How to Act & What to Do on a Movie Date

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Everything you need to know to have the perfect movie date

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Preparing for the Date

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Staying Cool and Relaxed on the Date

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Wrapping up the Date

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Going on a date to the movies can be fun and romantic. It's a great way to hang out with someone special while also enjoying an entertaining film! If you’ve got a movie date coming up, we’ve got you covered. We’ll go over everything you need to know, from how to prepare for the date to how you should act while it’s happening. Keep reading to get ready for the special night!

This article is based on an interview with our dating coach, John Keegan. Check out the full interview here.

Tips for a Great Movie Date

Ask your date if they’d like to pick the movie to show that you’re accommodating. You can also talk things over and pick out a movie together.
While you’re at the movie, be kind and respectful toward your date. Before trying to kiss them or put your arm around them, make sure to ask them if this is okay.
After the movie, ask your date if they want to grab drinks or food. This keeps the date going and gives you a chance to connect more through conversation.

Part 1

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Preparing for the Date

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Ask your date to pick the movie to be more accommodating. If you really want to make a good impression, ask your date if they’d like to pick the movie for the date. If you let them choose what they want to see, they may see this as a sweet and accommodating gesture.^{[1]XResearch source}
- For example, you could send a text that says, “Hey, Jason! Super excited for our movie date on Friday. Which movie do you want to see?”
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Agree on the movie together to find middle ground. If you'd like to have more of a say in the movie you choose, talk things out and come to a conclusion together. This is also a good method if your date feels like it’s too much pressure to pick the movie on their own. Throw out a few options to your date, and ask them if they have any suggestions. Then agree on the best choice together, so you can both enjoy the movie.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Agreeing on the movie together can also show your date that you are willing to compromise, which can be an attractive quality in a romantic partner.
- For example, if you want to see a romance movie and they want to see a comedy, you may say, “Why don't we compromise and see a rom-com?”
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Dress in comfortable, casual clothing. The movie theater is generally considered a casual setting for a date. Avoid overdressing or wearing super fancy clothes. Instead, be sure to wear clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable.^{[3]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
- It’s of course still okay to show off your style and make an effort to look nice! A collared shirt or a cute semi-casual dress would definitely be appropriate.
- Just avoid overly fancy options, like a suit jacket and tie or a formal party dress.
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Confirm the time of the movie with your date. Once you’ve agreed on a movie, contact your date and confirm the time you’re meeting. You can do this by sending a quick text. Make sure you include a note about how excited you are for the date when you confirm the time!
- For example, you may text, "See you at the Westbrook theater at 7 pm. Looking forward to it :)"
- If you prefer to call them, you could say, "Hey! We’re meeting outside the theater at 6:30, right? I can't wait!"
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Get to the theater early. Plan ahead and try to arrive 5-10 minutes early for the movie. This allows you to get any last minute jitters out and feel calm before the date. Being punctual also shows your date that you respect them, and that you want to make a good impression.^{[4]XResearch source} You can wait for your date in front of the theater, or you can go ahead and get their ticket for them, if you'd like.
- Another option is to arrange to meet with your date early at the theater, so you can get snacks and good seats before the movie starts. This way, you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed at the start of the date.
EXPERT TIP
Cher Gopman
Dating Coach
Cher Gopman is the Founder of NYC Wingwoman LLC, a date coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Cher is a Certified Life Coach, a former psychiatric nurse, and her work has been featured on Inside Edition, Fox, ABC, VH1, and The New York Post.
Cher Gopman
Dating Coach
I suggest getting tickets ahead of time for a movie date. Especially if you're going to the movies on a Friday or Saturday night, it's a great idea to get tickets in advance. You never want to arrive at the theater to find a sold-out movie!

Part 2

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Staying Cool and Relaxed on the Date

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1
Greet your date with a smile and a “hello.” When you first see your date at the theater, make eye contact with them and smile. Say “Hey” or “Hi.” Try to keep your body relaxed and turned towards your date.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Only offer to hug them or kiss them on the cheek if you feel it’s appropriate. Consider whether you have greeted each other physically before, and think about whether your date would be comfortable with that level of affection in public.
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Offer to pay for your date's ticket, if you are comfortable and willing. Offering to pay for your date's ticket may impress them and show them that you are serious about the date. Make sure, however, that you only offer this if you can comfortably afford it.
- If you would rather split the cost, don’t feel bad! If your date is the right person for you, they'll likely be kind and understanding about this.
- Some people even prefer to split the cost of a date, rather than letting one person cover everything.^{[6]XResearch source} This is totally normal, and it’s a great way to keep things fair and equal.
- The important thing is to be on the same page as your date. If you’re not sure what they prefer, talk things out, and do whatever you both feel comfortable with!
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Ask your date if they'd like snacks for the movie. Before you sit down for the movie, put out an offer for snacks like popcorn and candy. Make sure you have enough time to stand in line for snacks before the movie starts, so you don't miss anything important at the beginning.
- If you don't want to have bad breath, opt for snacks like Junior Mints or sweet candies, and order a water with your snacks to keep your breath fresh.
- If your date paid for the tickets, consider offering to pay for the snacks. This shows that you’re willing to pitch in!
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Pick seats next to each other, where you can both see the screen. Make sure you opt for seats where you can both view the screen easily, so you can comfortably enjoy the movie.^{[7]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.} In most movie theaters, the best seats are ⅔ of the way back and toward the center of the row, as they will have the best sound. Some people prefer, however, to sit toward the back of the theater, or in aisle seats.
- Consider allowing your date to take the lead on choosing seats, especially if you’re not picky.
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Read your date's body language during the movie. Pay attention to how your date interacts with you. If they shift closer to you or lean against you, these may be positive signs that they like being near you. They may also make extended eye contact or smile at you often.^{[8]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
- If your date tries to shift away from you, turns their body away, or crosses their arms, they may be displaying negative body language. These may be signs that they are not 100 percent comfortable being close to you or being too physical.
- Keep in mind, however, that your date may just be crossing their arms because they’re cold, or shifting in their seat to find a comfortable position. The only way to really know what they’re thinking is to ask them directly.
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Watch the movie. You're on a movie date, so you should enjoy the movie you went to see! Don’t worry about trying to keep up a conversation or interacting a ton while you’re watching. Your date might not want to talk so they can focus on the movie, and chatting too much disrupts the experience of the other moviegoers too.
- Watch your date’s level of engagement before trying to whisper anything to them, as you don’t want to distract them while they’re trying to enjoy the movie.^{[9]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
  Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
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Ask your date for consent before trying to make a move on them. Do not try to kiss your date or put your arm around them during the movie without their consent. Your date may not be comfortable with this, so it’s important to verbally ask them if it’s okay first.^{[10]XResearch source}
- For example, you may say, “Is it okay if I kiss you?” or “Are you comfortable with me putting my arm around you?”
- If your date says “no,” don’t pressure them. Accept their response and go back to enjoying the movie.
- If your date says “yes,” you can kiss them, put your arm around them, or hold their hand (depending on what you asked).
- Make sure you check in with them often to confirm they’re still comfortable.
- Remember, going on a movie date does not mean you have to kiss in the theater. You and your date may be happy just watching the movie and enjoying the experience together.

Part 3

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Wrapping up the Date

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1
Ask your date what they thought of the movie. Keep your connection with your date going by asking them their opinion on the movie. Express your thoughts about the movie, too.^{[11]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
- For example, you may ask, “So, what did you think of the action scene?” or “Did you think the ending was satisfying?”
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Propose going for a drink or snack if your date seems interested. Extend the movie date by proposing that you both go to a nearby bar or cafe to talk more about the movie and hang out. This keeps the good vibes going and allows you to connect more through conversation, since you probably had to refrain from talking too much during the movie.
- For example, you may say, “Would you be interested in talking some more about the movie over drinks?” Or, you could say, “Want to grab some food and chat more about that fight scene?”
EXPERT TIP
John Keegan
Dating Coach
John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
John Keegan
Dating Coach
Our Expert Agrees: Try having a great place in mind where you can go after the movie. That way, you can talk about your reactions to the film, and you can spend a little more time together if the date is going well.
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Make arrangements for another date. If your movie date is winding down, end it by suggesting another date in the near future. You could pick another movie to see on your next date, or you could suggest a dinner date to take things up a notch.
- For example, you may say to your date, “Want to go see another movie next weekend?” or “I really enjoyed hanging out tonight! Can I take you out to dinner next Friday?”
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Say goodbye to your date. End the night by parting ways with your date in a friendly way. Thank them for a nice time, and let them know you really enjoyed yourself. If they respond positively and say they had a good time, too, consider offering to hug them or asking if you can kiss them on the cheek. Notice if they are smiling or maintaining eye contact with you, as these are usually signs they enjoyed the date.
- If you both agreed to have another date soon, you may want to say something like, "See you soon!" or "I'll text you about dinner next week, can't wait!"