It’s time to go to the movies and enjoy all the latest new movie releases out now in theaters! This week, we’re focusing on Washington DC movie theaters.
In a city as big and bountiful as Washington DC, there are so many local movie theaters near you to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. 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 theaters within the Washington DC 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 Washington DC to help you make the most of your Washington DC movie theater experience.
Grab some movie theater popcorn and get comfy as we dive into our [Washington DC] movie theater guide!
Not in Washington DC? Check out all of our other local movie theater guides here. Want one for your city? Let us know on Twitter.
Washington DC Movie Theaters: AMC Loews Georgetown 14
AMC Theaters have come a long way from the days of 35mm projectors and the old traditional concession items. Also, with the passing of time comes the emergence of new technologies. There’s digital projectors, doing away with the old reel to reel, and reel to platter projectors. Now nearly all theaters are using digital projectors making the breaking down of prints a thing of the past. But that isn’t all that’s changed. Now theaters are upgrading their seats from seats that fold, to seats that recline, and this AMC is no different. They now have plush signature recliners that make relaxing while watching your favorite film the most luxurious experience possible.
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With seating out of the way, let’s move our focus to the foods you’ll want to enjoy upon your next visit. The AMC Georgetown 14 not only has your classic favorites such as popcorn and nachos, but they began including things like pizza, fries, and burgers. As if those were enticing enough to get you back to the cinema, we;d be remiss if we failed to mention the oh-so popular MacGuffin’s Bar. Here you’ll be able to purchase many of your favorite spirits and beer. Plus, you can take with you to your auditorium. So, best to arrive early, grab your grub and head on in. You don’t want to miss the coming attractions.
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Location is key to making your theater going experience a memorable one. The AMC Georgetown 14 has that on lock. In the heart of Georgetown, near many various shops and hotels, including the Ritz Carlton Georgetown. This theater features plenty of parking underground, as there is limited parking on the street, again, this is Georgetown. Theater patrons can enjoy validated parking (2 hour minimum) whenever they visit. However, the the cost of parking is $10 if not validated. The AMC Georgetown also features many of the same things as many other theaters. This includes assisted listening devices, sensory friendly films, and mobile ticketing for those in a rush.
We love this Google reviewer’s thoughts: “I used the online option to purchase my ticket, as well as popcorn and a drink. That made it very easy to move through and pick up my snacks. The theater recliners are plush with options for a foot rest. Watching our movie was great!”
AMC Georgetown 14
3111 K St NW
Washington, DC 20007
Washington DC Movie Theaters: AMC Courthouse Plaza 8
If quaint and cozy is what you are looking for when you go to the movies, then you’ve come to the right theater. While the AMC Courthouse Plaza 8 doesn’t have all of the IMAX screen that seems to be all the rage these days, they do have are the luxury recliners, mobile ordering and digital projection for the best movie going experience. The AMC Courthouse 8 offers discounts for students, seniors, and military, as well as discounts on matinees and Tuesdays.
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Location, location, location…If it’s the best location possible then look no further than the AMC Courthouse Plaza 8. Surrounded by everything from restaurants, to apartment complexes and hotels, the AMC Courthouse Plaza 8 is within walking distance to all of them. Guests visiting Washington DC on vacation, or for business will be able to unwind after a long day by heading over to the AMC Courthouse Plaza. Take in a show in one of there 8 air conditioned theaters. The perfect way to end your day!
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There are various different reasons why we may all decide to go to the movies, from a relaxing day with friends and family, to a date night with your partner, there is something for everyone. Aside from the movie and the atmosphere, one of the biggest reasons for going to the cinema is for the food. While not a 5-star meal by any means, you will find everything from popcorn, nachos and hot dogs, to the newest offerings like flatbread pizzas, chicken tenders, and pretzel nuggets. So, grab your kids, your partner, or your friends and head on down to the AMC Courthouse Plaza 8 today, you’ll be glad you did!
This Google reviewer’s comments are outstanding: “I saw a 3D movie here and the experience was great. The screen size and volume were good. The chairs were the most comfortable and lounge as far back as possible. There is lots of space in between the rows so it’s easy to get up during long movies without bothering anyone.”
AMC Courthouse Plaza 8
2150 Clarendon Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
Washington DC Movie Theaters: AMC Shirlington 7
Located in the heart of Arlington, VA, the AMC Shirlington 7 is surrounded by green space, apartment homes and restaurants galore. The theater is within walking distance of not one, but three parking garages giving you ample space to park, especially when street parking isn’t an option. The AMC Shirlington 7 is also located just off of interstate 395, making it for date nights, as it is easily accessible from virtually anywhere in Washington DC.
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AMC Shirlington 7 offers many of the same amenities as other theaters, with one of the biggest draws being the MacGuffins Bar. Where the AMC Courthouse Plaza 8 was perfect for family date nights, the adults can head on over to the MacGuffins Bar and grab their favorite spirit, or any one of the movie themed specialty drinks on offer when you visit. You’ll be able to also choose from a selection of foods that you can bring with you into the auditorium to enjoy while kicking back and relaxing for the next couple of hours.
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The AMC Shirlington 7 boosts the latest in theater technology and comfort, with the AMC Signature Recliners, AMC Artisan Films (giving people a wider range of films to choose from), and Feature Fare (a wider selection at the concession stand), to all of the normal discounts, mobile ticketing, free WiFi for all AMC Stubs members, and of course private theater rentals. When you really want to show off to your family, friends, and coworkers, the private rentals come in clutch. When you come to the AMC Shirlington 7 you’re home, and as we all know, there’s no place like home!
You have got to see this Google Review: “Great local movie theater with incredibly comfortable reclining seats. Conveniently located across the street from a wide range of bars and restaurants. The bar staff at the theater cannot be beat. They are quick, friendly, and professional. Grab a beer and see a movie. It’s time.”
AMC Shirlington 7
2772 S Randolph St
Arlington, VA 22206
Washington DC Movie Theaters: Regal Gallery Place
If being in the center of it all is what you want most, then you need to head on over to the Regal Gallery Place. Located right down the road from the pillars of Washington DC that everyone goes there for, The White House, The Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, and The Smithsonian. The Regal Gallery Place is the perfect way to end your long day of sightseeing. From the air conditioned theaters, to the restaurants in the surrounding area, the only hard decision you’ll need to make, aside from which movie to see, is where to go for an after movie drink.
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Prepare to immerse yourself in the action the next time you go to the Regal Gallery Place. Regal Gallery Place offers some of the best theater technology, with 3D (still kicking it) and the biggest innovation to date, 4DX, where you will quite literally feel the action. Where other theaters and companies tried to incorporate this technology in the form of D-Box, 4DX takes it to the next level. Seats will move up, down, side to side, front to back, and not just vibrate. Many of the latest films are utilizing this technology and it appears to be here for the long haul.
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Never one to shy away from being different, Regal Gallery Place not only shows the latest in blockbuster films, but they also offer a wide range of kids films, art house pictures, and foreign language films. Aside from the art house and foreign language films, Regal also shows classic films, as well as focusing on their partnership with the Met Op by showing several of their shows throughout the year. So, the next time you find yourself in Washington DC, head on down to the Regal Gallery Place and catch up on your favorite films, both old and new.
We love this Google Reviewer’s review: “First time in Washington and in between museums we caught 2 movies here. Wonderful, friendly, professional staff. We enjoyed both our visits. One of the best parts of our trip. I highly recommend it to families visiting Washington. Kick back and relax with cool AC and delicious snacks!”
Regal Gallery Place
701 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Washington DC Movie Theaters: Arlington, Regal Ballston Quarter
They say location is everything, so when your business is located inside of a shopping mall then you must be on cloud nine. A shopping mall location means that you could make a day of your movie theater outing. You can head down to the Ballston Shopping Mall with your kids right before school starts and get the kids their last minute school clothes and then hit up the Regal Ballston Quarter to catch the summer’s biggest blockbuster movie, the perfect way to end the summer.
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