Date Night Movies in the COVID-19 Era

For many Americans, a date night movie is a revered institution. For some it was the place of their very first date. For others, it is a refuge away from the hustle and bustle of work, family, and commitments.

As movie theaters open up around the United States, many people are wondering what will a date night movie look like.

For starters, date night will require a mask. Most movie theaters around the United States will be requiring the use of masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. Now for those of you looking to steal a kiss from your significant other during the movie, that’s probably not going to happen unless you like mask to mask contact, which isn’t suggested.

The good news is that most likely you will have an empty seat on both sides for you and your date, so neither of you will be sitting next to someone you don’t know. That could make the experience a bit more intimate, as you won’t be bothered by someone else talking, or doing any type of distraction. Without others on each side, you can feel as though you have the movie theater all to yourselves, maybe even encourage a little hand holding every now and then. (Note: some movie theaters for as low as $250 are allowing patrons to rent an entire movie theater for private events. Check your local theater for availability.)

Also this may be the cleanest you’ll ever see movie theater. While occassionally you may see popcorn or other items on the floor when you get to a movie theater, that will be a thing of the past. With the enhanced sanitation procedures at most movie theaters, you will walk into the cleanest and most manicured movie theaters that you’ve ever seen. That can only be a plus for audiences.

Other good news for couples is that while certain items may be excluded, many movie theaters will be serving food and beverage options. Most movie theaters have moved beyond soda, candy, and popcorn to offer full meals, alcohol, and true dining experiences. For most of us, getting a meal cooked outside the home and a well made cocktail is a welcomed change of pace.

However, you may see movie theaters reduce or even eliminate items that can be refilled (such as refillable popcorn and soda) to promote social distancing reduce the amount of people who touch an item. But that’s small price to pay to be able to get out of the house and see a great movie.

Studios are starting to release new content in the United States with Solstice Studios releasing Unhinged and Warner Bros. releasing Tenet this September 3rd.

All in all, date night movies are looking to make a return in during the COVID-19 Coronavirus era. With all of the new changes, it just might be better than ever.