While cinemas make clear requests to refrain from disturbing fellow viewers through various announcements and signage, the question arises: Is disruptive behavior on the rise?

Recently, I experienced significant disruption during a screening of Ryan Gosling's sci-fi flick, Project Hail Mary, at a London cinema.

Behind me, an individual was translating the film’s dialogue in real-time to their companion. Meanwhile, another few attendees were preoccupied with their mobile devices, seemingly unable to devote their attention to the screen.

Simultaneously, a family nearby was unwrapping an entire picnic, contributing to the noise levels.

In a separate incident during a Valentine's Day viewing of Wuthering Heights earlier this year, a woman nearby was noisily unwrapping a large chocolate heart, the sound of crinkling wrappers piercing through the cinematic atmosphere.

Although nearby audience members attempted to mitigate the disturbance by shushing or speaking quietly to the offenders, these interruptions broke the immersive experience of the film momentarily.

Shouting and throwing popcorn

Film TikToker Cerys Hawkes has shared insights on "how to avoid annoying cinema-goers."

She suggests that earlier showtimes, daytime screenings, and visits to arthouse cinemas typically have a lower likelihood of disruption, although she acknowledges that not everyone has this option available.

Her most troublesome experience occurred during a screening of the supernatural horror film Smile 2 in 2024.

Throughout much of the film, "two men on one side of the auditorium were filming themselves, the screen, and other audience members with the flash on, seemingly trying to record 'reaction' content for social media."

"They were loud throughout the entire duration, and their volume increased during the film's more intense scenes," she recounted to the BBC.

After attempting to engage cinema staff for assistance, she noted that upon staff arrival, the men had paused their behavior temporarily to avoid expulsion.

Hawkes theorizes that disruptive behavior often correlates with messiness, citing past notorious instances during screenings of the Minecraft Movie, wherein audiences were reported to have thrown popcorn, drinks, and even brought live chickens into auditoriums.

In response, various cinemas issued warnings regarding anti-social behavior, stating that "loud screaming, clapping, and shouting will not be tolerated."

However, not all forms of audience interaction were unwelcome. Liverpool comedian Sam Avery remarked last year that watching the Minecraft Movie with his young sons was "honestly the most joyous cinemagoing experience I've ever had."

Another notable occurrence took place in 2024 when fans joyfully began singing along during cinema showings of the film adaptation of Wicked.

Cinema chains remind people to behave

Finian Hackett, a TikToker who covers film and theater, has identified "phones as the worst offender."

"I haven't attended a single film in recent years without witnessing someone scrolling on their phone, including premiere screenings," he shared with the BBC.

"For someone who frequents cinemas and theatres, it is a constant frustration. Just turn it off and fully appreciate what you are there to watch. It truly mystifies me."

He speculates that the normalization of disruptive behavior may stem from the ease of watching films at home.

"People have grown accustomed to casually enjoying a film—talking, snacking, taking breaks, and using their phones at will—that when they transition to a public setting, they seem to forget proper etiquette."

"The lack of consideration for fellow patrons is astonishing."

In response to growing concerns, the BBC reached out to Vue, Odeon, Cineworld, and Everyman cinemas regarding their policies on audience disruptions. Each cinema emphasizes the importance of turning off phones during screenings.

Vue reiterated their commitment to encouraging customer consideration for others during films, while Odeon requested that patrons not hinder the enjoyment of others.

Cineworld reserved the right to ask disruptive customers to "leave the cinema immediately" without issuance of a refund.

In terms of decorum, Debrett's - a prominent UK authority on etiquette - outlines courteous behaviors for cinema visits, which include:

• Turning off your phone
• Eating in a considerate manner
• Minimizing conversations
• Disposing of rubbish properly

'Most people follow etiquette'

James Connor, a senior manager at the UK Cinema Association, conveyed to the BBC that for the "vast majority of audiences," watching a film remains an immensely enjoyable shared experience.

He noted that mobile phone use or conversations during cinema screenings "are not widespread and do not reflect typical behavior."

"Most individuals are aware of and adhere to fundamental cinema etiquette, allowing everyone to enjoy the film as intended."

Dr. Kirsty Sedgman, a lecturer at the University of Bristol specializing in audience behavior and experiences, observed that debates surrounding audience decorum have persisted for centuries, tracing back to discussions by Plato in ancient Greece.