In today’s era of DVRs and Netflix, it’s nice to be able to escape the living room and experience the excitement of the movie theater with your family. The smell of freshly buttered popcorn, boxes of candy, comfy reclining chairs and, of course, the dimming of the lights and previews before the start of the show—there’s just a special kind of magic that can’t quite be recreated on the couch. So, round up your family and take in a flick at one of our favorite movie theaters in Philadephia!
Best for tiny tots: PFS Roxy Theatre, Center City
Where: 2023 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA
Recently renovated, this Rittenhouse Square theater shows a mix of independent, mainstream and international flicks. Dying to see the latest flicks but can’t find a sitter? Come on Wednesday mornings for Babies on Board, a special matinee showing of a current release where the tiniest movie-lovers are encouraged to tag along. The lower volume during this screening is easy on little one’s ears, and no one will turn their head if they cry or fuss. And the best part? The kiddos are free!
Insider tip: Parents, come back sans children and have a date night. Wednesdays nights are BYO night at the Roxy—bring your favorite six-pack or bottle, and enjoy the show!
Best for sensory-friendly screenings: AMC Philadelphia Mills 14, Northeast Philly
Where: 1149 Franklin Mills Cir, Philadelphia, PA
Although this theater has similar offerings to AMC Woodhaven across the street, its IMAX, Real 3D and stadium seating offerings give it a different vibe. Check the calendar for the special sensory-friendly showtimes, where the lights are turned up and the noise is turned down so that guests with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the show.
Insider tip: Go shopping after! The theater is in the city’s mile-long outlet mall, filled with a ton of shopping and dining options. Want to keep the fun going? There’s also a Dave and Buster’s inside.
Best for $1 movies: Cinemark University City Penn 6, University City
Where: 4012 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Head over to University City on Wednesday and Thursday mornings in the summer for the theater’s Summer Movie Clubhouse—families can enjoy early matinee screening of a PG-rated movie for just $1 a ticket. Easily accessible by public transportation, the theater is across the street from the public library and within walking distance of a slew of quick eats and restaurants for hungry tummies post-movie (we highly recommend Greek Lady!).
Insider tip: Pack light for your trip. Strollers aren’t permitted inside the auditorium, and the theater recently posted restrictions on types of bags brought inside (check the site for guidelines).
Best pre-show activities: Regal UA Grant Plaza, Northeast Philly
Where: 1619 Grant Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Hang out in the vibrant neon-lighted lobby and play a few arcade games, or choose your sweet treat at the Sweet Amanda’s candy kiosk before finding your seats. Sign up for the theater’s (free!) loyalty reward program and earn points to go towards perks like free concessions or discounted movie tickets.
Insider tip: Come for dinner and a movie—kids eat free after 4pm every Wednesday at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, which can be found in the same strip mall as the theater.
Best for the ultimate theater experience: AMC Woodhaven 10, Northeast Philly
Where: 1336 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA
Tucked away in a strip mall with loads of parking, this theater offers large comfy reclining chairs and a full-service bar for parents. Book tickets online and choose your seats before arrival so there’s no scrambling to find seats together once inside. Matinees before noon are only $7 per ticket.
Insider tip: Sign up for the AMC Stubs Insider program (it’s free) and enjoy $5 movies every Tuesday along with a slew of other perks.
Best artsy theater: Landmark Ritz Five Theatre, Old City
Where: 214 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Have a budding movie aficionado on your hands? Head to any of the three Landmark Ritz Five in Old City to get your fix of hard-to-find independent, foreign or documentary films. Here, you can expect comfy seats and a concession stand with a twist (think cafe with a full selection of teas, Italian sodas, pastries and biscotti in addition to popcorn and soda). Come on Wednesdays for discounted tickets ($7.25 a pop!). Check the posted schedule of movies for the theater’s Classic Movie Essentials, where beloved classics hit the screen again—past movies in the series have included The Wizard of Oz and Singin’ in the Rain.
Insider tip: Children under the age of six aren’t allowed inside, so this one’s better suited for school-aged kiddos.
