A cinema-goer was left stunned after being ejected from a film for eating their snacks too loudly, igniting a fierce debate on Reddit about cinema etiquette. The film fan, who brought their own snack to avoid high concession prices, was shushed by another patron about 20 minutes into the movie. After a heated exchange, staff asked them to leave.
What Happened During the Screening
Posting on Reddit, the cinema-goer explained they were watching Obsession to escape the UK heatwave. They wrote: "I went to my local cinema last night for a bit of aircon reprieve in the UK heatwave, and to watch Obsession. I am a regular cinema goer, and choose not to pay the crazy prices for their snacks/prefer something healthier, so I take my own. About 20 mins into the film, I decide it's my time to enjoy said snack."
After opening the bag and trying to eat quietly, they heard a 'shhh' from someone in the room. Initially dismissing it, they continued until another angry 'SHH!' and a glare made them realise they were the target. "I don't really get it. I've paid the same for my seat as everyone else has. I go to the cinema often. I was alone and not bothering anyone," they added.
Online Reaction and Support for Complainants
People quickly sided with those who complained. One Reddit user said: "People like you are the reason I haven’t been in a movie theatre since 2009. You and the talkers, I can’t decide which one p****s me off the most." Another advised: "I usually don't eat my movie snacks until 10-20 minutes in, but I have them ready and open and accessible during previews so I don't have to make even those small noises during the movie."
A third commenter noted: "It takes a LOT to get kicked out like that. Sounds like you might need to learn to eat properly if you’re being *that* loud. Also, don’t say you were 'not bothering anyone' — you clearly were otherwise you wouldn’t have been kicked out." Another added: "If you’re smuggling a bag of whole carrots celery sticks or loose nuts into a quiet theatre, you’re def the problem."
Study Reveals Noisy Eating More Annoying Than Other Disturbances
A recent study found that eating loudly is more annoying than speakerphone conversations, snoring, barking dogs, and loud music from headphones. Two-thirds of adults say standards of eating etiquette in public have worsened in recent years, and half think manufacturers should put an "Eat Considerately" warning on particularly noisy snacks.
The survey for Ryvita Sticks named crisps, crackers, tortilla chips, and carrot sticks as the worst snacks for noise. Cinemas, libraries, theatres, and quiet train carriages were cited as the worst places to eat noisily.
A Ryvita spokesperson commented: "Brits clearly love crunchy snacks, and we are known for our iconic crunch, but as we researched whether we should ‘crunch proudly’ or ‘crunch considerately’, we found Brits are becoming far less forgiving about where people eat them. Whether it's an office, a cinema or a quiet train carriage, many people feel everyday etiquette is slipping. Crunch is part of what makes snacking enjoyable, but the findings suggest people are increasingly conscious of how their eating habits affect those around them. Our advice? Enjoy the crunch – but crunch considerately."
