Best Movie Theaters in Washington

I'd been waiting for years for a multiplex to open in my neighborhood. In 2009, Thornton Place became my theater of choice. Here, you'll find a great selection on 14 screens, including a "real" IMAX screen. The theaters are on multiple floors, so you might want to plan a little extra time to take the escalator or elevator.

If you're hungry before or after the show, I recommend Thai Fusion Bistro or Five Guys, located just around the corner.

301 N.E. 103rd Street
Seattle, WA 98125

AMC Cinerama

The Cinerama was resurrected from the dead by Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder, because he had a lot of good childhood memories there. The reasons it's number 2 on my list are: Limited parking and a bad second tier of seats (if you sit in this area near the bottom, the screen can be obstructed by handicap seats). If I go to the Cinerama, I usually just pay for parking and make sure I sit in the front section. The screen is one of the largest in the state, and they can project digital movies. The best things about this theater: You get to put your own butter on your popcorn (there's a reason they don't put on five squirts!), and when you go to the bathroom in the middle of the film, you can hear the film on speakers. In an era of multiplexes, the Cinerama stands alone as a one-screen wonder.

4th and Lenora, Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 441-3080

AMC Pacific Place 11 New!

Located on the top floor Pacific Place shopping center in Downtown Seattle, this theater has two levels and offers some great interior design. When you take the escalator up to the second floor, look out the window to see yourself floating 10 or so stories above the city.

The only problem with this place is that you have to pay for parking.

Click for directions.

Boeing IMAX Theater - Pacific Science Center

There's nothing like an IMAX screen, especially the one at this theater. Sometimes they show movies like "The Matrix" and "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones," but I usually see the 30-40 minute special interest movies, like "Space Station 3-D" and "Bugs!"

200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109 | (206) 443-4629

Landmark Guild 45th II

Due to parking, I rarely see a movie at this theater. But theater number 2 (upstairs) is one of the best places to sit back and watch a film. It seems that every film I've ever seen at night at this theater has sold out.

The 2115 N. 45th, Seattle, WA 98103 | (206) 781-5755

Landmark Metro Cinemas

This one made the list because I used to always walk there from my house in the University District. It was a long walk, maybe a mile, but I loved that walk back, thinking about the movie. The other great thing is it's close to Half Price Books, Cinema Bookstore, and Scarecrow Video. The theaters are small (some of them not much bigger than a large living room), and the concession stand workers have major attitude. But for some reason, it's still a fun place to go.

4500 9th NE, Seattle, WA 98105 | (206) 781-5755

Lincoln Square Cinemas New!

Located across the street from Bellevue Square Mall, Lincoln Square offers a unique circular lobby and huge screens. The theaters include one 65-foot IMAX screen, RealD 3D in six auditoriums, and SONY 4K Digital Cinema Projection on all other screens.

Free parking is available with no validation required at Bellevue Square. Walk across the Skybridge to the second floor of Lincoln Square. Check out the waterfall sculpture.

700 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, Washington 98004
Recorded Info: (425) 454-7400
Phone (425) 450-9100
Fax (425) 450-9109

The biggest movie theater I've ever been to. I love the extreme stadium seating (the theaters almost feel like IMAX theaters).

Like "The Rose Theater," the Neptune feels like no other theater I've ever been in. The ornate walls make you feel like you're sitting in a theater for royalty. There's also a house organ, although I've never seen a movie when they play it. Last time I was at the Neptune, I thought the seats were incredibly uncomfortable. And because it's located right in the heart of the University District, there's a chance in hell you're going to get parking.

Landmark Egyptian

The Egyptian is an ancient theater with tons of character. I don't really go to movies here anymore, but it's definitely worth a visit. I did attend a Seattle International Film Festival screening of "The Myth of Fingerprints" and got to see Julianne Moore in person after the film (she was just becoming a huge star at the time). My other great movie memory at this theater was seeing "The Piano" there with a sold-out audience.

Besides being an historical landmark, this theater has a special feel that starts the moment you walk in the door. The people working there are friendly and courteous. They make good popcorn. And before the movie starts, one of the workers walks to the front of the theater and tells you a little about the movie you're about to watch. The one and only movie I've seen at this theater was Erin Brokovitch, and that was enough to catapult the theater to the top of my list. Also, they sell great T-shirts. I've had more people ask my about my "Rose Theater" T-shirt than any other. When you're in Port Townsend, stop by this theater to see a film. You won't be disappointed.

235 Taylor Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Email: movies@rosetheatre.com
Movie Information: 360/385-1089
Office: 360/385-1039

In many ways, this is a cousin to the Neptune theater in Seattle. I recently received an e-mail from the Ruby Theater to say that they've upgraded their seats and made some other changes to make the theater more comfortable and modern. If you're ever in Chelan, check this place out.

My parents live in the Tri-Cities (Richland, Pasco, Kennewick), and when I visit, this is my theater of choice. I like the consistency and the plush seats.