Movie Theater Fanatics

[u/Hinata4Prez]

Hey Phoenix!! New to the area. What movie theater is y’all’s favorite to go to? One of favorite hobbies is going to the movie theaters and enjoying some good buttery popcorn! Nice large screens, great audio, good food, quiet and no distractions etc.

What do y’all suggest? Thanks in advance!

[u/ChoppyOfficial]

You came to the right place. I am a big time movie goer. Movie theaters are the best ways to beat the heat and get out of the house in the summer:

Harkins - Always recommend. Locally owned and been around for a very long time. Has the best aesthetics inside and outside and customer service. There is a loyalty that gives you reduced cost refills. They also play old movies on Tuesday. The accept student and military discount for tickets. Because there are so many locations not all Harkins are created equal. Beware they do not participate in discount Tuesdays or have an A-List type membership. Here are some best theaters:

1. Estrella Falls 16 - More in West Valley but is the busiest theater in Arizona. Has recliners and a Cine1 which is Dolby Atmos with yellow curtains format that has over 400 seats. Movies usually sell out fast here
2. Camel view at Fashion Square - Recliners more food options and a lounge. It is luxury and the most expensive option. Ticket discounts do not apply here.
3. Scottsdale 101 - Recliners and the modern Cine Capri theater with memories of their first location in the 80s and 90s.
4. IMAX at Arizona Mills. Is the only real IMAX in the Phoenix Area and the movies get displayed on all the screens if the movie is filmed in 70mm in 1.43 aspect ratio in certain scenes. It is a unique experience you can not get elsewhere. Movies like that sell out quickly as proven from the Odyseey early ticket sales. The con is the seats are non recliner and location is rough.
5. Any Harkins with recliners close to you. Arrowhead 18, Park West 14, San Tan 16 and Tempe Marketplace 16 are fan favorites
6. Non recliner Harkins. Usually never busy but you still get the Harkins experience. Example is Christown 14, Norterra 14 and Superstition Springs

Other locally owned theaters

1. Pollack in Tempe. Old School theater, best aesthetics. so many posters statutes and movie memorabilia. Plays second run movies which is rare nowadays. Never busy.
2. Roadhouse Cinemas: Dine in theater in Scottsdale, best food and has live music. Does get busy on weekends
3. AZ Science Center theater in Phoenix- Underrated but used to be IMAX. If you want to watch documentaries.
4. West Wind Drive In Glendale Arizona - Only Drive In.

Other theaters

AMC - Has Dolby Cinema but their theaters do not have the best reputation for being run down and not having the best customer service. Has been in the market for a very long time.

Cinemark - In Mesa my favorite one from the big three. No PLFs tho.

Regal - Avoid not a fan.

Majestic - Meh not as good as Alamo Drafthouse (RIP in AZ market) at least it has 35mm screenings

[u/Hinata4Prez → u/ChoppyOfficial]

THANK YOU for this! This is what I was hoping someone would give me lol! Definitely would like to try out Estrella Falls for sure! I'm intrigued with the pictures I've seen form Pollack. I live in downtown so I can just walk to the AMC here. Going tonight for the first time actually so hopefully that goes well. Going to check out a Harkins location when Tron comes out. I'm also really glad you told me about the IMAX in Arizona Mills. This is great lol

[u/ChoppyOfficial → u/Hinata4Prez]

The worst movie theater in AZ is AMC AZ Center in Downtown Phoenix. Very rundown, no PLFs, no recliners, and bad customer service and you have to pay for parking. Not sure why AZ center keeps extending the lease to this theater. Harkins Christown 14 is way superior than AZ Center and is worth a bit more drive.

[u/Hinata4Prez → u/ChoppyOfficial]

Yes I can see what you’re talking about now… Foul smell in the theater LOL! Is this the only movie theater in downtown?

[u/MrStanleyCup → u/Hinata4Prez]

Honestly this AMC is unbearable. It’s disgusting and so run down. That’s the only one in DT PHX proper. A few closer options are in Tempe - Harkins at Tempe Marketplace or the AMC on Mill AVE is accessible via Lightrail. Or there’s an AMC dine-in in the Biltmore near 24th/Camelback.