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I’m sure it’s long gone but in the mid 70’s a theater on cannery row in Monterrey, Ca was called the pillow theater by us locals. It had couches, love seats and recliners in the back but the front area there were 3 graduated in size pillows on plush shag carpet for each person that you reclined upon. The concession served alcohol. Most of the films were Indy or animated.

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JoePW6964@reddit

Uptown in Washington DC.

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BungalowDweller@reddit

More for sentimental reasons than actual quality - not that I remember, but the https://mytiki.life/tiki-bars/mai-kai-theater in Detroit. Where I first saw Star Wars in 1977. What I will never forget is seeing that giant Star Destroyer on the really large screen for the first time.

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mukn4on@reddit

I grew up in a medium sized midwestern city. Until the multiplexes took over, we saw movies in old vaudeville theatres. Gilt walls, balconies, plush seats.

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KhunDavid@reddit

The Uptown Theater - Cleveland Park, Washington, DC

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allaboutaphie@reddit

Drive-ins were the best. which are few and far between these days.

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AdLiving1435@reddit

Not the best but it's the only theater I remember so thats something. It was The Millwald in wytheville va. Can't remember what movie we saw but it had 3 screens the theater we were in one that had maybe 30 to 50 seats and the screen was maybe ¼ the size of a regular theater screen if not smaller.

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winteriscoming9099@reddit

The Prospector Theater in CT. They’re a nonprofit movie theater dedicated to providing meaningful employment to adults with disabilities. They’ve got great snacks, cool decor, and comfortable theaters.

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Kali-of-Amino@reddit

The Alabama Theater (1927) in Birmingham.

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serial_crusher@reddit

Alamo Drafthouse in Austin used to be top notch, but as they expanded the franchise they started cutting quality to cut costs.

I moved to a small town that has a place with shitty pizza and one or two screens, and skew-ball up front. It’s pretty nice but man the pizza is no good.

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lechydda@reddit

Grauman’s Chinese Theater in LA when the re-release of the original Star Wars came out in 1997. People camped out in line for days. My dad and I went up there on a weekday and it was still packed. Death Vader, R2D2, etc were all walking around. It was the best 8 hours I’d ever spent on a sidewalk, and the best 2 hours in the gorgeous, giant, historic theater. I wish I’d gotten a photo from the inside!

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PeorgieT75@reddit

The Byrd in Richmond. They have an old Wurlitzer organ that comes out of the floor that they play before the movie. I saw Blade Runner there when it first came out.

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TopperMadeline@reddit

I watched War of the Worlds at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater. That was a cool experience.

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galacticdude7@reddit

The Music Box Theater in Chicago is probably the actual best I've been to, It's something that I miss about living in Chicago and I wish I had access to it more regularly.

I too have enjoyed a few movies at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, it's another place that I wish I had regular access to.

I also have fond memories of the State Theater in Ann Arbor pre-renovation (circa 2011-2015 when I was a student at UofM), it had a certain rustic charm to it, they basically took the original theater and converted the first level into retail space (It was an Urban Outfitters during my time, now I think its a Target) and they took the balcony and built a wall down the middle to split it into two theaters. It's gritty environment provided a good contrast from the Michigan Theater down the street, and that matched the types of movies it played in comparison to the Michigan Theater at the time. It was the place where I saw movies like Attack The Block (which I highly recommend), and it was the place where I saw The Room for the first time.

Another place that had a similarly rustic charm was the New 400 in Chicago up in Rogers Park. The place was a dump, but the tickets were incredibly cheap and it just felt right to watch horror movies there over the regular megaplex. Unfortunately I heard it closed a couple years back.

In terms of best Megaplex, it was Studio 28 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It had a slapped together feel to it as it had been expanded over the years in a haphazard manner. Supposedly it was the first megaplex, which is probably a dubious claim to make, but it was the place where I fell in love with the movies, it was the place my Mom took me to see movies and where she would claim she was "Mother of the Year" for allowing us kids to have popcorn for lunch those days. Sadly Studio 28 closed long ago and most of it was demolished to make way for apartments.

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Kestrel_Iolani@reddit

Cinerama in Seattle.

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galacticdude7@reddit

I went and saw The Shining there last October when I visited Seattle, it was a nice experience, the Chocolate Popcorn reminded me of Cocoa Puffs, and they got bonus points for keeping the Cookie Dough Bites candy in a freezer.

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LouziphirBoyzenberry@reddit

Plus the popcorn chefs kiss Such a great movie for blockbusters.

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YborOgre@reddit

Winner winner, chicken dinner! Even in the 80s and 90s it rocked, we'll before the renovations.

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No-Clerk-5600@reddit

Music Box, Chicago. Hands down.

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galacticdude7@reddit

The Music Box Theater is in the Top 5 things I miss about living in Chicago

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League-Ill@reddit

It's my favorite building in the whole city.

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Yggdrasil-@reddit

Same!

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CountChoculasGhost@reddit

Even better now that they upgraded the seats in the main theater!

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tubular1845@reddit

Watching a movie with 1700 people sounds miserable

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Alternative-Law4626@reddit

We have an historic (circa 1928)theater in my city that is in the process of being saved. By the end of the summer, all of the seats will have been replaced. Long way to go still, but definitely on the way back. With seats replaced, I think it will become much more popular.

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AlvinTaco@reddit

The White Christmas/It’s A Wonderful Life double feature Christmas Carol sing along was always a good time.

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SisterLostSoul@reddit

Absolutely. When I moved to Lakeview, I selected a place within walking distance of the Music Box (&Schubas).

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Flat-Leg-6833@reddit

Miss that place.

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Technical_Plum2239@reddit

In Massachusetts: I love Coolidge Corner - it's non profit independent theater and really amazing.

I do have a soft spot for my favorite little theater "Elm Draughthouse" (long before Alamo Draft house). It's 7 bucks, has awesome food and drink - it's 7 bucks. cash, ccheck, or IOU. Small popcorn is a buck. Wine like 2 bucks.

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cryptoengineer@reddit

The Wellfleet drive in is still running? That's great. I saw Terminator 2 there.

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Technical_Plum2239@reddit

I saw Barbie there during Carnival week at Ptown - and the theme was Toys so it was pretty fun! Lots of Kens.

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Wild_Bake_7781@reddit

Don’t forget about the battle theatre!

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cv5cv6@reddit (OP)

If you're ever on the North Shore, the Cabot Theater in Beverly is a great place to see a revival or art theater movie.

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Technical_Plum2239@reddit

I saw the nutcracker there a billion years ago. It wasn't fair though. I had just seen the one in Boston and a friend asked me to the Cabot one. Boston's was a hard act to follow!

I remember the Cabot as being cute though!

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yellowrose04@reddit

Alamo drafthouse is a good one to go to. IMAX at the air and space museum the one not in dc was goated.

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VirginiaLuthier@reddit

Fox Theater in Atlanta.

Grauman's Chinese in LA

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needsmorequeso@reddit

My favorite theater is the Alamo Drafthouse Village location on Anderson Lane in Austin. I remember when it was a wacky little theater with funky seats, and the seats have been upgraded, but it still kinda feels like the place where I went to see the Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet Sense and Sensibility and the Kenneth Branagh Hamlet in the 90s when I was probably the only kid in town who wanted to see those things more than Independence Day or whatever was popular (no shade, Independence Day is amazing cinema, I was just an insufferable nerd).

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Apprehensive-Lock751@reddit

Im new to Austin and Village is my absolute favorite.

2 Being arclight in hollywood.

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whosudady@reddit

Those are gone. Out of bizness.

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Apprehensive-Lock751@reddit

:-(

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pizzapartyjones@reddit

Village was usually my go to, but RIP the original downtown location. I have so many good memories from there back in the 90s and 2000s.

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mechanicalcontrols@reddit

I was just an insufferable nerd

Hey I found my people!

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LibrarianAcrobatic21@reddit

I remember seeing independent movies there before it was an Alamo Drafthouse. Indochina, strictly ballroom and many other.

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anythingaustin@reddit

Alamo Drafthouse is still the only theater I will go to.

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OriginalMcSmashie@reddit

Same

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FlopShanoobie@reddit

I said the original location on Colorado, but I used to live off Anderson Mill and probably spent more time at the Village than my own house. It’s still great.

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Traditional_Entry183@reddit

My Alamo in Charlottesville is hands down the best cinema I've ever been to. For as long as its been open, the only reason I go anywhere else is if they don't have a movie that I want to see. Absolute top end all around.

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shifty1032231@reddit

I was no expecting to read my Drafthouse location in great detail in this thread.

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Conchobair@reddit

Indian Hills Theater in Omaha was the largest Cinerama screen in the US. It was amazing. I saw Return of the Jedi 9 times there. They tore it down and turned it into a parking lot.

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Riker_Omega_Three@reddit

Honestly,

It wasn't the fancy theaters that come to mind

Back in high school, one of my buddies got a job at this run down old movie theater. They had just built a big megaplex a couple miles away so this little theater was hit hard

People just weren't going to it anymore

So whenever he would work, he'd open a back door and we'd all pile in, with pizzas, and 2 liters and candy and all sorts of things

We'd have an entire theater to ourselves...just my high school friend group

Now, we'd all buy tickets...we wanted to at least make it seem like people were coming to this theater. We didn't want them to shut down or something

But we always entered and left through a back door

Some of my best high school memories are of having the theater to ourselves, watching movies...eating Dominos or Subway or whatever other contraband food we snuck in

Good times

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royblakeley@reddit

For my money, nothing can top Radio City Music Hall.

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GraphiteGru@reddit

Used to love going there as a kid . You would get the movie, a Rockette show and a guy playing the huge Wurlitzer organ

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Aggressive_Dress6771@reddit

Lowe’s Paradise on the Concourse in the Bronx. Opened in 1929. Big place, in Spanish garden motif, with stars on the ceiling. But this was many, many moons ago.

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sto_brohammed@reddit

I honestly can't think of a single one that stands out from the others.

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Soggy-Benefit-2323@reddit

MJR????? If your a fellow metro Detroiter

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sto_brohammed@reddit

Nah I'm from up north.

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Soggy-Benefit-2323@reddit

Consider yourself lucky

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joshbudde@reddit

Emagine is the right answer in the Detroit Metro area and its not even close

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cbanders225@reddit

As a cinephile and someone who worked for a theater-adjacent company in Colorado, I have 2: the first is the Manns Chinese Theater in Denver, Colorado. They opened this when I was a kid, and used to turn on spotlights for movie premiere nights. It felt so special going here for any movie. It’s still a great theater.

The second is the Holiday Twin Drive-in movie theater in Fort Collins, CO. It’s so fun loading up my Jeep with friends to go watch a movie or two (if I can stay up that late!) and hanging out. They also have the best popcorn I’ve ever had; And I’ve had a lot of movie theater popcorn. A few years ago they had a go fund me for new projector and it was an overwhelming response for them — I think they ended up being able to pay for multiple other renovations with it as well (and those projectors were around $500k at the time)

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Constant-Security525@reddit

A certain Chicago movie theater, for sure. I forget which it was. During a vacation, my husband and I needed to fill some time after checking out at a hotel. It was amazing! We did a double feature! Like luxury!

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Ok_Television9820@reddit

Tuschinsky in Amsterdam. Never seen its equal.

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Kman17@reddit

The Sphere in Las Vegas is a technological marvel for its immersion.

The Alamo Draft House in the San Francisco mission district (and ditto with their Austin one) is unparalleled good vibes for movies.

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ehrenzoner@reddit

Cine Capri in Phoenix, Arizona. I saw some epic films here.

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Aggravating_Anybody@reddit

Minnesota Zoo IMAX screen. Specifically, seeing Tron Legacy high as hell opening night.

The screen is substantially larger than the regular Imax screen. It’s 100’ wide by 70’ tall!

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tenehemia@reddit

Either the Uptown Theater in Minneapolis or the Bagdad in Portland, OR.

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Oceanbreeze871@reddit

Grauman’s Chinese theater in Hollywood was just so cool to see a movie at (saw Star Wars phantom menace) because of the history.

Before it closed the cinerama done down the street was also cool

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kirbyderwood@reddit

Best in LA is the Vista.

Beautiful old 1920s theater. They removed every other row of seats to allow easy access, great projection, great food. It almost went out of business during the pandemic, but Quentin Tarrantino bought it, fixed it up a bit, and kept it going.

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Oceanbreeze871@reddit

I have a soft spot for the new Beverly. I liked it when it was rundown and played all the good old stuff

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whosudady@reddit

Awful sound system. Old building with bad acoustics

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Oceanbreeze871@reddit

It was good when I was there but they was 20+ years ago.

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BlueEyedSpiceJunkie@reddit

I saw a 70mm series at the cineramadome and it was just spectacular.

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codb28@reddit

Somehow didn’t realized they renamed it like 20 years ago. Went there when it was Mann’s Chinese theater, it was pretty cool, wonder how it is now that they did renovations.

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BreadfruitOk6160@reddit

Cine Capri, Phoenix, AZ. Long since dead.

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kirbyderwood@reddit

Saw the original Star Wars there the week it released.

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LadySiren@reddit

The Stanford Theater in Palo Alto, CA. It has a Wurlitzer organ that sounds amazing, particularly when they do a Hitchcock film festival.

https://stanfordtheatre.org/

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exa472@reddit

One of my favorite screenings there was seeing a kid next to me completely entertained by a silent laurel and hardy short (with organ music and sound effects) and then watching The General and having my own excited kid reaction… oh and $1-2 concessions

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StarthistleParadise@reddit

My parents took me to a Hitchcock double feature at the Stanford when I was a kid—The Lady Vanishes and Young & Innocent!

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cattopattocatto@reddit

I pretty much only go see a movie at the Kentucky Theatre (Lexington, KY). A cool old theatre, friendly staff, reasonable prices on tickets and concessions (including booze), and they cover the ground from mainstream new releases to indies, documentaries, and cult classics. Lexington's not a very big place, but the Kentucky is a cultural institution that we're very fortunate to have!

And when my partner and I went to see "Stop Making Sense," people were dancing in the aisles.

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ITrCool@reddit

There’s an old Fox theater in my hometown still in its original condition with the fancy embellished signage and the art deco 1940s room aesthetics.

It’s used as a church but also gets used for movie nights through the original projector room (albeit with a modern projector).

The theater itself still has the original seats, fully restored and the original ceiling fabric, wooden carvings, and Greek statues in the walls.

It was always a throwback treat to get to see what movie theaters were like back in that day.

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Oldjamesdean@reddit

There was a Fox theatre in Portland, it was pretty cool. They tore it down and built a skyscraper and called it the Fox Tower.

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intotheairwaves17@reddit

Shockingly it’s this tiny theater in Fox Lake, IL. It’s the Classic Cinemas there (local chain, so I imagine the other locations are great too). It’s in the middle of this run down strip mall, and the inside is very 90’s, BUT they have tickets for like $9 and matinees are around $7, the seats are all recliners AND HEATED, the concessions are reasonably priced, they give 3 free refills per movie for popcorn, pop/soda, and icees. Oh, and after the movie, an employee is waiting at the exit of the theater with either a box of mints or some other snack (once I got Flipz pretzels). It’s such a great little theater, and it’s so unsuspecting.

As for a more grand old theater that’s kind of an event to go to, either the Pickwick in Park Ridge or the Music Box in Chicago are both great.

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hsj713@reddit

The Los Angeles and Orpheum theaters in Downtown LA. They are literally palaces inside!

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FreakinB@reddit

I saw Borat on its opening night at the Village East in NYC. It’s set up more like a (small) Broadway theater from the 1930’s than a typical movie theater. An incredible atmosphere for the most I’ve ever seen an audience laugh collectively.

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cryptoengineer@reddit

I remember the Thalia repertory theatre on the upper west side. Funky little place, it a wonderful selection of older films.

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Sowf_Paw@reddit

I like historical theaters. In Dallas you can't get more historical (or infamous?) than the Texas Theater in Oak Cliff, the theater where Oswald tried to hide from the police after shooting President Kennedy and Officer Tippit.

I have seen new movies and a lot of old movies there.

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Technical_Plum2239@reddit

Ha. You just made me remember another of my favorite theaters! I saw Borat there.

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EffectiveSalamander@reddit

Probably the Heights Theater in Columbia Heights, MN. It was a grand theater built in the 1920s, but by the 90s, it was a run down second run theater. But it was restored to its former glory - it even has an organ pit.

The one we go to the most is the Riverview Theater in Minneapolis. Not quite so grand as the Heights, but a nice 1950s theater which had stadium seating long before it was common.

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SordoCrabs@reddit

Favorite small/independent theater is the Tampa Theater, a 1920s movie palace that has been restored/maintained.

I think my favorite modern megaplex is the Cinemark in Orlando. It had the largest screen that I did not pay a surcharge/premium for. It also has the most concession stands I have ever seen in a single theater. The main stand in the middle, one stand in each of the two wings, a coffee/ice cream stand, and upstairs where the 4 big houses had rear exits was a satellite stand that probably hasn't been used since the last Harry Potter movie came put.

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solojones1138@reddit

Arclight Hollywood.... RIP

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Ecks54@reddit

Graumann's Mann Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood.

I got to see Pulp Fiction on opening night with avout 2,000 other Quentin Tarantino fans.

Easily my best movie-going experience. It was like attending a football game.

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Technical_Air6660@reddit

Castro Theater in San Francisco. Classic old style theater.

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Imateepeeimawigwam@reddit

The Egyptian theater in Ogden, Utah, is pretty cool. It doesn't play new movies anymore, but as a kid, I went there when it was a normal theater. It was pretty run down then. It's now just a specialty movie theater, but it had a complete restoration, and it's amazing inside. They often have some fun, old movies playing. It was used as a Sundance venue, and I saw some movies there during the festival. It's an amazing theater and a piece of Utah history. I hope Ogden continues to cherish it.

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Large-Comfort5757@reddit

Fox Theater in Westeood. Still the site of many movie premieres

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BonCourageAmis@reddit

Regular movie theater, the Grand Lake in Oakland, CA Repertory The Paramount in Oakland, Ca

Both are movie palaces

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mdavis360@reddit

Yes-The Grand Lake is the best.

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whosudady@reddit

Robberies is too common

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electric29@reddit

Hey there neighbor.

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Lanky-Position-9963@reddit

Came here for Grand Lake in Oakland. Great theater

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let-it-rain-sunshine@reddit

Imax at air and space museum in DC

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Imateepeeimawigwam@reddit

I've been to the one in Dulles (or Herndon or wherever it is). That one's really nice.

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whosudady@reddit

The new AMC DOLBY CINEMA in Los Angles. Dolby Atmos sound system, and sharp Dolby Vision screen.

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peanutismint@reddit

Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly cinema, midnight screening of QT’s Jackie Brown, on his own personal print. Everybody laughing and singing along to the tracks and an extremely Los Angeles feel for this pasty British 20-something visiting the USA by myself. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I’ve also sat behind the man himself at a subsequent visit.

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FletchWazzle@reddit

Making me feel remorse for not catching Clutch there the other day

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Curmudgy@reddit

Radio City Music Hall. Sadly, I don’t think they show movies there anymore, just concerts and Rockettes shows. But I remember going there as a kid to see the Rockettes and a movie as their standard bundle.

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CaddyDaddy12@reddit

Boulevard Drive In in Kansas City. Not even sure if the dang thing is still open but oh boy that was a blast.

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StarthistleParadise@reddit

I used to see movies at the Century Domes in San Jose, CA pretty often! I loved looking up at the “spiderweb” ceiling. Century 21 was the best place for really grand films.

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Weightmonster@reddit

The Movie Tavern is good but I spent trust the food apart from popcorn.

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Hybridhippie40@reddit

The one down the street. It's kind of old with old equipment and the seats aren't very comfortable. But they get new movies, it's never crowded, It's walking distance, and they sell $6 beers. It's perfect.

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tivofanatico@reddit

El Capitan in Hollywood is owned by Disney. Arrive early and listen to the organist play Disney show tunes. Sometimes they have props and costumes from the Disney or Marvel movie you’re watching. There’s also a malt shop next door with Disney merch and Ghiradelli chocolate related foods and drinks. One time I saw Oz The Great and Powerful, and a magician performed a short stage show as an opening act!

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rawbface@reddit

I hate movie theaters and I would rather just watch movies at home on my couch.

Like, 1700 seats? That sounds awful. Not a selling point at all. Give me a theater for like 8 people.

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TaxSilver4323@reddit

The El Capitan Theater in LA. I saw the premiers of 3 Disney movies there and the place is beautiful.

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7yearlurkernowposter@reddit

There's one on the west side of the city I can almost stretch out in without my legs hitting the seat.
I've never been near a theater that cared about content sadly, always felt envious at showing the wrath of khan 40 years later or just turning it into a public mario kart tournament.

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hnyredditguy@reddit

The Rialto Square in Joliet IL. saw several Peanuts movies there as a kid.

It's now a performing arts center. It has the largest hand cut crystal chandelier in the US, possibly the world.

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1fihadahif1@reddit

The oriental theater in Milwaukee would have a pipe organist play sets before the main feature. It was over the top and perfect.

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teachthisdognewtrick@reddit

Seen some amazing IMAX theaters in various places

But for old school vintage, The Castro in San Francisco. It’s one you go to see a film vs a movie. The old Wurlitzer organ is really cool as well.

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CraftFamiliar5243@reddit

Krannert Center, Champaign-Urbana, IL. I was able to play in an orchestra in it. Chicago Symphony recorded there

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SnarkyFool@reddit

I went to U of I and was in there for all sorts of stuff. Very cool place.

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CraftFamiliar5243@reddit

Near perfect acoustics

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MudNSno23@reddit

Mystic Luxury Cinemas in Mystic, Connecticut. Simple and unassuming from the outside. However, they have an impressive sound system; heated and reclined seats; and great popcorn, candy, drinks, and draft beer. They have fairly cheap tickets too. I’ve been about a dozen times over the years and they’re my go to. And something I’ve noted, they have always had the same employees in the time I’ve frequented them, I think that says a lot about management and the work environment.

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PhoneboothLynn@reddit

The Saenger in New Orleans. Exquisite.

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The_Flagrant_Vagrant@reddit

There are the old movie palaces like the Chinese, El Capitan, and the Egyptian in Hollywood, and the Alex in Glendale. But the best might be Universal Citywalk with a modern snack bar, sound and projections system, and my new favorite amenity, reclining seats.

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mechanicalcontrols@reddit

The Ellen in Bozeman doesn't show movies regularly, but I love that old turn of the century architecture.

Plus I saw the Irish Rovers in concert there twice so yeah, that's gotta be my answer

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Joel_feila@reddit

Drive in theater. My car is more comfortable than a theater

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BlueEyedSpiceJunkie@reddit

The Eastman House Theater in Rochester, NY and it’s not even close.

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No_Statistician9289@reddit

Colonial Theater in Phoenixville PA. Home of the Blobfest

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GenXUSA@reddit

🎥 A Cinerama Legend • Opened August 8–9, 1962, at 5755 Wayzata Blvd, St. Louis Park . • Designed by architect Richard L. Crowther in a striking streamline‑Moderne circular form, it was built exclusively to showcase the three‑strip Cinerama film process . • It was one of only three such theaters worldwide, alongside Denver and Omaha .

⸻

🍿 Spectacular Features & Audience Experience • The curved, louvered screen spanned approximately 100–135 feet, delivering an immersive visual experience beloved by moviegoers . • Plush, tiered seating for about 800 people, plus comfortable lounges (“smoking cages”) on either side for intermissions . • The crowd-favorite screening included The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm at opening, and Dances with Wolves closed its run in January 1991 .

⸻

🔊 Prestige & Popular Opinion • Frequently hailed as “the best Cinerama installation in America” for its incredible projection and sound quality . • Movie buffs and employees shared vivid memories of its grandeur—the massive screen filling your field of vision and late‑night premieres that felt legendary .

⸻

🏗️ Final Act: Closure & Legacy • Closed January 31, 1992; demolished later that year

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Tasty_Plantain5948@reddit

The Geitner theater in Silver Creek, NY. Great memories there. Saw Porky’s in the 6th grade.

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AlvinTaco@reddit

I love the Michigan Theater. It’s the perfect place to watch classic films. I remember watching the silent film “Sunrise”, Casablanca, and Gone With the Wind there. And so many great indies. I also saw The King’s Speech there, and it just felt right. Never had a film and location been better paired.

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LovesDeanWinchester@reddit

Redford Theater in Michigan for a special showing of Wizard of Oz on the big screen. They had an organist playing during Intermission. They also had a huge model train village set up that was amazing!

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moonbunnychan@reddit

The theater in Arundel Mills is completely themed in ancient Egypt...and I mean completely. I think it's so cool.

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SnarkyFool@reddit

Little bit of a different twist, but the Boulevard Drive-In in KC has done a great job of keeping the essence of the drive-in vibe alive with the old timey concessions, but has fully upgraded the equipment so the A/V experience is as good as it can be outdoors.

One screen, 600 parking spaces, and they sell out on weekends. If you want a good spot, get there at 7:30 to tailgate for a couple hours before the movie.

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NorwegianSteam@reddit

Wherever we saw Miracle as a kid. Both places had a vibe.

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Eat--The--Rich--@reddit

Red Rocks Amphitheater

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Otherwise-OhWell@reddit

The Englert in Iowa City, IA.

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Hyp3rgol1c@reddit

IMAX theater in San Diego, i don't remember where (air & space museum 🤷‍♂️). It had a near wrap around screen.

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AvonMustang@reddit

The Indiana Theater in Terre Haute Indiana is gorgeous.

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Fenifula@reddit

Castro Theater, San Francisco, and I'm not even gay.

There was an elevator platform in front of the screen, on which sat an organ. It rose up slowly before the movie with an organist playing live music before the show. The whole place looked like some gilded, moth-eaten semi-ruin from the 1920s. I don't even remember what movies I saw there, except I remember that one of them was Milk.

Other than that, the theater was more memorable than the movies.

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tralfaz66@reddit

It’s been gutted and is being restored, BUT it’s not clear it will be a movie theater when it reopens

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SquidProJoe@reddit

The AMC off Route 9… Jk, I like the Hollywood Theater in Portland, OR and the Paramount in Austin, TX

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Enough_Roof_1141@reddit

The Oriental in Milwaukee always had the types of films I liked and it was a classic historic theater. Didn’t have anything innovative with concessions though.

The OG Alamo Drafthouse in Austin had its own culture and was really well done. The food and drinks along with the opening skits and get the fuck off your phone vibe.

My absolute favorite was tiny and short lived. It was in the more urban suburbs of Milwaukee and was loaded with old couches and had a cheap ass wine and beer with great movies and events.

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WholeAggravating5675@reddit

You’re describing the Rosebud Cinema. It’s still there. Reopened after Covid.

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cohrt@reddit

And AMC in Ontario California that had power recliners and I could order a pizza and beer to my seat.

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Similar-Chip@reddit

The IMAX at the Franklin Institute in Philly but specifically JUST for documentaries about Everest or Ancient Egypt or what have you with lots of high up helicopter shots. If an IMAX isn't so immersive that there's a recorded voice telling you to close your eyes in case of motion sickness what's the point.

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Yotsubauniverse@reddit

I don't remember the name of it but it was at a mall in Knoxville Tennessee. It had an escalator and hanging from the ceiling were hot air balloons, airplanes, and all sorts of cool stuff. It was cool enough that my folks took my twin sis and me to check it out while my big sis went prom dress shopping with her friends. The second floor was just as cool. It had a fountain and in the center for the fountain was a man with a film camera. I remember the theater more than the movie itself it was so cool.

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11B_35P_35F@reddit

IPIC Theater in Redmond, WA. Fully reclining seats, your own 2-person cubby, and full menu. Its a bit pricey but fun. Even with kids, they get their own little cubby next to mine and the wife's.

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livelongprospurr@reddit

Grauman’s Chinese, Hollywood CA. As a teen I saw first run 2001: A Space Odyssey there.

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InhumaneJane@reddit

Billy Joe’s Pitcher Show in West Des Moines, IA. Had a bar, set up with tables instead of rows of seats, perfect setup for Rocky Horror midnight shows.

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zero_and_dug@reddit

Paramount Theater in Abilene, TX. It’s a restored old theater with lots of charm. I always remember the clouds painted in the ceiling. They don’t do first run movies there, but I saw The Sound of Music there during 2011 and it was cool.

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West_Cauliflower378@reddit

The Mayan. Denver, CO

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therealDrPraetorius@reddit

It's no longer there, but, the Villa theater in Salt Lake. It was the only CineRama theater in the state. It's a Persian/Oriental carpet dealership now. That and the Center theater right downtown Salt Lake. Big screen theater. I saw Star Wars (A New Hope) there. I remember standing in line to see it.

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Old-Wolf-1024@reddit

Warren Theatre in Moore,Oklahoma

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Lovemybee@reddit

The Tivoli theater in Downers Grove, Illinois. I moved away from the area in 1971, but we went there when I was a kid. I saw The Jungle Book there when I was five years old.

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KKWL199@reddit

Indian Hills theater in Omaha. Justly famous; the city tore it down despite the pleas of nationally recognized actors

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mchris185@reddit

Maybe not the best ever, but the Prytania Theater in New Orleans is so cool and incredible. It's in the middle of a neighborhood (no parking lot) and built around 1913. It's been family owned and operated ever since and they were the theater where producers did all the test film for Sinners so they got to display it in 70MM which was amazing! Look it up on TikTok if you can!

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MeTieDoughtyWalker@reddit

This is the only place I go see movies.

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cv5cv6@reddit (OP)

It's great. And don't sleep on The Broad. Maybe not the most unique auditoriums, but great movie selections and great vibe.

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mchris185@reddit

Yes! I love doing Taco Tuesday at the Broadside and then hitting The Broad for a $6 movie.

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AaronJeep@reddit

The one I used to go to before it went broke.

I'm guessing it went out of business because no one was ever there. But that was the best part. I usually had the place to myself. I could sit right in the center of the theater and watch movies in peace.

It clearly wasn't a good business model, but it was great while it lasted.

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Outrageous-You-4634@reddit

For me, it's the one I have constructed in my home. The last 4 times I have tried to go to a commercial movie theater, the sound is so physically overpowering that I cannot stand to be in the room.

So I've created my own space

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FlopShanoobie@reddit

The Alamo Drafthouse on Colorado Street, Austin, Texas, aka the Original Alamo. That place was truly magical, one in all honestly one of the reasons I moved here 30 years ago.

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LRsNephewsHorse@reddit

The Senator Theatre in Baltimore.

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san_souci@reddit

Waikiki 3 theater in the 80’s. It had an organ and they would perform before the movie. The theater was lined with palm trees along the sides, and during the movie they would project stars (and I think passing clouds) on the ceiling to give the impression you were outdoors.

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BrandonC41@reddit

Rustic Tri View Drive-In. A vintage drive in that used to play XXX movies.

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Ceorl_Lounge@reddit

My best was AT the Michigan Theater!

OG Nosferatu with live organ accompaniment (Michigan professor researched Romanian folk music). It was a double feature with Shadow of the Vampire. Such a cool, unique night.

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No-Conversation1940@reddit

I'm not a movie theater type of person, it isn't an experience I particularly enjoy.

I did go to a drive-in theater in Aurora, MO once and I'd pick that. There's more space to stretch out.

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Thelonius16@reddit

The Uptown in D.C.

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Wild_Bake_7781@reddit

Where’s the PNW here? Where’s Mcmenamins?

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Wild_Bake_7781@reddit

Mcmenamins

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imlosingsleep@reddit

Arclight Hollywood aka the Cinerama.

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Inside-Run785@reddit

The Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee. It dates back to the late 1920’s and is better classified as a “movie palace”. It’s still in great condition. Grew up down the street from the Avalon theater. The owner there has been great.

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mykepagan@reddit

Bethesda Cinema & draft House. It was a movie theater and pub. All seats weregrou0ed around tables, and it had waitress service for pretty decent pub drinks and food.

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dogtroep@reddit

Same answer as you!!

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Add_8_Years@reddit

Not really for the theater, but it’s history. As a teenager, I went to see a movie at the Biograph theater in Chicago. It’s where, back in 1934, John Dillinger was killed. I don’t remember much about the movie (House of Games).

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Cerebral-Knievel-1@reddit

Byrd theater in Richmond Virgina

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BigDamBeavers@reddit

Cinnebarre in Mountlake Terrace. It's a discount theater with a full bar and kitchen. You can pay $8 for a ticket, get a big recliner seat and have someone serve you a hot meal and a cocktail for under $30.

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Remarkable-dude89@reddit

Newtown theatre in Newtown Pa it's one of the oldest theaters in the country continually playing movies for well over a hundred years and before movies they had live shows

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bimboheffer@reddit

The Paramount in Oakland CA. Full deco madness, pipe organ.

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QanikTugartaq@reddit

Shea’s Buffalo. Detroit’s Fox Theater

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mdavis360@reddit

The Grand Lake Theater in Oakland, CA. They have an organist play music before the show in the main auditorium on weekends and they’ll show classic movies as well. I got to see Close Encounters about 10 years ago there and it was great.

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BrainFartTheFirst@reddit

Hollywood Pantages Theatre

https://losangelestheatres.blogspot.com/2017/02/pantages-lobby.html

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Chaos_Theology@reddit

Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen 4DX theater in Charlotte, NC

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Geoarbitrage@reddit

Akron Civic Theatre…

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Affectionate_Elk_272@reddit

it’s been over a decade, but there is (was?) a drive in theatre outside of vegas

super fucking cool

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LateQuantity8009@reddit

There is still a drive-in theater in Vineland, NJ.

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justwatchingsports@reddit

With no disrespect to places in the US like the Music Box, which I loved, the Cineteca Nacional of Mexico, not even close

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namvet67@reddit

The Eric in Allentown when it was one screen. The seating capacity was unbelievable.

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Elixabef@reddit

I’ve gotta give a shoutout to the GORGEOUS Tampa Theatre, which is also a 1920s movie palace with a pipe organ. They show lots of different kinds of films and have some live events, too.

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shifty1032231@reddit

The former Alamo Drafthouse on 6th Street in Austin, TX. Only two screens but able to show 70mm print film. Now its Joe Rogan's comedy club, ugh.

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NoCaterpillar2051@reddit

Omni-Theater in Fort Worth is definitely the most technically impressive. But; there's a drive-in in Granbury, Texas. Watching the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy under the stars was a unique experience.

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Wizzmer@reddit

OK, but the Omni is more of a planetarium in most places. There's one just like it in Cozumel. I always think of it as the precursor to the Vegas Sphere.

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califortunato@reddit

There’s a theatre 20 minutes from my hometown that has felt the same since I was a kid. Kinda gaudy high ceiling and huge pillars in the lobby with black and white checkered floor, goofy galaxy-esque carpet in the wings the theaters are off of, all very 90s feeling. The place is almost always empty. Usually one person behind the really long counter. I love seeing horror releases there on week nights because I’m usually alone in the theater and it feels so surreal to walk out of that place into the night. I pray they never go out of business

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Kilgoretrout55@reddit

The Tennessee Theater in Knoxville. Great movie and live acts. Beautifully restored and not well known outside of the local area. It’s better than the theatres I attended in Chicago years ago.

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Wizzmer@reddit

Texas Theater in Dallas, where they arrest Oswald. Not the nicest but still a cool factor.

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Ok-Trouble7956@reddit

There's an atmospheric theater near me and it's so cool

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LateQuantity8009@reddit

The late, lamented Ziegfeld in midtown Manhattan. I had the great privilege of seeing Lawrence of Arabia in rerelease there not long before it closed.

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maimou1@reddit

The Fabulous Fox in Atlanta! Originally conceived as the headquarters of the Shriners organization, it opened in 1929 as a movie palace after being leased to movie mogul William Fox . Strongly influenced by Spain's Alhambra and Egypt's Temple of Kharnak, it boasts the 3622 pipe organ Mighty Mo. I saw many amazing shows there.

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kossanh@reddit

Former Floridian here, Tampa Theatre is pretty cool.

It was built in 1926, the ceiling is a night sky with twinkling stars, and the rest of it looks to be some sort of Mediterranean courtyard with statues and the like. They play a lot of older movies.

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ecplectico@reddit

I enjoyed seeing a film at the Patricia Theater in Powell River, British Columbia, which has been showing movies since 1913, the longest in Canada.

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BonCourageAmis@reddit

The Uptown in DC was beautiful RIP

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EssEyeOhFour@reddit

I really like my cheap theater downtown that plays older movies (2+ years old), cheap tickets, there is bar food and drink that they will bring to you. Not the greatest screen or sound, but it's a good time and reminds me of going to the movies when I was younger.

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