30 Biggest Movie Theaters in the U.S. to Visit With the Fam
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Many Americans believe that bigger is better, and this ideal especially holds true for movie theaters. People want a bigger selection of movies, screens, sound and seats.
However, Europe holds the title for the largest cinema multiplexes (if we're talking number of seats). Spain has the famous Kinepolis-Madrid Ciudad de la Imagen theater with 25 screens and 9,200 seats. And Traumpalast Multiplex in Leonberg, Germany, holds the Guinness World Record for the largest IMAX screen, measuring 125 by 72 feet (wider than a Boeing 737 airliner).
America also has its fair share of massive theaters across the country that offer the enhanced movie-going experience that fans of megaplex theaters desire. So, here are 30 of the biggest movie theater multiplexes your family doesn’t want to miss.
AMC Lincoln Square 13
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Location: New York, New York
Size: 13 screens with 2,669 seats and a 75.6-foot-tall, 101-foot-wide IMAX screen
Date opened: Nov. 18, 1994
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Known for having one of the widest IMAX screens in the U.S., patrons of this theater claim that it's the best place to watch IMAX 3D films. It is also conveniently located near several subway lines, making it easy for city-goers to access.
Of course, since AMC is the largest movie theater chain in the world, you can expect to see more than a few of their multiplexes listed here.
Royal Cinemas & IMAX – Pooler IMAX Theater
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Location: Savannah, Georgia
Size: 14 screens and a 76.2-foot-tall IMAX
Date opened: May 2022
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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The massive screen in this theater is what makes it popular among Savannah residents. In fact, the screen is the largest in the U.S., just passing the AMC Lincoln Square IMAX by roughly 1 foot.
With leather recliner seats and built-in tray tables, this cinema boasts Next Generation IMAX precision sound with crystal-clear laser projection.
AMC Metreon 16
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Location: San Francisco, California
Size: 16 screens with 1,727 seats
Date opened: June 16, 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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When Metreon first opened in 1999, it had 4,146 seats and was the largest multiplex in San Francisco. It was a major destination for movie fans who were enthralled by its massive size, but now that multiplex cinemas have sprouted up all over the world, Metreonn is just one of many mega-sized theaters in the U.S.
However, its IMAX screen is a whopping 75 feet tall and 90 feet wide, making it one of the largest in the U.S. In addition to the IMAX screen, the Metreon has 14 regular screens and one Dolby Cinema.
AMC Boston Common 19
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Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Size: 19 screens with 4,500 seats
Date opened: July 20, 2001
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Built on the former Astor Theater grounds, this massive cinema complex is the only movie theater located in downtown Boston. Movie-goers love its convenient location, cleanliness and friendly staff.
This spacious theater has two levels and 19 screens with stadium seating, including IMAX seats.
AMC Elmwood Palace 20
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Location: Harahan, Louisiana
Size: 20 screens with 4,500 seats
Date opened: May 22, 1997
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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This AMC theater is one of the top-grossing cinemas in the New Orleans area. It offers all the first-class amenities expected of an AMC megaplex, with tons of movie options, comfortable seating and IMAX screens.
Patrons especially enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and courteous staff.
Majestic
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Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Size: 20 screens with 4,500 seats
Date opened: 2004
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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The Majestic is near the Red Line and is nestled perfectly beside a famous promenade that boasts numerous stores and eateries. The cinema concession also offers fast food such as burgers, hot dogs and fries.
Customers particularly enjoy the stadium seating, luxury seats and digital sound while watching the latest blockbusters.
Regal Opry Mills 20 & IMAX
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Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Size: 20 screens with 4,505 seats
Date opened: November 2011
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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One of the newer multiplex theaters in Nashville, this complex was built over what was once the famous Opryland Amusement Park.
The cinema is equipped with stadium seating, THX and giant screens. In fact, its IMAX screen is one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Cinemark 20
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Location: Merriam, Kansas
Size: 20 screens with 4,800 seats
Date opened: Dec. 18, 1998
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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This theater features stadium seating, RealD 3D, digital presentation and a convenient self-service box office. It also has online ticket-purchasing options available for its attractions.
Trending movies, excellent surround sound and delicious popcorn. What's not to love?
MJR Southgate
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Location: Southgate, Michigan
Size: 20 screens with 4,977 seats
Date opened: Nov. 6, 1998
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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People love this theater because the MJR movie chain goes out of its way to ensure its patrons are comfortable. The theater offers private booth seats that recline and are heated; plus, all the seats have plenty of space for snacks and drinks.
It's a great place to watch a blockbuster on the big screen, so is it any wonder that this cinema is one of the busiest in all of Michigan?
Megaplex 20 at Jordon Commons
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Location: Sandy, Utah
Size: 20 screens with 5,062 seats
Date opened: November 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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The owners spared no expense on the structure of this massive megaplex, spending $107 million to build it. As a result, patrons enjoy the unique, 90-foot lobby designed to look like 1870s Main Street in Salt Lake City.
The cinema also includes a 46,000-square-foot Mayan restaurant and is ranked as one of the city's highest-grossing theaters.
Megaplex District
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Location: South Jordan, Utah
Size: 20 screens with 5,544 seats
Date opened: May 2006
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Like many megaplex theaters, this one has everything the avid movie-goer appreciates — large screens, multiple snack choices, a professional staff, a clean environment and cozy stadium seating.
Even better, the theater is conveniently located in the heart of the District shopping center.
Ann Arbor 20 + IMAX
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Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Size: 20 screens with 5,876 seats
Date opened: 1988
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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This theater opened as a 14-plex cinema in 1988 but has undergone numerous renovations to reach its current 20-screen size. That included the installation of an IMAX screen in 2006.
With easy access to the theater from the freeway, patrons enjoy the comfort of giant, reclining seats and the convenience of ordering their food in advance so it's ready when they arrive for the show.
Regal Warrington Crossing Stadium 22+ IMAX Theater
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Location: Warrington, Pennsylvania
Size: 22 screens with 4,742 seats
Date opened: June 29, 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Where there were once 40 acres of cornfields, Regal Cinemas built its 22-screen megaplex as part of the Warrington Crossing shopping mall. The theater has recently had a few renovations, including the addition of a modern reception area complete with laser-light ropes on the walls and ceiling, plus reflective lights on the floor.
Patrons love that the cinema also has a coffee bar, a smoothie bar, an adult beverage bar and a large arcade center.
Regal Sawgrass
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Location: Sunrise, Florida
Size: 23 screens with 4,593 seats
Date opened: Dec. 13, 1991
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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When this theater opened in 1991, it was considered the largest cinema east of the Rocky Mountains. It originally featured 18 screens, but in 1999, it was renovated to include five additional ones.
As an anchor building to the busy Sawgrass Outlet Mall, patrons enjoy a day of shopping followed by a relaxing movie in this grand theater.
Cinemark Legacy
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Location: Plano, Texas
Size: 24 screens with 5,000 seats
Date opened: June 30, 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Cinemark Legacy features XD screens, Real D 3D, digital projection and sound, self-service ticketing, online ticketing and first-run movies. Another positive is the convenience of multiple films and showtime options.
But what makes this particular theater unique is its glamorous decor that offers a sense of attending theaters during the Golden Age of cinema.
Cinemark Valley View & XD
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Location: Valley View, Ohio
Size: 24 screens with 5,060 seats
Date opened: June 30, 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Cinemark Valley View is a great place to watch major blockbuster films on multiple screens and in stadium seating. Unlike many large movie theaters, this one also shows indie movies and hosts special events.
Customers return to Cinemark Valley View for its reasonably priced tickets, fun game room, delicious snacks and convenient location next to several popular restaurants.
Regal Hollywood
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Location: Chamblee, Georgia
Size: 24 screens with 5,135 seats
Date opened: May 19, 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Known for its eye-popping neon lights, this theater in the Regal chain has beautiful murals, large screens, tons of seating and a good selection of top-notch films. Patrons love that the giant parking lot always has an open spot, and the friendly theater staff keeps the premises clean.
Even better, the theater offers a rewards program to earn free tickets, popcorn and soda.
Cinemark Egyptian
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Location: Hanover, Maryland
Size: 24 screens with 5,400 seats
Date opened: Dec. 8, 2000
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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This gorgeous, Egyptian-themed theater opened in 2000 as part of the Arundel Mills mall. It is one of the largest in Maryland, with unique features such as two party rooms and a playroom with childcare.
Patrons love the 60-foot wall-to-wall screens, the DLP digital projection system and the Real D digital 3D as part of the Cinemark experience.
Edwards Greenway Palace 24
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Location: Houston, Texas
Size: 24 screens with 5,600 seats
Date opened: 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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With so many screens, the movie choices are endless at the Edwards Greenway Palace. In addition, customers love the comfortable seats with large, built-in cup holders for beverages.
The theater also offers an unlimited movie pass for a reasonable monthly fee so that patrons can watch as many movies as they desire.
AMC Empire 25
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Location: New York, New York
Size: 25 screens
Date opened: April 21, 2000
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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AMC turned the former Empire Theater (which closed in the mid-1980s) into a new flagship 25-screen megaplex in 2000. It is now a luxurious, five-level theater that has uniquely maintained its historic facade.
In 2008, an IMAX screen was added, making it the first digital IMAX in New York City.
Century 25
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Location: Union City, California
Size: 25 screens with 5,232 seats
Date opened: May 14, 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Built in 1999 on the old Union City Drive-In site, this multiplex anchors the Union Landing shopping center. Its enormous, majestic lobby draws movie-goers to the theater with its multiple feature choices and efficient staff.
Patrons also enjoy the unique Cinemark XS Extreme Digital cinema, featuring its signature Luxury Loungers.
Regal Edwards Long Beach Screen X & IMAX
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Location: Long Beach, California
Size: 26 screens
Date opened: May 14, 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Also known as the Long Beach Stadium 26, this beautiful, grand cinema is part of the Long Beach Town Center. The high-quality 3D screens and surround sound attract customers from all over California.
It's easy to spend an entire day shopping and eating at the center, then stop by the theater for a nighttime movie.
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Regal Hollywood
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Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Size: 27 screens with 4,826 seats
Date opened: Jan. 16, 1998
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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When Regal Hollywood in Nashville opened in 1998, it was considered the largest theater in its region, with 27 screens and 4,826 seats. The building combines the classic, streamlined architecture of the 1950s with state-of-the-art screens and sound.
And get this: Its 4D theater has misting buttons on the seats, and the room's climate changes to match the movie that patrons are watching. Think cold air blowing during chilly scenes.
AMC Studio 28 with IMAX and Dine-In Theater
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Location: Olathe, Kansas
Size: 28 screens
Date opened: July 3, 1998
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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AMC Studio 28 initially opened as Olathe Station 30 in 1997 but changed names in 1998. Since then, it added an IMAX (in 2005) while closing down one of the smaller screens, then renovating another auditorium for in-theater dining. In keeping with the AMC megaplex design plan, the company also added its signature MacGuffins Bar & Lounge.
Patrons enjoy the arcade and coffee shop, but they especially love that each wing of this cinema has its own concession stand, reducing long lines for snacks.
AMC Dine-In Easton Town Center 30
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Location: Columbus, Ohio
Size: 30 screens
Date opened: June 3, 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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This massive megaplex combines tasty cuisine from its extensive menu with delicious cocktail options from the bar. Patrons can enjoy the hottest new releases on IMAX screens with RealD 3D presentations. Upscale seating and luxury recliners are also a draw for kicking back and relaxing during a show.
Built in 1999, it was one of many AMC theaters ushering in a new era of 30-screen megaplexes.
AMC Forum 30
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Location: Sterling Heights, Michigan
Size: 30 screens
Date opened: Nov. 25, 1999
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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Movie-goers have always been drawn to large-scale theaters for the wide section of attractions, convenient choice of movie times and upscale surroundings, and this cinema does not disappoint.
Like many AMC theaters, this one includes IMAX screens, stadium seating and the ever-popular MacGuffins Bar and Lounge.
AMC Gulf Pointe
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Location: Houston, Texas
Size: 30 screens
Date opened: 1997
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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When this mega-theater complex opened in 1997, it quickly became popular since it offered movies that patrons could not find anywhere else. Today, the cinema boasts IMAX, IMAX 3D and a Dolby theater with signature reclining seats.
Customers can also purchase Stubbs cards for discounted rates on future movies.
AMC Dine-In Ontario Mills
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Location: Ontario, California
Size: 30 screens with 2,123 seats
Date opened: Dec. 13, 1996
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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When the AMC Dine-In Ontario Mills megaplex theater opened in 1996, it was one of the first of its kind and billed as one of the world's largest cinemas. Today, patrons flock to the site for its multiple screens and numerous movie choices.
Customers also rave about the large, comfy seats and enjoy having items from the dining menu delivered right to their seats.
AMC Orange
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Location: Orange, California
Size: 30 screens with 5,836 seats
Date opened: Nov. 20, 1998
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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A massive theater with four large auditoriums (seating between 400 and 575 people each) and 26 slightly smaller cinemas (seating between 90 and 270), patrons have plenty of space and a choice of room size to watch their favorite films.
AMC Orange made headlines as one of the few theaters in the country to initially screen "The Blair Witch Project" in 1999 and has since been one of the most popular meeting spots for teens. It is also known as one of the country's top 3 most-visited AMC theaters.
AMC Dine-In Mesquite
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Location: Mesquite, Texas
Size: 30 screens with 6,008 seats
Date opened: March 20, 1998
What Makes the Theater So Popular
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This 131,000-square-foot movie theater is one of the largest in the country and offers the best of both worlds by combining great dining with the latest, most popular movies.
Patrons enjoy a wide variety of food on the menu and the theater's hand-crafted cocktails, all while sitting back to enjoy a show.
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