Why do people clap at the end of movies?

[Drunken Irishman]

I don't get this.

Ok, I get clapping at a broadway show, or a play, since, you know, those people actually hear your applause. But it isn't like Scarlett Johansson is going to hear your clapping all the way up in her ritzy New York apartment. I don't get it, what is the point of clapping and cheering at a damn movie theatre?

[Omphaloskepsis]

1. I don't know.. But when I worked at one....

we would go into the theater and sit down right before the end. So a couple of us ushers would be in different parts of the auditorium and we would start clapping and yelling about how awesome that was. It almost always caught on. And we are talking about movies like Gone Fishing, B.A.P.S. The Runaway Bride, and The Mighty Ducks 2.

[bigwillq]

2. For the freedom to express

your likes and dislikes. I have clapped at some movies and booed at others. I enjoy expressing my emotions.

[Drunken Irishman]

5. Hey I'm not saying people shouldn't do it, I just find it odd.

[Xipe Totec]

3. Some because it's good, some because it's over

They don't clap for the actors, they clap for the audience.

[madinmaryland]

4. Probably because they are happy that the shitty movie is finally over!

[triguy46]

6. I've been in church services where they show videos...

And in the video, a guy prays and everyone bows their head. I'm sorry, but this is a digital image and not words being actually spoken to a deity. Bizarre. But then I don't get the whole TV church phenomenon anyway.

[struggle4progress]

7. Cuz movies aint got no canned applause tracks

[MassLiberal]

8. I clap at the TV sometimes, too

I guess it's just when I feel moved to express myself that way over something I feel is really well done. So perhaps clapping at the movies is more about self-expression than an expression of appreciation. :shrug:

[Fox Mulder]

9. Maybe it's because the movies these days suck so bad...

people are glad that they're over? :shrug:

[nuxvomica]

10. I've never witnessed such a thing

I've seen audiences clap at rousing moments, like when the villain gets his comeuppance, but not at the end. Most of the people are rushing to get out at the end.

[Tindalos]

11. I only clap for artsy movies

Never for regular Hollywood flicks. I have no idea why this is. :shrug:

[Radio_Lady]

12. We clap at GOOD movies... I'm talking about previews of movies coming to

Portland. You never know what studio people are around when they are "trying out" audiences. Perhaps a good movie would be more widely distributed if the screening comments are positive, or the audience applauds.

Good movies deserve applause. Often, they get it from the screening fans, and other folks (those people are invited to see it for free through local radio stations and newspapers).

[fishwax]

13. it's about the community of the audience rather than recognition of the product

I rarely see people clap at movies, but that's how I read it ...