Do you watch the movie theater end credits to the end, or leave early? ── Manners and tips for a pleasant experience

Do you watch the movie theater end credits to the end, or leave early? ── Thinking about manners and how to spend your time

Should you watch the movie theater end credits to the end? Is it okay to leave early? We have compiled some thoughts on how to have a pleasant time at the theater, covering the reasons and manners for both those who watch the credits and those who don't, considerations for smartphones and smartwatches, and even the scenes after the credits (post-credits).

With the new Spider-Man movie releasing today, many people will likely be heading to the theaters.

Every time a movie is released, the topic of "Do you watch the end credits to the end, or leave early?" becomes a subject of discussion.

On social media,

• Is it bad manners to leave early?

• Since I paid for the ticket, isn't it my freedom?

• The movie isn't over until the end credits finish.

and other various opinions can be seen.

I personally am in the camp that stays until the end, but I don't want to force the idea that "everyone should watch until the end."

As long as the theater doesn't prohibit it, whether you stand up or not is a personal choice.

However, I believe that if we don't forget that there are still people enjoying the work and show a little consideration for those around us, we can all leave the theater feeling good.

Also, these days, it is not uncommon for films to have footage after the end credits.

If you stand up thinking "it's over," you might miss that final scene.

This time, I have summarized the perspectives of both those who watch the end credits and those who don't, as well as some small acts of consideration for a pleasant time at the theater.

The reasons for watching the end credits vary from person to person

When you hear "people who watch the end credits," you might imagine someone reading every single name of the staff and cast.

But in reality, that is not all there is to it.

• Wanting to enjoy the music in the theater until the very end

• Wanting to soak in the lingering emotions of the movie

• I want to organize my thoughts in my head

• I want to check the cast and the songs used

• There might be a scene after the credits

• I want to calm down after crying

• I want to stay seated until the lights come on

Even if we are all sitting in the same way, we are each spending our time differently.

For me, the end credits are not just 'a time when the names of strangers scroll by'.

It is a time to slowly return to daily life from the world of the movie.

I might reflect on the film while listening to the music, or rest my brain after focusing for nearly two hours.

It is so comfortable that I sometimes even doze off for a bit (laughs).

And actually, I sometimes idly watch the people leaving during the credits.

People in a hurry to get home, people standing up slowly while enjoying the lingering feeling, people leaving while whispering their thoughts to friends.

I kind of like seeing how each person chooses to end their movie experience.

Of course, it is also perfectly fine to leave early.

On the other hand, there are reasons why people get up and leave early too.

• They have somewhere to be next

• They need to use the restroom

• They want to avoid the crowds on the way out

• The movie wasn't really to their taste

• They don't feel the need to watch the credits

Each of these is a matter of personal circumstances.
Honestly, I understand. Aren't these all common experiences?

Therefore, I don't think it's right to assume that 'not watching until the end is rude'.

As long as the movie theater doesn't prohibit it, whether to stand up or not is a personal choice.

However, it is important to ensure that this freedom does not interfere with the viewing experience of others.

Isn't that what's important?

The screening is still ongoing during the end credits.

Some people feel that 'the movie is over' once the end credits begin.

But that time is still part of the screening.

Depending on the movie, there may be visuals or dialogue continuing during the end credits, or a final scene included at the very end.

Also, some people are enjoying the music rather than the screen.

In other words, even if the movie is over for you, it might still be in progress for the person next to you or behind you.

That is why I believe we should value both the 'freedom to leave' and the 'freedom to watch until the end'.

If you are going to leave your seat during the end credits, please be just a little considerate.

Check your smartphone outside the theater.

Once the movie ends, you might want to check the time or your train connections.

But if possible, that check can wait until you are outside the theater.

By waiting just a few dozen seconds, you can avoid disturbing the viewing experience of those around you.

If you must turn on the screen, point it toward your feet.

If you absolutely must use your smartphone, don't turn on the screen after standing up; instead, keep it pointed toward your feet while seated.

If you stand up while keeping the screen facing downward, it will be harder for the light to spread to those around you.

In a dark theater, your smartphone's light is much more noticeable than you might think.

Smartwatches also glow surprisingly brightly.

It is not practical to take off your smartwatch every time.

In such cases, simply turning the screen toward the inside of your wrist makes a difference.

If the screen lights up due to a notification, you can quickly cover it with your other hand, and lowering your arm will also make it harder for the light to reach those around you.

Just because the movie is over, don't check your notifications right there; wait until you are outside the theater.

Even that small gesture is a sign of consideration.

Lower your posture slightly when moving

There are still people behind you watching the screen.

By lowering your posture slightly and moving as quickly as possible, you can shorten the time you block their view.

Even if you cannot avoid walking in front of someone, the consideration of trying not to be a nuisance is surprisingly noticeable.

I believe that with just that small bit of thoughtfulness, people will feel that you are being considerate of those around you, making it less likely that they will feel annoyed.

If you want to leave early, an aisle seat is also recommended

If you have decided to leave during the end credits every time, choosing an aisle seat from the start is one option.

Most cinemas now allow you to select your seat when purchasing tickets online.

If you are going to see a movie with a friend or partner, you can discuss your plans in advance, such as 'Let's go get a meal after the movie,' 'I want to leave right after the screening,' or 'I'm worried about the restroom, so I want to leave early.'

If you plan to leave early, choosing an aisle seat from the beginning allows both of you to spend the time without feeling self-conscious.

I think sharing your plans, not just for the movie itself but also for what happens after the screening, is a key to enjoying the movie together.

It is also a consideration for protecting yourself

Recently, there are actually people who film movies without permission and post them on social media.

Partly because of this, many people have become sensitive to actions like taking out a smartphone or pointing it toward the screen during a screening.

Of course, even if you have no intention of filming, you might be misunderstood by those around you.

That is precisely why:

• Only use your smartphone near your feet

• Do not point it toward the screen

• Operate electronic devices outside the theater whenever possible

These actions are not just about consideration for others, but also wisdom to keep yourself from getting involved in unnecessary trouble.

There might be footage after the end credits

Recently, it is not rare for films to include a short clip or a scene leading into a sequel after the end credits.

Many people look forward to that one scene after the end credits in Marvel movies, don't they?

You thought it was over and left, only to find out there was an important scene at the very end.

I'm sure there are people who have had that experience.

Of course, this isn't the case for every movie.

But I think sitting through to the end thinking, 'There might be something,' is a way to enjoy the movie theater experience that is unique to the cinema.

Summary

Whether to watch the end credits or leave early.

The answer is different for everyone.

There is no need to force anyone to watch until the end, nor is there any need to blame those who leave early.

However, a movie theater is a place where many people share the same film.

Therefore, etiquette is not a rule to bind someone, but rather

It is about being considerate so that we don't end the time we spent time and money to enjoy a movie with bad feelings.

I think that is just the right way to look at it.

And, if you have time to spare,

try listening to the music during the end credits once in a while and savor the lingering feeling of the movie.

You might just discover a luxurious moment unique to the cinema that is different from the main feature.