It’s time to go to the movies and enjoy all the latest new movie releases out now in theaters!
In a city as big and bountiful as Atlanta, there are so many local movie theaters near you to choose from, that it can be hard to know where to start. Just searching “movie theaters near me” is overwhelming AF––what’s the difference between one theater and another? Is it worth the trek to go to downtown Atlanta for a local movie theater with reclining seats versus the one around the corner? Do I want to ball out and get drinks served at my seat, or keep it chill at an independent movie theater with drinks and unique food offerings?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help make your decision easier. We’ve narrowed it down to 10 of our favorite local movie theaters in Atlanta to help you make the most of your Atlanta movie theater experience.
Grab some movie theater popcorn and get comfy as we dive into our Atlanta movie theater guide!
Not in Atlanta? Check out our New York City movie theater guide here and all of our other local movie theater guides. Want one for your city? Let us know on Twitter.
Atlanta Movie Theaters: AMC Phipps Plaza 14
AMC Phipps Plaza 14 is regarded as one of the most popular multiplexes in the Atlanta area. It opened in 1992 and was initially called the Phipps Plaza Theater until AMC took it over in 1944. Located in the Phipps Plaza mall, the theater shows new Hollywood films on big movie screens with a Dolby six-track stereo surround sound. This theater also screens ‘artisan’ films in part of the “AMC Artisan Films” program.
Like other AMC Theatres, AMC Phipps Plaza 14 includes screening rooms with spacious rocking seats and luxury recliners along with a specialty bar and an extensive food and drink menu. If you’d like a screening room for you and your friends and family, AMC lets you rent private theaters for large groups.
If you’re an AMC Stubs member, you can buy a movie ticket for a smaller price on Discount Tuesday. Sign up for the AMC Stubs A-List online.
With the theater’s comfortable seats, good food, and kind staff, one Google reviewer says AMC Phipps Plaza 14 is a “great place to watch a movie, especially after COVID-19.” You’ll have to check it out for yourself to see.
AMC Phipps Plaza 14
3500 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
Atlanta Movie Theaters: Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema
Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema is located in Atlanta’s Midtown Center on Monroe Drive. Operating in the heart of Atlanta since 2003, this theater screens a variety of commercial, independent, foreign language, and documentary films.
The theater prides itself on its extravagant concession stand, including gourmet candies, baked sweets, and a coffee bar. If you want an alcoholic beverage, swing by the theater’s Midtown Art Bar, which runs from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema has a courtyard that’s home to two delicious restaurants. You can hang out with friends or grab a bite to eat right outside the theater before heading in for your movie.
Multiple reviewers expressed their joyful experiences when finding Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema. One reviewer on Google said, “This is my favorite Atlanta theater. It’s almost a secret. Classic theater seating. Great sounds. They serve alcohol and have sliders. It’s an awesome little place.”
Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema
931 Monroe Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Atlanta Movie Theaters: Regal Tara Cinema
Located in Cheshire Square, Regal Tara Cinema is one of the only theaters in Atlanta that strives to showcase indie films. The theater opened in 1968 by Loews Cineplex Entertainment, and its first screening was the 70mm version of the 1939 historical romance film Gone with the Wind. Initially, the theater operated with one single screen that seated 1,200. Regal Entertainment Group took over the Tara Theater in 2002 and remodeled the space with art deco and hanging portraits of classic Hollywood stars.
Now, the theater also screens popular new releases while providing guests with stadium-style seating and a snack bar. With a variety of movie options, you can experience a film in digital, 2D, 3D, IMAX, or 4DX. Although the Regal Tara Cinema has been updated since 1968, one Google reviewer says that it “will forever stay in my heart as one of the last remaining art house theaters in Atlanta. It showcases fantastic indie films, and the staff treats you next to kin.”
Regal Tara Cinema
2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Atlanta Movie Theaters: Starlight Six Drive-In
Go back in time at the Starlight Six Drive-In located on the outskirts of Atlanta on Moreland Ave. The theater opened in 1949, originally called The Starlight Twin, and is now the only standalone drive-in around the city of Atlanta. Its retro style is a refreshing escape from all of the modernized movie theaters. Starlight also has its own flea market, where vendors sell different items to eager shoppers.
The Starlight Six Drive-In has six operating screens where they play double features of new films. When you arrive at the drive-in, the sound will connect to your car through FM radio, so you don’t even have to get out of your vehicle! While you can bring your own snacks inside, there is also a concession stand filled with endless goodies and Mexican food. The drive-in offers coupons like free fountain drinks and popcorn on their website.
The best part is that Starlight Six Drive-In tickets are only $10 for a double feature, so you won’t worry about breaking your bank. It’s an excellent place for families, friends, or first dates. One Google reviewer says the Atlanta drive-in “offers a fun, nostalgic way to see a movie.”
Starlight Six Drive-In
2000 Moreland Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
Atlanta Movie Theaters: Plaza Theatre
Atlanta’s oldest operating cinema, the Plaza Theatre is located on Ponce De Leon Ave. Founded in 1963, the theater provided both cinema and live entertainment. The theater went through many renovations from X-Rated adult cinema in 1970, independent films in 1980, to now screening a mixture of indie films, older classics, and mainstream flicks. Several big films have premiered at the Plaza Theatre, including Around the World in 80 Days (1956) and King of Kings (1961).
The theater loves to show its support for independent artists. This year, the Atlanta Film Festival premiered at the Plaza Theatre from April 22 to May 2. If you made a film, but don’t know where to distribute it, you can rent out showtimes on the theater’s website, and they’ll play it on their big screens!
When COVID-19 hit, owner Christopher Escobar decided to transform the theater into a drive-in. “This drive-in wasn’t what we had originally intended it to be,” he told Eater Atlanta. “Now it’s about allowing people to get out of the house, support the theater and local restaurants, and escape reality for a while.” Although the indoor theater has reopened, the drive-in still operates but with fewer films.
The Plaza Theatre was named one of the 20 Best Movie Theaters in the World by Men’s Journal. One Google reviewer says the theater is “an Atlanta icon. It’s a must-visit. This is an audiophile’s and film fanatic’s place to see a film for certain.” It’s a true historical gem for the city of Atlanta and still gains much-needed support from the community around it.
Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
Atlanta Movie Theaters: IPIC Atlanta
Located in downtown Atlanta in Colony Square, the IPIC Atlanta is a luxury cinema that incorporates a theater dine-in experience. According to the Colony Square website, the theater is “a cultural haven offering inventive cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, thoughtfully curated programming, and unmatched comfort.” Each of the cinema’s nine theaters holds between 18-72 people.
IPIC Atlanta opened its doors in December 2020 with nine screens. The theater’s menu includes delectable foods like nachos, burgers, salads, and of course, popcorn. Along with food, movie watchers can purchase wine, beer, and various cocktails.
As COVID-19 closed theaters nationwide, IPIC Atlanta has fully committed to keeping clear safety measures during the reopening process. According to their website, their “commitment to deliver a premium cinematic and dining experience has not waivered, and any changes will be done in a way to minimize disruption and improve the overall experience.”
The theater currently operates from Thursday to Sunday, as it’s more populated during evening hours. Multiple viewers have mentioned that IPIC Atlanta provided a comforting and fun experience. One Google reviewer says, “the blankets were the best parts of the movie experiences.”
IPIC Atlanta
1197 Peachtree St NE Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30361
Atlanta Movie Theaters: Regal Atlantic Station ScreenX, IMAX, RPX & VIP
The Regal Atlantic Station is located in Atlantic Station, a retail marketplace with department and specialty stores, and various restaurants. The theater includes reserved plush seating and a concession stand filled with classic movie snacks.
Regal Atlantic Station offers free two-hour parking every day, so you don’t have to worry about spending more money on your night out. One reviewer on Google says that you can get an extra two hours of parking “if you validate your parking ticket at a machine in the theater.” Talk about a great deal!
If you want to catch new releases in theaters, Regal Atlantic Station lets you watch films in IMAX, RPX, and 4DX. These different effects allow for a more immersive experience at the movies. Another google reviewer recommends the VIP section if “you are looking for upscale hiring and service.” You can also sign up for the Regal Crown Club Program, where you can earn credits and rewards for every movie you watch at Regal Theatres.
Because of COVID-19, the Regal Atlantic Station temporarily closed in 2020, along with eight other Regal movie theaters around the Atlanta metro area. Fortunately, the theaters reopened at the beginning of May with safety precautions. Regal Theatres announced that they “remain committed to the safety of our patrons and employees.”
Regal Atlantic Station ScreenX, IMAX, RPX & VIP
261 19th St NW #1250
Atlanta, GA 30363
Atlanta Movie Theaters: NCG Cinemas – Peachtree Corners
NCG Cinema, spelled out as Neighborhood Cinema Group, is a movie theater chain headquartered in Michigan. The chain has a location in Peachtree Corners which is about 20 miles away from downtown Atlanta.
NCG Cinemas in Peachtree Corners shows new blockbuster releases with digital and 3D screens. You can always catch a classic blockbuster film like E.T. or Jaws, too! If you’re in the mood to have the theater to yourself with family and friends, NCG Cinemas lets you book a private theater. When you watch a film, snack on the concession stand’s collection of movie snacks like candy, popcorn, and soda.
Because NCG Cinemas is a chain, many of those theaters are located in the Atlanta area, including the Brookhaven location. However, many reviewers say that Peachtree Corners is their choice cinema because of the friendly environment and great ticket prices under $10.
One reviewer on Google says, “I’ve never taken ownership of a theater, but you know it’s a good sign when you’re telling folks that’s MY favorite movie theater. It’s one of the reasons I stay in the area.”
NCG Cinemas – Peachtree Corners
6135 Peachtree Pkwy
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Atlanta Movie Theaters: The Springs Cinema & Taphouse
The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, formerly known as the Lefont Sandy Springs, is located in the heart of Sandy Springs, Atlanta. According to their website, the locally-owned theater “is committed to showing great movies and has the most diverse range of content in town, ranging from independent and foreign film to retro Hollywood classics and quality family and commercial films.” They have also introduced a drive-in theater where you can tailgate with friends and family, or hang in the car to watch the movie of the night.
In 2019, the cinema renovated its space to have reserved seating, new digital projects and sound, and a full kitchen with a bar. They are the first movie theater in Atlanta to have heated luxury recliners. The menu includes endless food options like quesadillas, pizza, and churro donuts.
One Google reviewer praises the theater’s originality, saying, “What I like the most is that it feels like a mom and pop shop.” The Springs Cinema & Taphouse is the perfect location to get that homey feeling.
Amidst COVID-19 regulations, The Springs Cinema & Taphouse have made some changes to their operation to keep moviegoers safe. Seats are spread out at socially-distanced levels, while employees wear masks and clean all furniture after use. You can find more of their operational procedures on their website.
The Springs Cinema & Taphouse
5920 Roswell Rd Unit C-103
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Atlanta Movie Theaters: AMC Madison Yards 8
Located right in the city of Atlanta on Memorial Drive is the AMC Madison Yards 8. The theater opened in 2020 and presents a modernized style of movie watching. Like other AMC locations, this theater screens commercial Hollywood films with reserved seating, recliners, and various food options. If you want to order your movie tickets earlier, buy your tickets online or with the AMC app. You can also order your chosen snacks online and pick them up when you arrive!
If you’re looking for beverages, the AMC Madison Yards 8 offers a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, where you can mix and match different soda flavors. The theater also has its own MacGuffins bar, where you can drink fun-flavored cocktails or wine and beer. One Google reviewer swears by the food and drinks, saying that “the popcorn was fresh and the soda was strong as well.”
AMC Madison Yards 8 has 3D and Dolby Cinema which provides dramatic images, moving audio, and spacious sound that makes the movie-watching experience more worthwhile. With intense sound and visual effects, this theater can make you think you’ve been transported into the movie. How cool is that?!
AMC Madison Yards 8
975 Memorial Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
We hope this rundown of some of our favorite Atlanta movie theaters inspires you to go out and see all of the latest new movies out now in theaters.
