“Barbenheimer”: Can You Watch Multiple Movies with Just One Ticket?

There is a very recent trend going viral on social media called “Barbenheimer”. The concept of Barbenheimer involves watching the Barbie and Oppenheimer movies in the theaters on the same day. Many moviegoers watch both films back-to-back. This creates a jarring juxtaposition between the somber drama surrounding Oppenheimer and the creation of the nuclear bomb, with Barbie’s fun, neon pink comedy.

However, some people are attempting to watch Barbenheimer while only purchasing one ticket, and simply walking into the second theater after the first movie ends. What might seem like a clever hack to some could have legal implications. In this blog post, we will embark on an exploration of Indiana law, shedding light on the legal consequences of engaging in attempting to watch more than one movie with just one ticket.

The Ticket & the Transaction

When you buy a movie theater ticket, you enter into a contractual agreement with the theater. This contract allows you access to a specific movie screening at a designated time. The price of the ticket covers the cost of the movie you intend to watch, along with any additional amenities provided by the theater.

Trespassing & Unauthorized Entry

Under Indiana law, entering a movie screening without a valid ticket constitutes trespassing or unauthorized entry. The Indiana Code of Criminal Law (Ind. Code § 35-43-2-2) defines criminal trespass as knowingly or intentionally entering the real property of another person without the owner’s permission. In the context of a movie theater, this means entering an auditorium or screening room without having purchased a ticket for that specific show.

Theft of Services

By using a single ticket to access multiple movies, you may also be charged with theft of services. Theft of services involves knowingly obtaining services that are available only for compensation without paying or intending to pay for them. This could apply to accessing additional movie screenings without purchasing the appropriate tickets.

Consequences of Violating Indiana Law

If caught attempting to watch multiple movies with just a single ticket, you may face legal consequences. As stated before, you could be charged with trespassing, theft of services, or both. Under these circumstances, penalties may include fines, community service, or even misdemeanor charges.

Moreover, movie theaters take ticket fraud seriously and have implemented measures to prevent it. Some theaters use electronic ticketing systems that track entry and exit times, making it easier to identify suspicious behavior. If a theater suspects you of attempting to watch multiple movies with just one ticket, they may contact law enforcement, leading to legal complications for you.

Conclusion

While seeing two movies on just one movie ticket may seem harmless, the legal implications in Indiana can be severe. Violating theater policies and Indiana law could lead to criminal charges and other serious consequences. If you want to try the Barbenheimer trend, it’s crucial to purchase a separate ticket for each movie. Let’s respect the rights of movie theaters and fellow moviegoers, ensuring that everyone can continue enjoying the magic of cinema without any legal complications.

If you have been accused of partaking in this activity and are facing legal implications, contact the Indiana criminal law attorneys at McNeelyLaw LLP today.

This McNeelyLaw LLP publication should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion of any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own lawyer on any specific legal questions you may have concerning your situation.