Depends on the popularity of the movie. For initial showings of very popular titles, 90 minutes to 2 hours is recommended.
I agree with Vincent. It depends on the movie. The theate% has specific rules about people holding places in line for others so check before you try to game the system.
The one hour suggestion is a good one. However, if you can go on a Thursday afternoon 2 weeks after a movie comes out, you can sit wherever you want walking in half way through the previews.
Hour before max. Then you will be in the first half of the group. Should have no problem getting a good seat.
Hit movies premiering .. maybe an hour before , all others maybe a half hour before showtime
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