There is something special about going to the movies.
Maybe it's the salted popcorn. Or the air conditioning (because let's be real, it's hot in Arizona). Perhaps it's the ability to escape reality and dive into someone else's, whether it be a super hero action film, a romantic comedy or a haunted insane asylum.
Either way, the Valley is home to some comfortable, luxurious and unique movie theaters.
Scroll down to learn a little about the theatres around the Valley.
Harkins Theatres
Harkins Theatres
Harkins Theatres is an Arizona-based theatre chain and the largest in the state. Founder Dwight "Red" Harkins opened The State Theatre in 1933, at the age of 18. Since then, the business has stayed in the family and grown to include 25 theatres in Arizona alone. A couple unique elements at Harkins: they have an annual loyalty cup and t-shirt that guests can purchase. The cup gets you discounted soda and the shirt gets you free popcorn each time you bring it. They also provide daycare for the little ones, have an IMAX and the 30'x70' Cine Capri theatre.
IF YOU GO:
There are 18 theatres in the Valley, 25 total in the state, including Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Find a theatre near you.
www.harkinstheatres.com
AMC
AMC Theatres
AMC recently began renovating its theaters in Arizona to include fully reclining powered seats, an in-lobby bar with craft beer, wine and cocktails and an updated concession stand. Another upgrade is online ticketing, reserved seating and ticketless entry.
IF YOU GO:
There are nine locations in the Valley, including Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.
www.amctheatres.com
Studio Movie Grill
Studio Movie Grill
Sometimes it's a rush trying to grab dinner before a movie. At Studio Movie Grill, you get both...while your movie experience goes uninterrupted.. If you come early, there's a lounge in the lobby where you can grab a drink. Apps include pretzel bites, chips and salsa and popcorn (duh!). But, if you're looking for a meal, they have salads, pizza, chicken tenders, Mahi-Mahi Fish & Chips and ribs. Entrees range from $9 - $15.
IF YOU GO:
Studio Movie Grill Scottsdale, 15515 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale AZ 85260
www.studiomoviegrill.com
WestWind Glendale 9 Drive-In
West Wind Glendale Drive-In
If you're looking for a truly unique movie-going experience, the drive-in is it. Sadly, in Phoenix, it's a novelty that has quickly diminished. But it's an experience that is hard to forget. Pack the car with snacks and blankets, pull into a parking lot and enjoy the movie from the bed of your truck. All you have to do is turn the volume up. Don't worry, they have popcorn and snacks on site, too.
IF YOU GO:
5650 N. 55th Avenue, Glendale AZ
www.westwinddi.com/locations/glendale
Roadhouse Cinema
Roadhouse Cinema - Scottsdale
Roadhouse Cinema is one of the newest theaters to the Valley. With one location in Tucson, Roadhouse decided to renovate and update the old Ultra Star theatre in Scottsdale. What makes this theatre unique is that it caters to adults only. There is a bar in the lobby. Children under 6 are not allowed and those under 13 are not allowed to see R-rated films.
IF YOU GO:
9090 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale AZ
www.roadhousecinemas.com
iPic
iPic
The iPic Theater is an upscale dine-in theater within the Scottsdale Quarter. Guests choose their own seat, including upgrades, like having a blanket or pillow waiting at your seat. They also serve premium snacks and entrees, like a lobster roll, ham and cheese biscuits and sliders, and craft cocktails. Popcorn and candy is also available.
IF YOU GO:
15257 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale AZ 85254
www.ipictheaters.com
Silver Cinemas
Silver Cinema - Super Saver Cinemas 8
Silver Cinema is a discount theater. All tickets are $3 each, $1.50 on Tuesday. With that, it may not have the blockbuster movies right when they're released, but if you wait a few weeks, you can still see the top movies for a great price.
IF YOU GO:
2710 W. Bell Road, suite 1125, Phoenix AZ 85023
www.silvercinemasinc.com
The Picture Show
Picture Show at Paradise Valley Mall
Picture Show has eight locations around the country, one in Phoenix. Picture Show touts its theaters as showing the latest releases at affordable prices, including concessions.
IF YOU GO:
4550 E. Cactus Road, Paradise Valley, AZ
www.pictureshowent.com
Pollack Cinema
Pollack Tempe Cinemas
Pollack Tempe Cinemas is another discount theater in the Valley, but it could also be a Hollywood museum. In the lobby, movie-goers can peruse the walls and find dozens of memorabilia from the industries iconic stories. The theatre shows second-run films and admission is $3 a person, $2 on Tuesday.
IF YOU GO:
1825 E. Elliot Road, Tempe AZ 85284
www.pollacktempecinemas.com
Phoenix Film Bar
Phoenix Film Bar
Set in downtown Phoenix, Phoenix Film Bar is a bar that features independent, foreign, cult classics and movies from local filmmakers. It has a 76-seat space where movies are screened. Just outside the soundproof room, is a bar where you can relax and have a drink.
IF YOU GO:
815 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix AZ 85004
www.thefilmbarphx.com
FatCats Gilbert
FatCats
FatCats is more than a movie theatre. It's a recline-n-dine theatre. You can order dinner and watch the latest movies. You can also bowl, play in the arcade or hit the course for some glow golf.
IF YOU GO:
4321 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert AZ 85234
gilbert.fatcatsfun.com
UltraStar Akchin
Ultrastar Ak-Chin
UltraStar Cinemas Ak-Chin is located south of Phoenix in Maricopa. It has 12 theaters, including balconies with a full bar for those 21 and up. It's part of the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center, which has bowling, laser tag and dozens of arcade games.
IF YOU GO:
16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa AZ 85139
www.ultrastarakchin.com
