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A beginner’s guide to Philadelphia movie theaters

A beginner’s guide to Philadelphia movie theaters

Before I came to Penn, I went to the movies almost every week. My sister, who worked for our local theater, would always get me free tickets so I would spend every second I could staring at the screen. I felt like Nicole Kidman! Experiencing movies on a huge screen with medium popcorn (extra butter) and some cookie dough bites is truly an “indescribable feeling”.

I was horrified to think that once I got to Penn, I would resign myself to watching new releases on my 15-inch laptop and lose the magic of cinematic travel. So I used my first year to explore Philadelphia’s countless movie theaters and see all the new releases I could find. For all you first-graders, transfers and film lovers who simply haven’t had a chance to explore everything Philly’s film scene has to offer, I offer this guide.

Cinemark University City Penn 6: You know her, you love her!

The University City Cinemark may not be the best theater, but it is certainly the easiest to get to for any Penn student living on or near campus. Located directly across from Acme and right next to Panera Bread, Cinemark is a staple in the University City neighborhood. Although Cinemark offers a somewhat limited selection of four to eight films each, you’ll find an eclectic mix of blockbuster hits and some of the most random films you’ve ever heard of. Although Cinemark is nearby, it’s the perfect theater for an adventure: a night out with friends, the start of a night of debauchery, or just a quick study break. The last time I saw the 3D screening was for the 15th anniversary of Coraline and had a phenomenal time! Cinemark should be your go-to movie theater if you want a quiet, easy moviegoing experience.

Philadelphia film Company Stock exchange: a hidden gem!

The best of the best. The bee’s knees. Even the cat’s pajamas! I could go on with a few more old-fashioned sayings regarding my feelings about the PFS Bourse Theater, but I digress. The Bourse Theater is located in Old Town and is easily accessible via the MFL (Market-Frankford Line). Every time I visit the theater I feel like a new person. Maybe it’s the comfortable seats, maybe it’s the scenic walk from the theater back to Fifth Street Station, or maybe it’s the consistently outstanding lineup of critically acclaimed and independent cinemas. Either way, the Bourse Theater is the pinnacle of the Philadelphia moviegoing experience. On my last visit to the Bourse Theater I wanted to see the absurd new horror film cuckoo (2024) starring Hunter Schafer, as it was the only nearby theater showing it. The film was easily my favorite horror film of the year and my viewing experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The Bourse Theater is the place to be for true film lovers.

Philadelphia film Company East: aAnother hidden gem…literally!

Picture this: I was a freshman and was in Center City for the second time ever to see a screening of my favorite movie. Portrait of a burning lady, with two of my new friends. That day I gave Jesus the wheel, and by “Jesus” I mean Apple Maps, and by “the wheel” I mean me. I spent 30 minutes trying to find the PFS East Theater before I received a text saying the show was sold out and took the bus home, defeated. I have since discovered the secret entrance to the PFS East Theater: Sansom Street, not Second Street! I also noticed that Apple Maps is way off. Once you arrive, expect a similar film selection and viewing experience to the PFS Bourse Theater.

King of Prussia Regal UA: a a short trip… but still worth it!

The Regal Cinema at King of Prussia Mall is gigantic. If the movie you want to see wasn’t made in a basement, there’s a 95 percent chance you can see it here. As I write this guide, there are currently 12 films showing at this cinema. There’s a notable mix of indie films and big movies, and the films last quite a while here compared to many other theaters. Unfortunately, it takes almost 90 minutes on public transportation to get to the King of Prussia Mall, where the theater is located. If there’s a movie you really want to see but isn’t showing it in any of the other theaters listed here, get together with a group of friends for a fun Saturday trip to the mall and the movies!

AMC Fashion District 8: oH boy…another theater in Philadelphia!

Honestly, I haven’t been to the Fashion District AMC yet – sorry, Nicole Kidman. All I can say about the AMC is that every film there will almost certainly be played in the theaters mentioned above. Although I can’t say much about the theater since I’ve never been there, the anecdotes I’ve heard from friends are… grim. It’s always great to have options!

And that’s it! Of course, there are plenty of theaters in Philadelphia outside of this list – like Landmark Ritz Five and AMC Broadstreet 7, to name a few. I hope this list can serve as an introduction to the world of live cinema in Philadelphia.