Let’s go to the movies! With the incredible “Barbenheimer weekend” (the box office flurry of people going to see the Barbie Movie, Oppenheimer, or both) that happened this summer, it is clear that movie going is back in full force. We’ve rounded up 5 unique local and regional movie theaters around Phoenix and the surrounding metro area to check out the next time you are craving a movie night and want your cinematic experience to be something a little different.
*West Wind Glendale Drive In: First up in our list of unique movie theaters is the West Wind drive in Glendale. It is perhaps the most unique on the list in that it is the only permanent drive in option currently operating in Arizona! This is also one of the most budget friendly options for families in town with $2 tickets for kids 5-11 years old and kids 4 and under are free! There is also a discount on adult tickets on Tuesdays. Enjoying a movie in your car will definitely shake up your usual movie going routine- and in the winter when the sun sets earlier you can check out their double feature offerings.
West Wind Drive In is located at 5650 N 55th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301. For more information and to check out showtimes, you can visit their website HERE.
*Majestic Neighborhood Cinema: There are three Majestic movie theaters around Phoenix- one in Tempe, one in Gilbert, and one in Chandler. The Majestic has all the major box office movies, as well as some specialty offerings such as special 35mm screenings and themed monthly signature series. If you are a horror movie fan, the Tempe location does special horror screenings on Tuesday nights at 8 pm. The Chandler location will offer the Metropolitan Opera HD Live series beginning later this year and into next spring. These theaters include a bar and offers service at your seat, be sure to check out their monthly rotating menu which includes selections based on the films they are screening that month! Please note that this theater does not allow late seating- if the lights have gone down for the film, you are not allowed in- all the more reason to come early and order a bottomless popcorn (if you can make it out on a Wednesday, they have $3 food and drink specials!)
Since Majestic Neighborhood Cinema has various locations, you can find their various addresses, as well as more information and showtimes, on their website HERE.
*Pollack Tempe Cinemas: The days of the dollar theaters are gone, but the fact that tickets are less than $5 at the Pollack Tempe Cinemas is enough of a reason to plan a movie night. There aren’t many budget theaters left in Arizona, and with a mix of family favorites, classics, and movies that come out just a few months ago, this budget cinema is where it’s at. There are also offers of an even bigger discount on Thursdays so you can easily budget to bring the whole family and have money left over for extra popcorn!
Pollack Tempe Cinemas is located at 1825 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284. Showtimes and more information available HERE.
*Roadhouse Cinemas: If you are looking for a particularly luxurious move experience, Roadhouse Cinemas is the place for you. Boasting comfortable seats, excellent surround sound, and a dine in experience like no other, Roadhouse will certainly make an impression. Sure, lots of theaters offer the dine in your seat options these days, but the menu here is quite impressive- everything from adult beverages such as local brews and boozy milkshakes to a full coffee bar to gourmet popcorn. (There is even a caramel corn or a jalapeño popcorn option for those who prefer sweet or spicy to traditional buttery goodness.)
Roadhouse Cinemas is located at 9090 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. For show times and more information, see their website HERE.
*Harkins IMAX at Arizona Mills: Last, but certainly not least in our round of up unique movie theaters around Phoenix, is the Harkins IMAX at Arizona Mills. My love for Harkins is no secret, between their Arizona beginnings and their amazing kid summer movie packages, they are a go with many move theaters around Phoenix making them convenient on top of all of that. However, if you are looking for a more unique movie experience, this location at Arizona Mills is especially notable as it has one of only three TRUE IMAX screens in Arizona (and the other two are at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and the Arizona Science Center, so Arizona Mills is the only one in the state where you are going to see the current movie hits!) If you are looking for a truly immersive experience, check out the film playing in their 70mm IMAX slot and stare at their screen that is six stories high. I can still remember
Harkins Arizona Mills is located at 5000 South Arizona Mills Cir. Tempe, AZ 85282. Showtimes and more information available on their website which you can find by clicking HERE.
Honorable Mention: Wanting a bigger screen experience but not sure you want to wait for seats to be available for a big blockbuster at the actual IMAX? Check out the Cine Capri at the Harkins Scottsdale 101 location- my kids are obsessed with the fancy golden curtain in this theater that rises before the film starts. Located at 7000 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054 and showtimes for the Cine Capri theater can be found HERE.
We want to hear- which of these theaters will you be checking out next time you want to see a film?!
