It’s finally here! The Wicked movie is hitting theaters, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been humming “Defying Gravity” since the trailer dropped. But as we all make our way to the theaters, we need to address something very serious: movie theater etiquette. Because let’s face it, no one wants their experience of Oz ruined by someone else’s off-key singing or TikTok scrolling.
The Golden Rules of Movie Theater Etiquette
1. Save Your Vocals for the Drive Home.
We know it’s tempting. You’ve been practicing Elphaba’s high notes in the shower for months, and you’re so ready to belt them out during “Popular.” But listen, this isn’t karaoke night. The actors on screen already have it covered (and honestly, better). Keep your sing-along energy bottled up until the credits roll, and you’re in the car. Or wait until they offer a singalong screening near you.
2. Phones Down, Please.
This is not a Beyoncé concert—it’s a movie. While the urge to snap a pic of your popcorn or Shazam a song might seem like a good idea, the glow of your screen can take the rest of us right out of the Emerald City. If you must check your phone, sneak a peek in the lobby or wait until intermission (oh wait, wrong medium).
Or, don't do that. https://t.co/9sBwC1KHQn
— Alamo Drafthouse (@alamodrafthouse) November 25, 2024
3. The Snack Shuffle.
Nothing kills the vibe of a dramatic Glinda-Elphaba moment like someone wrestling with a bag of Sour Patch Kids. Pro tip: open your snacks before the movie starts, or pour them into a quieter container. Your fellow moviegoers will thank you.
4. Save the Commentary for After.
We all love a witty one-liner, but chatting during a pivotal scene? No thanks. Keep your whispers about how “Fiyero could totally rock a man bun” to a minimum until the end.
5. Respect the Space.
Got a big purse? Awesome! Just make sure it’s not hogging the armrest. And if you’re the person who took their shoes off during the last Barbie screening… we’re judging. Keep your personal bubble contained.
Going to the movies is magical, especially when it’s a film as anticipated as Wicked. By following these tips, you’re not just respecting the people around you—you’re creating an atmosphere where everyone can lose themselves in the land of Oz.
So, grab your besties, your favorite green-themed outfit, and your love for all things Glinda and Elphaba. Just don’t forget: while Wicked is defying gravity, we’re all here to have a drama-free, distraction-free experience.
