The movie theater is the default night out for good reasons. There's one in almost every town, it's easy to plan, and two hours in the dark with a good story is hard to beat. Multiplexes show the big new releases on many screens, often with reserved seating, recliners and premium large-format screens. Independent and art-house theaters lean toward foreign films, documentaries, revivals of classics and special screenings with filmmaker Q&As.

There are other styles worth seeking out, too. Dine-in theaters serve meals and drinks at your seat, drive-ins still operate in some areas, and some cities host outdoor screenings in parks during warm weather. Showtimes are posted online days ahead, so you can choose a time and often a seat before you leave the house.

The Date Activity

The movie date has one famous flaw: you can't talk during it. That makes a movie on its own a weak first date and a great one when you add a meal or dessert before or after, because the film becomes the conversation. Pick something you both actually want to see, and save the three-hour epic for later.

Matinees are usually cheaper, and late weeknight shows are the quietest. For a bigger night, see a blockbuster in IMAX. To keep the evening going after the credits, head out for a game at the bowling alley or a late dinner, and you can line up all the stops in the planner.

On Your Own / With Friends

For a group, buy all the tickets in one order so you sit together, and get them early for big opening weekends. Some theaters rent out whole auditoriums for private screenings and parties. Going to the movies alone is one of life's underrated pleasures: no negotiating over what to see, any seat you like and nobody reaching into your popcorn.

Good to Know

Many theaters have discount days, cheaper matinees and loyalty programs, so check before paying full price. Trailers and ads usually run for a while past the listed start time, but arrive on time if seating isn't reserved. Silence your phone and skip the texting, since a bright screen in a dark room distracts everyone around you. Auditoriums are often chilly, so bring a light layer. Check the rating and running time before you go, especially with kids, and know that some theaters set their own age rules for late shows.