Movie previews are a big staple of the cinema world. For decades, people have seen a movie at the theater, watching trailers for upcoming releases play on the screen before showtime. Some people love them, while some aren’t huge fans and would instead jump headfirst into the movie they bought tickets for. Whatever you think about them, it’s essential to know how long movie previews are for planning purposes and create a more enjoyable experience.
So, how long are movie previews?
While people might exaggerate movie times, AMC reports that their previews last about 20 minutes. This could range between 5-8 trailers within those 20 minutes. In the end, the amount of previews shown is dependent on the length of the trailers themselves.
Does movie runtime include previews?
When you go to select movie showtime or look down at you’re printed ticket, the time listed also includes previews. AMC says, “The feature film does not start at the published showtime.” This also means that the film duration does not include the trailers that play before the movie starts. For instance, if a new movie release says it is 2 hours long, and the showing begins at 8 p.m., the film will finish at 10:20 p.m. vs. 10 p.m.
Why do theaters have previews?
What’s the significance of movie previews? In many cases, a movie’s success is determined by how much money is made at the box office. For a film to make money, they need people to see it physically in theaters. How do you entice people to watch a movie? A trailer is the best bet. Sure, you can find trailers of films online, but it’s easy to avoid them. When an audience is in a movie theater, they are forced to watch the previews. This help brings attention and buzz to an upcoming release.
You might have noticed that each film you see has movie previews of a similar genre. Slate reports that studios and theaters use the quadrant system “which divides potential audiences into four different categories: men under 25, women under 25, men over 25, and women over 25.” If you’re seeing a romantic comedy, you’ll most likely see trailers that are related to romance and comedy. A scary movie will show more previews related to horror and thrillers.
Movie previews: Yay or Nay?
Many movie-watchers, like myself, love going to the movie theaters because of the previews. While we might be at the movies to watch a new release, we always love seeing what big blockbuster films are coming next.
unpopular opinion: i love watching the previews at the movies
— Savannah Wood (@Savanjwood) March 22, 2019
I hate when people you’re going to a movie with are like, “don’t worry if we are late, there’s 15 minutes of previews…” I like watching the previews in a theatre, that’s why I’m on time!
— James Cullen Bressack (@JamesCullenB) August 30, 2018
Although some people worry very little about missing previews due to coming late to a screening, other fans strive to get there on time. If you want to catch trailers before your movie, make sure you get there on time and go with someone who likes to be early to things.
Of course, there are those out there who prefer screenings without previews. For them, it ruins the movie-going experience and spoils another film they were excited to see.
Going to a movie that you’re like excited for but not crazy excited, watching the previews that look way cooler and more interesting than the one you’re seeing is a special kind of pain.
— db (@imm_destiny) May 18, 2022
Idk if it’s jus me but I truly hate watching previews of a show or movie lmaoo I wanna go in without a clue of what’s gonna happen 😭
— Máskira’i Uúka ☽ (@ELXICO111) February 14, 2022
For a lot of the general population, movie previews are enjoyable.
I love sitting thru movie previews, makes me so excited for what’s to come 😩🙏🏼
— ♡ 𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚝 ♡ (@soofyawn) December 17, 2018
I really love watching movie previews. I know it’s silly but i’ll really sit on Youtube and watch an hour & half of movie previews instead of a movie. It’s like previews showcase the best parts of the movie anyways. lol.
— Insta : @Jaheliss / Drunk Cook 🇩🇴 (@JahelisWasHere) January 31, 2021
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