In a city as big and bountiful as Boston, there are so many local movie theaters near you to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. It’s time to go to the movies and enjoy all the latest new movie releases out now in theatres!
Just searching “movie theaters near me” is overwhelming AF — what’s the difference between one theater and another? Is it worth the trek across town to go to one local movie theater with reclining seats versus the one around the corner? Do I want to ball out and get drinks served at my seat, or keep it chill at an independent movie theater with drinks and unique food offerings? With several movie theatres within the Boston area, it’s no wonder you don’t know where to start!
Don’t worry, we’re here to help make your decision easier. We’ve narrowed it down to 10 of our favorite local movie theaters in Boston to help you make the most of your Boston movie theater experience.
Grab some movie theater popcorn and get comfy as we dive into our Boston movie theater guide!
Not in Boston? Check out all of our other local movie theater guides here. Want one for your city? Let us know on Twitter.
Boston Movie Theaters: AMC Boston Common 19
When you go to the movies, what is the one thing you can’t live without? Is it the best concession snacks available? How about the perfect location? Or is it the jaw-dropping surround sound? Well, if you answered all of the above, then the AMC Boston Common 19 has you covered. The theater now offers all of your traditional concession fares. You’ll also find a new selection of stone-fired flatbread pizzas, with creamy mac and cheese bites and more.
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Among other things, the AMC Boston Common 19 also features some of the best features from reserved seating featuring deluxe reclining seats, to discount Tuesdays and matinees. This theater also allows you to rent out an entire auditorium for your own special events. You can hold celebrations from birthday parties to office meetings. Finally, this theater has all the latest features to ensure they are ADA-compliant. There’s open captioning, wheelchair access, and assisted listening devices available upon request.
This google reviewer says it best, “Great location across from the Boston Common. Large selection of movies and friendly service.”
AMC Boston Common 19
175 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02111
Boston Movie Theaters: AMC South Bay Center
The AMC South Bay Center theater is the go-to theater in the Dorchester area. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and even an apartment building, everything you could ever need is right at your doorstep. Being surrounded by so much makes this the perfect theater for date nights and nights out with friends or family. Work and play take on a whole new meaning here in Dorchester, MA.
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The AMC South Bay Center has many of the same concessions that you would expect to find at any movie theater, from popcorn to nachos, to stone-fired flatbread pizzas and creamy mac and cheese bites. As with many of the AMC theaters today, you can head on over to the MacGuffins Bar and enjoy a tasty beer or wine before the show. Don’t want to indulge in the bar? Order your beverage to go and you can even take it into the theater for the ultimate date night.
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Finally, if it’s comfort that you are looking for, then the AMC South Bay Center has you covered. You can come in and enjoy the calm and relaxing atmosphere with the ultimate in-theater amenities. You can enjoy the plush luxury recliners and rocking seats while you indulge in your favorite snacks. Peep at the next big Hollywood blockbuster, or even that child/sensory-friendly film your little ones waited all summer to watch. You’ll become the ultimate cool parent in no time.
We absolutely love what this Google reviewer has to say: “The location of the south bay center is perfect for bikers, walkers, and drivers. It is walkable from the T and there is free parking in the garage. The theater is clean, the staff is friendly, and the movie experience is great.”
AMC South Bay Center 12
25 District Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02125
Boston Movie Theaters: AMC Assembly Row 12
If you are looking for someplace to go where you can get a lot done and still have a great time, then look no further than the AMC Assembly Row 12 in Somerville, MA. Here you find yourself surrounded by shops galore, as well as being within walking distance of the Mystic River. There, you’ll find Assembly Square and the Sylvester Baxter Playground, a great place to take the kids before or after the show.
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Unlike other AMC theaters in the area, there are no luxury recliner seats here, but with stadium seating, you are guaranteed to have a great view no matter where you sit. The AMC Assembly Row 12 offers discounted tickets on Tuesdays, as well as discounted matinees and military discounts. Should you or a member of your party be hard of hearing, you are free to request either a closed captioned or assisted listening device, while those visually impaired may request an audio description device.
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Is it food that piques your interest when you attend the cinemas? Then look no further than the concession stand at the AMC Assembly Row 12. The AMC Assembly Row 12 offers all of your favorite snacks, which include the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine with over 100 different drinks. However, if you want a substantial meal before your show, then you have a wide range of options outside of the theater with Earls Kitchen + Bar, Outback Steakhouse, and Papagayo Mexican Cuisine. So, no matter what you desire, you are sure to have a great time here at the AMC Assembly Row 12.
This Google reviewer says it best: “Such a great and lovely place located at the centre of shopping malls and delicious restaurants in Assembly Square! I would say plan your shopping at affordable outlets followed by a movie for an entertaining day!”
AMC Assembly Row 12
395 Artisan Way
Somerville, MA 02145
Boston Movie Theaters: Showcase SuperLuxe at Chestnut Hill
Perched atop Boylston Street in the heart of Chestnut Hill, MA is the ultra-luxurious Showcase SuperLuxe at Chestnut Hill. If it’s luxury you want, then it is luxury you will get from the minute that you step foot inside the Showcase SuperLuxe at Chestnut Hill. There isn’t anything that this theater skimps on, from the most state-of-the-art seating to the very best in food, when you come to the Showcase SuperLuxe at Chestnut Hill, you are coming home to luxury.
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As mentioned above, the seating here at the Showcase SuperLuxe at Chestnut Hill is pure state-of-the-art. From fully heated lumbar support seats to motorized headrests to give every guest the perfect viewing angle, and the oh-so-subtle lighting under your dining tray, you would be hard-pressed to find a theater that can compare to the luxuries you get here. This is a theater chain that knows how to treat its guests, and that is to give them royal treatment from start to finish.
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Not looking to share the theater with a large crowd? Then why not book a theater for your own private screening for you and up to 20 guests? This is the perfect way to show your peeps that you care and that they are your everything. Nah, but let’s be serious. With a private screening, you can ensure that your kids have the best birthday party ever, or you can show your boss that you can do team building better than Joe schmoe in accounting.
Whoa! Wait till you read this Google Reviewer comments: “Great experience all around!! They have an indoor bar and restaurant, parking lot is pretty large and each showroom had comfortable seats with small tables, lighting, heating, as well as reclinable.”
Showcase SuperLuxe at Chestnut Hill
55 Boylston St
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Boston Movie Theaters: Boston Regal Fenway
If it’s entertainment that you want, then you’ve come to the right place. The Regal Fenway is Boston’s premiere theater to go to when you want that perfect end, or beginning, to the perfect date. One of the best things about The Regal Fenway is its location. The Regal Fenway is located just down the road from the iconic Fenway Park ballfield, right in the heart of Boston. This makes it the perfect place to begin your ideal date, with an early matinee, and a leisurely stroll to do some much-needed window shopping before heading to the late-night baseball game, go Red Sox!
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To the Regal Fenways credit, they offer much of the standard concession fare, from fresh hot buttered popcorn to a movie theater staple — nachos and cheese. You can also grab an ice-cold fountain beverage, sit back in one of the many plush reclining seats and relax knowing that you made the best choice in cinemas. The theater is constantly updating its menu with new food and drink options, so who knows, maybe on your next visit you’ll see a whole new selection of food to try.
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Finally, the Regal Fenway is doing its part to ensure that every guest walks away with a truly special experience. They offer closed caption films, descriptive audio for the visually impaired, as well as stadium and reserved seating. The one drawback is the lack of RPX and IMAX screens. While these screens are becoming more commonplace today, the lack of them at the Regal Fenway gives the guests the chance to get a little more comfortable and enjoy the film in a slightly more intimate setting.
Here is a Google reviewer that we can get behind all the way: “Great movie theater! Love the comfortable seats and many options at concessions. They also have a monthly unlimited option which can save so much money.”
Boston Regal Fenway
401 Park Dr. 110
Boston, MA 02215
Boston Movie Theaters: Coolidge Corner Theatre
Originally built as a church in 1906, the Coolidge Corner Theatre would open up in 1933 as a newly redesigned Art Deco theater palace to much fanfare. Located right in the heart of Brookline, MA, the Coolidge Corner Theatre has become known as the place to go for all films Indie, International, Documentary, Animated and film series. Since opening up in 1933 the Coolidge Corner Theatre has remained open, even in the most challenging of times, that is until the global pandemic of 2020 when, according to Hollywood.com writer Natalie Daniels, Coolidge Corner Theatre temporarily closed on March 13, 2020, they introduced virtual screenings. With these virtual screenings, patrons would purchase a new release that the cinema offered, and a portion of the ticket would support the Coolidge.
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After many successful years of operation, Coolidge Corner Theatre faced an emanate closure in 1988 when it was bought by a developer that wanted to convert the old theater into retail space. Thankfully, that same year one man came forward and started an initiative to save the theater. He preserved its place in the history of the town of Brookline. In 1989 the community was able to raise enough money to purchase the theater from the developer and begin its renaissance. The theater would go on to face a restoration that would see two new smaller theaters be built for smaller film premieres.
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In the end, the Coolidge Corner Theatre would see a new roof, new flooring, seats, and a new stage be built to bring the theater back to its original glory. The theater is one of the most expensive options in terms of admission tickets with matinees starting at $14.25. Military, Seniors, children, and the Disabled with T.A.P. cards are all $14.25 all day. After 4 pm all tickets are $16.25. The Coolidge Corner Theatre partners with several local community theaters and schools to help showcase their works. It’s safe to say that when you choose to visit the Coolidge Corner Theatre, you are not only visiting a piece of history, but you are also helping to preserve the theater for future generations.
We love this Google reviewer’s thoughts: “I came all the way from New York to see Rocky Horror last night. And oh my god. I am SO thankful I chose this theater. This theater is GORGEOUS. The staff are so friendly and attentive and will make sure you’re comfortable.”
Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard St
Brookline, MA 02446
Boston Movie Theaters: Simons IMAX Theatre
As part of the New England Aquarium, the Simons Theater focuses on educational films, so if it’s the latest blockbuster that you are looking to watch, then Simons isn’t going to be the one for you. However, what Simons lacks in blockbusters, they more than make up for in the family experience. When you visit the New England Aquarium and Simons Theater, you are immersed in the world of nature as never before.
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The Simons Theater features all of the latest technology that you have come to expect when going to a traditional theater, from high back seats that allow you to watch movies in ultimate comfort, to screens that are more than six stories tall with complete surround sound immersion completing the experience. The theater is open 7 days a week and operates during aquarium hours. The last show of the day begins no later than 40 minutes before closing.
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Because the theater is a part of the New England Aquarium, it makes it the perfect place to visit the next time you are in the Boston area. If you are an already established Bostonian, then this is the perfect place to visit during those inclement weather times, when going outside really isn’t an option. When you visit the New England Aquarium and Simons Theater you’ll leave with a newfound respect for nature and all it has to offer.
One Google reviewer says, “Always fun to see an IMAX movie. Especially in this air-conditioned theater. Great place to sit back and be mesmerized by nature on the big screen, all while enjoying the comfort of air conditioning and soft chairs.”
Simons IMAX Theatre
1 Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
Boston Movie Theaters: Landmark’s Kendall Square Cinema
Are you looking for a theater that showcases the best in Indie, Foreign language films, documentaries, or even restored classics? If you said yes, then you need to head down to Landmark’s Kendall Square Cinema in the heart of Cambridge, MA. This theater features 9 screens, all featuring the latest in DLP digital projection and sound. It makes for a truly thrilling experience.
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Like many theaters today, the Landmark’s Kendall Square Cinema gives their guests the chance to sip on a delectable crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or how about that full-bodied Cabernet? Not in the mood for one of those? Then how about trying one of the vast varieties of locally brewed and bottled beers? The best part is that you can do this as you watch your film from the comfort of their new luxurious reclining seats.
This Google reviewer is reading our minds: “This is such a great local theater! The seats are extremely comfortable and even recline, and the staff is extremely friendly.”
Landmark’s Kendall Square Cinema
355 Binney St
Cambridge, MA 02139
Boston Movie Theaters: The Brattle Theatre
Art house cinemas are some of the best theaters out there. The world is quickly becoming overrun with corporate theater chains. However, this theater allows you to escape to an art house where they play independent films, foreign language films, classic films, and art house films in both digital projection and the tried and true 35mm films. The Brattle Theater also likes to showcase a particular director from time to time with films being shown throughout the course of a week or on a specific day each week.
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One of the many benefits of being an art house theater is the ability to show films that other theaters don’t want to show. However, one of the biggest negatives is the cost of tickets. The Brattle Theater can be one of the more expensive options when it comes to ticketing, with general admission tickets starting at $14.00 and matinee tickets being $12.00. The Brattle Theater offers special discounts to Brattle Theater members to enjoy a $2.00 discount on all regular-priced tickets.
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The Brattle Theater has one of the best locations in the Cambridge area nestled right near Harvard University. The theater is located approximately one block from the Harvard Square MBTA Red Line T stop. It’s close to bars and restaurants, making it the perfect location for date night. You can choose between a selection of American cuisine such as Harvest, or Italian at the Toscano Harvard Square. If you attend an early show, you can also hit up a number of shops to end your day with a bang,
This Google reviewer has the right idea: “The Brattle is one of few remaining art house cinemas and you can feel 100 years of movie history when you watch a film there. They have an ever-changing schedule so check the site to see what’s on this month. They have the best popcorn and real butter, plus candy, soda, and craft beers.”
The Brattle Theatre
40 Brattle St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
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Boston Movie Theaters: Somerville Theatre
Built in 1914, the Somerville Theater is one of the oldest theaters in Massachusetts. It was originally built with one thought in mind, to showcase not only live theater but vaudeville and motion pictures. When the theater was first built it housed a basement cafe, bowling alley, and billiards hall. While the ground floor featured roughly 10 storefronts, and the second floor featured office space for rent. This quickly made the Somerville Theater the building to be associated with.
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Originally opening with only one stage and screen, the Somerville Theater would go on to renovate the Crystal Ballroom on the second floor into two separate theaters, bringing the total screens to 3. With these new screens came the ability to compete with other theaters and show multiple films at once. The theater underwent one more renovation in 2009. This would see the original theater being brought back to its original glory, only now including Dolby Digital Surround sound and a new 70mm projector.
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While aesthetics are always appealing to the eye, it’s what the theater has to offer that really counts. The Somerville Theater offers much of the standard fare that one would come to expect when attending a cinema. When you attend the Somerville Theater you can get your traditional concessions, as well as access the beer and wine bar in the theater lobby. This theater also allows you to either rent the entire theater for live events. Additionally, you can one of their micro theaters for private parties of up to 30 people. These screening theaters give you access to a 13-foot screen, 1080p digital projector, 5.1 audio receiver, and Blu-ray/DVD player. When you attend the Somerville Theater, you’ll always feel right at home!
Listen to what this Google reviewer has to say: “Wonderful small venue in a classic New England small-town theater. Intimate and small enough that even the back rows are close enough to feel like you are in the front row.”
Somerville Theater
55 Davis Square
Somerville, MA 02144
We hope this rundown of some of our favorite Boston movie theaters inspires you to go out and see all of the latest new movies out now in theaters.
