From the latest blockbusters to independent films, foreign language movies to artistic masterpieces, Boston movie theaters offer a diverse range of cinematic experiences. Beyond the traditional theaters, museums and universities in the city also serve as venues for film enthusiasts to indulge in their passion.
Moreover, Boston movie theaters go beyond the ordinary, featuring second-run movies at lower ticket prices, as well as showcasing science, nature, and cutting-edge experimental films. In an era where we can easily watch movies on our phones or home screens, theaters in Boston strive to provide something unique and captivating, ensuring they remain competitive and alluring.
To elevate the movie-watching experience, Boston’s thriving theaters offer a multitude of extras. They boast cool ambiance, ultra-comfortable reclining seats, expansive screens, premium sound systems, and even a selection of wine and beer delivered to your seats. Additionally, top local chefs have collaborated to create exciting popcorn flavors, adding a gourmet twist to the traditional cinema snack. When visiting these theaters, you’ll discover a plethora of delights beyond just the film itself.
Our comprehensive guide also includes theaters in nearby locations such as Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville, all conveniently accessible via Boston’s subway system, known as the T.
First-Run Movie Theaters in Boston
ShowPlace ICON Theatre Seaport: Elevating Luxury Movie-Viewing
Located in Seaport, the ShowPlace ICON Theatre sets a new standard for Boston-area movie theaters. Indulge in gourmet popcorn flavors crafted by renowned Boston chefs, complemented by a selection of craft beers and specialty sodas. The theater boasts heated reclining seats with swivel tables, ensuring optimal comfort throughout the movie. Notably, ShowPlace ICON embraces state-of-the-art technology, featuring immersive audio and stunning wall-to-wall 4K laser-projection screens. It stands as one of the most technologically advanced movie theaters in the country. After 8 pm, the theater is exclusively for patrons aged 18 and above.
Bonus: While the prices vary based on showtime and format, they generally remain only slightly higher than those of other theaters in the area. This reasonable premium is well worth paying for the luxurious movie-viewing experience. Before or after the movie, explore the nearby Seaport restaurants offering picturesque views of the harbor.
60 Seaport Blvd | Nearest Silver Line (SL1, SL2, SL3) Station: Courthouse Station | Showtimes & Tickets
ArcLight Cinema: Immersive Viewing at Its Finest
Situated next to TD Garden in the Hub on Causeway complex, ArcLight Cinema offers a captivating blend of new-release blockbusters, specialty films, and retrospectives. Its black box auditorium is designed to optimize your viewing experience, ensuring you witness the magic of cinema in the best possible way.
ArcLight Cinema provides a mix of reclining and non-reclining seats, maintaining an advertising-free policy and limiting the number of trailers. Late seating is not permitted. As an added convenience, the theater features an on-site cafe, coffee bar, and full bar, offering a variety of high-quality food and beverages. However, if you prefer to explore other options, the Hub on Causeway and the surrounding neighborhood host numerous sports bars and dining establishments.
Parking at North Station can be expensive, so it’s advisable to explore alternative transportation options, such as taking the T.
Bonus: Don’t miss out on the theater’s annual membership program, which grants you a couple of free tickets worth more than the annual fee. Additionally, members enjoy discounts at the cafe and coffee bar, along with other exclusive perks.
60 Causeway Street | Showtimes & Tickets | 1-323-615-2550 | Nearest Station: North Station (Orange and Green Lines, as well as north-bound commuter rail lines from Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lowell, and Newburyport/Rockport)
AMC Loews Boston Common 19: The Ultimate Movie Complex
The expansive AMC Loews Boston Common movie theater complex encompasses 19 screens, primarily showcasing first-run films. Its prime location across Tremont Street from Boston Common, adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, ensures convenient accessibility for moviegoers.
Bonus: Make the most of your movie outing by enjoying dinner, coffee, or drinks at the nearby Theatre District restaurants along Washington Street or the enticing dining options in Chinatown, just a block or two away.
175 Tremont Street | Nearest Red and Green Lines Station: Park Street Station | (888) 262-4386 | Showtimes & Tickets
Regal Fenway Stadium 13 & RPX: A Favorite Among Students and Professionals
The Regal Fenway Stadium theater, boasting 13 screens, primarily features first-run commercial movies. It remains a popular choice among students from Boston University and nearby colleges, as well as professionals residing in Fenway and Back Bay.
Bonus: Enjoy premium sound and screens during your movie experience. Before the show, delight in a delectable dinner at one of the charming Fenway restaurants. Afterward, explore the vibrant Fenway nightlife.
201 Brookline Ave | Nearest Green Line/D Station: Fenway | (617) 424-6111 | www.regmovies.com
Specialty Movie Theaters in Boston
Mugar Omni Theater @ Boston Museum of Science: Immersion in the Grandest Format
At the Mugar Omni Theater, located within Boston’s Museum of Science, be prepared to be immersed in the grandest film format available. Experience breathtaking visuals as films are projected onto a five-story-tall IMAX® Dome screen. The state-of-the-art audio system surrounds you with captivating sound, transporting you into the world of science, nature, and exploration.
Bonus: Combine your visit to the Mugar Omni IMAX Theater with a trip to the Museum of Science. With a Boston discount card, you’ll enjoy free admission to the museum, allowing for an enriching and fulfilling day.
1 Science Park, Boston’s West End | Nearest Green Line Station: Lechmere Station | (617) 723-2500 | | www.amctheatres.com
Simons IMAX Theatre @ New England Aquarium: An Underwater Cinematic Experience
Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Simons IMAX Theatre next to the New England Aquarium. The enormous 65′ x 85′ slightly curved screen creates a mesmerizing experience, making you feel as though you are underwater with the captivating sea creatures featured in the films.
Bonus: Save money by purchasing a combo ticket for both the New England Aquarium admission and an IMAX movie. During the summer, embark on a whale watching cruise for an up-close encounter with whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
175 Tremont Street | Nearest Red and Green Lines Station: Park Street Station
Movie Theaters in Cambridge, Somerville, & Brookline
Assembly Row AMC (Somerville)
Experience luxury at Assembly Row AMC in Somerville, where you can indulge in plush leather seats, some of which are recliners, and cozy private 2-seat “pods” along the sides. Enjoy an immersive cinematic experience with IMAX and 3D options, while watching the latest blockbuster movies.
Bonus: In addition to the fantastic movie experience, Assembly Row offers a wide range of popular brand factory outlet stores, including Banana Republic, J Crew, Nike, and more. After the movie, you can explore the numerous fun restaurants and bars. You can conveniently reach the theater by taking the T (Orange Line) or by driving and parking in the adjacent garage.
Assembly Row, Somerville | www.amctheatres.com | Orange Line/Assembly | 617-440-4192
Coolidge Corner Theatre (Brookline)
Considered one of the finest independent movie theaters in the area, Coolidge Corner Theatre is a beloved favorite among local residents. Originally built as a church in 1906, it underwent a transformation into an Art Deco movie palace in 1933. Despite facing tough competition from suburban multiplex cinemas in the late 1980s, strong community support saved this historic Boston-area theater.
Since its rebirth as a non-profit theater in 1989, Coolidge Corner has continued to thrive by showcasing a captivating mix of foreign language films, indie releases, popular movies, independent productions, local creations, and first-run films. The theater also hosts a popular children’s series and a variety of movie-related events. Make sure to explore the excellent dining options on Harvard Street and Beacon Street, located near the theater.
290 Harvard Street, Coolidge Corner, Brookline | www.coolidge.org | Green Line C/Coolidge Corner | 617-734-2500
Brattle Theatre (Cambridge)
For a unique cinema experience, visit the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge. This theater specializes in screening classic, indie, foreign, and art films, including occasional first-run movies falling within these categories. One of the highlights is their repertory programs, which focus on the works of specific directors, genres, or actors.
Occasionally, the Brattle Theatre hosts live music performances and special readings/book signings by renowned authors, providing additional attractions for visitors. Please note that the seating might remind you of its original state from 1953 when the theater started showcasing films, but the nostalgic ambiance adds to its charm. Don’t forget to visit Burdick’s on Brattle Street for their exceptional hot chocolate.
40 Brattle Street | Red Line/Harvard Station | 617-876-6837 | Showtimes & Tickets
Landmark’s Kendall Square Cinema (Cambridge)
Discover the remarkable Landmark’s Kendall Square Cinema, a 9-screen theater in Cambridge. This cinema has earned a devoted fan base with its well-curated selection of foreign language films, restored classics, independent releases, limited distribution movies, and insightful documentaries. Additionally, you can enjoy Boston premieres, film festivals, and special screenings that you won’t easily find elsewhere, making it one of the top theaters in the Boston/Cambridge area.
While watching your favorite films, you can savor beer, wine, and relatively healthy snacks available at the cinema. The theater features high-quality screens and slanted seating areas with comfortable reclining seats, ensuring unobstructed views even if someone is seated in front of you. The location, between MIT and Central Square, makes it easily accessible.
1 Kendall Square (355 Binney Street), Kendall Square, Cambridge | Red Line/Kendall-MIT | 617-499-1966 | Showtimes & Tickets
Somerville Theatre (Somerville)
Somerville Theatre offers a unique experience as it was formerly a live theater that has been converted into a movie theater. However, it still retains its live theater ambiance and occasionally hosts live performances and concerts when films are not being screened. Notably, the theater gained attention when U2 surprised audiences with an unannounced performance here.
Located in the hip Davis Square, Somerville Theatre presents a mix of first and second-run commercial movies, along with art, cult, and indie films. It also serves as a venue for various film festivals and captivating live productions. While enjoying your movie, you can delight in beer and wine, including being among the first theaters in the Boston area to offer such options. The theater allows you to bring in outside food, and you’ll find a wealth of dining options nearby, including popular spots like Redbones BBQ, Diva, Johnny D’s, and more. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museum of Bad Art located in the basement after the show. Another advantage is the reasonably priced movie tickets.
55 Davis Square, Davis Square, Somerville | Red Line/Davis | 617-625-5700 | Showtimes & Tickets
Discover Additional Film Screening Venues in Boston & Cambridge
Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library occasionally hosts movie screenings that are usually suitable for the whole family, and the best part is they’re free of charge.
Apart from showcasing movies, make sure to explore the library’s lineup of concerts, lectures, and activities for children. On certain occasions, you might even catch a movie as part of a lecture centered around a related subject.
Moreover, the library’s older section boasts art of museum quality, while the modern section features well-lit spaces with comfortable seating and several enjoyable cafes and coffee bars. There’s plenty to adore here! Admission to the library is always free.
700 Boylston Street, Copley Square | Nearest T-stop: Green Line/Copley | Contact: 617-536-5400 | Website: www.bpl.org
French Library (Alliance Francaise of Boston)
If you possess a command of the French language or have a good understanding of it, it’s worthwhile to check if their event schedule includes film screenings.
At certain intervals, they organize a Cine-Club or a similar event specifically catering to children every Saturday.
53 Marlborough Street, Back Bay | Nearest T-stop: Green Line/Copley | Contact: 617-912-0400 | Website: www.frenchlib.org
Harvard Film Archive (Cambridge)
Experience a diverse selection of films from the expansive Harvard Film Archive at the Carpenter Center theater, which seats 200 people. These screenings take place on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday evenings throughout the year. The archive encompasses a collection of 14,000 films, and the movies chosen for screenings span various genres and countries.
As the archive continues to expand, the Carpenter Center has emerged as a favored venue for film enthusiasts. Tickets for the cinema screenings are available for purchase 45 minutes prior to each show.
Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, 24 Quincy Street, Cambridge | Nearest T-stop: Red Line/Harvard | Contact: 617-495-4700 | Website: hcl.harvard.edu/hfa
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) consistently offers a wide array of films, including foreign films, classics, independent productions, local films, and avant-garde experimental pieces. Alongside their regular screenings, the MFA hosts numerous annual film festivals, premieres of Boston-related films, and presentations by notable film producers and directors.
You can expect an abundance of choices here, often featuring films that you won’t find elsewhere. If you have a penchant for the genres showcased at the MFA, it’s certainly worth exploring their offerings.
465 Huntington Ave, Fenway | Nearest T-stop: Green Line E/Museum | Contact: 617-267-9300 | Website: www.mfa.org
ICA Boston
ICA Boston frequently presents a diverse selection of films, sometimes in conjunction with art exhibitions, as special showcases, or as part of their popular social events.
If you have an affinity for contemporary, independent, and art films, and if you’re looking for a cool gathering spot to meet like-minded individuals, ICA Boston is an ideal destination.
100 Northern Ave, South Boston Waterfront | Nearest T-stop: Red Line/South Station; take Silver Line Waterfront to Courthouse and walk approximately 1 block east (away from the city) | Contact: 617-478-3103 | Website: www.icaboston.org
