Top Movie Theaters in Huntsville
Do you remember the first movie you watched on the big screen? For me, the year was circa 1980, I remember it like yesterday. Growing up as a child of the 80’s, I was a huge Popeye fan, so what better movie to see than the classic Popeye with the beloved Robin Williams? The excitement of that movie was long waited for and the popcorn that filled the air just made it more exciting for a kiddo like me. A lot has happened since the 80’s with the movie industry, but what will always stay close to my heart are the memories of one the greatest actors of all time who brought much joy and laughter to me and to the big screen. Bringing us laughter and inspiration, our traditional movies and what they mean to us are much more than just a film on the big screen, they are something we relate to in some way or another. There is just something about seeing your favorite actors playing at your favorite theater which is why theatres still exist today.
Here as I write this blog in 2020 with the huge COVID-19 outbreak, a lot has changed and the “new normal” is something we’re all learning these days. I’m hoping the movie industry will recover and everyone will be able to get back and enjoy what we all miss. So, without any further introduction, here are my top best theaters of Huntsville.
#1 Cinemark Bridge Street and XD
Cinemark at Bridge Street Town Centre, tops my list at number one. This theater has comfortable lazy boy-style leather seating along with cup holders for your favorite drink and has the most reasonable prices in town. For me personally, comfort tops my list on what makes an enjoyable movie experience. This theater is the most comfortable and most affordable, which is why it's really my favorite. There are also other important factors too. You could book a private show or take advantage of the summer months with their “Movie Clubhouse”; their kid-friendly summer films. These kid friendly summer movie events are just $1 per person! Getting out of the smoldering sun and enjoying a cool refreshing movie with the whole family has been one of our favorite summer "things to do". Another reason for ranking at number 1 is their XD Digital technology, a premier level custom surround sound. Also, don’t forget about their extra discounts on “Discount Tuesdays” and “Military and Senior Day.” To save money on your next trip, make sure you check out their website to see what they’re offering.
Website: Cinemark
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#2 National Geographic Theater & The INTUITIVE® Planetarium
National Geographic Theater is located at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center along with The INTUITIVE® Planetarium. The INTUITIVE® Planetarium offers an 8K Digital Planetarium and Digital Dome. Educational documentaries are shown on the National Geographic Theater with their 52-foot screen. Both are ranked on my list at #2 for their unique State-of-the-art theater experience. To purchase your tickets, just walk through their fun gift shop at the entrance and then you'll see the ticket area. You have a choice to purchase your movie tickets and/or combo movie extraordinaire (Planetarium + National Geographic Theater). Also you’ll have a choice to tour the museum for an additional price.
Website: The INTUITIVE® Planetarium
Website: National Geographic Movies
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#3 AMC Valley Bend 18 IMAX
At AMC Valley Bend 18 IMAX you’ll feel like you’re part of the movie. With the IMAX screens here they’re at least six times larger than regular theatre screens.
Website: AMC Valley Bend 18
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#4 Touchstar Cinemas Madison Square
Coming to a theater near you, Huntsville will soon be getting the largest movie screen in Alabama. TouchStar theaters, currently located at MidCity will be torn down and a new state-of-art theater will be built in its place. The completion date is expected to done by summer 2021. So, all you movie goers out there, that is something else to look forward to at MidCity. Once this theatre is open, Huntsville Scoop will be updating this blog. Until then, we have ranked this present TouchStar at #4. This theatre has reclining seats, 3-D, reserved seating, and digital projectors. Make sure to check back when the new one opens up to find out how the biggest movie screen in Alabama will rank!
Website: Touchstar Cinemas Madison Square
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#5 AMC CLASSIC Huntsville 10
AMC Classic comes in at number 5 with their lower cost and even has an AMC concession snack app to make your ordering a lot easier.
Website: AMC CLASSIC
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#6 Hollywood 18 Regal Theater
At Regal they too have IMAX with the huge screens that make you feel as if you’re in the movie itself. The theater is located in South Huntsville and conveniently off the Parkway. While the theater is a bit older than the other ones on the list, it is well-maintained. Not having to pick seats is sometimes a plus, and If you have their Regal Crown Club card (at no cost), you can get a large popcorn bucket (with a free refill) for half price on Tuesdays! The last time I went, they did not have any reclining seats but I give them good marks for their cleanliness and friendly customer service. As a bonus, they offer student and military discounts so make sure to bring your I.D along.
Website: Hollywood 18 Regal
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11950's drive-ins were super popular when the movie Grease came out, but now we have 4D flicks and dine-in experiences. Throughout the years, cinema and movie theaters have come quite a long way. With all the social distancing as a new norm, you may want to opt for the old fashion drive-in movie experience. If so, MidCity District has movies on certain Saturdays as well as South Huntsville, Athens, and Arab. You may see multiple drive-ins popping up in other areas too since they’re becoming more “cooler” these days.
Website: South Huntsville Drive-In Movie Nights
Website: Drive-In Movie at MidCity District
Editor’s Note- The Huntsville Scoop staff tries hard to updates these blogs on "Top Best of Huntsville" but suggest you always call the theaters ahead of time to verify updates.