In a city as big and bountiful as Detroit, 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 1 theater and another? Is it worth the trek across town to go to 1 local movie theater with reclining seats versus the 1 around the corner? Do I want to ball out and get drinks served at my seat? Or do I want to keep it chill at an independent movie theater that sells unique food offerings? With over 30 movie theatres within the Detroit area, it’s no wonder you don’t know where to start!
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 Detroit to help you make the most of your Motor City movie theater experience.
Grab some movie theater popcorn and get comfy as we dive into our Detroit movie theater guide!
Not in Detroit? Check out all of our other local movie theater guides here. Want one for your city? Let us know on Twitter.
Detroit Movie Theaters: AMC John R 15
The AMC John R 15 is located about a half-hour from Detroit in Madison Heights, Michigan. The theater has reclining leather seats that can be reserved ahead of guests’ movies. The theater offers RealD 3D for select films and movie-goers can even buy tickets at a discounted rate on Tuesdays!
Guests can pre-order concessions on the AMC Theatres App and, once at the AMC John R 15, guests looking to get an alcoholic beverage can order from MacGuffin’s Bar.
One reviewer on Google wrote, “Great experience to watch a movie. Love the reclining seats and that you can reserve your seats that was awesome. Very clean easy access to all food and drinks. Employees are very nice and attentive everyone had smiles.”
AMC John R 15
32289 John R Road
Madison Heights, MI 48071
View AMC John R 15 movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
Detroit Movie Theaters: Bel Air Luxury Cinema
The Bel Air Luxury Cinema is located on the site of Detroit’s old Bel-Air Drive-In, which first opened in 1950! According to the thater’s website, the drive-in closed in 1986, and the current Bel Air Luxury Cinema was opened by AMC in 1988. The theater shows the latest movie releases and also holds events like screenings and community Q&As.
In 2016, the Bel Air Luxury Cinema was remodeled and fitted with high-back rockers and reclining seats in its auditoriums. The renovated theater features glittery decor and a large chandelier in the lobby, making the movie-going experience feel extra special for guests. The concession stand carries typical movie theater fare with the addition of some hot options like soft pretzels and pizza.
Reviewers noted that they received great customer service while visiting the Bel Air Luxury Cinema. One reviewer on Google wrote, “First time going and the experience was great from the comfortable seating to the good food.”
Bel Air Luxury Cinema
10100 E 8 Mile Road
Detroit, MI 48234
View Bel Air Luxury Cinema movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
Detroit Movie Theaters: Cinema Detroit
Located in Midtown Detroit, Cinema Detroit is one of Detroit’s only true independent movie theaters, according to its website. The theater opened in 2013 in a former furniture store. Cinema Detroit is a non-profit theater dedicated to creating a community and increasing media literacy and arts education for Detroit’s residents.
Cinema Detroit has contactless concessions and sells popcorn, as well as some other locally-made snacks. The theater does not have traditional seating, but instead cushioned chairs and couches. Cinema Detroit also hosts a program called Ethics & Aesthetics where members of marginalized communities can come together to view and discuss projects that relate to their life experiences.
Cinema Detroit shows many independent and foreign films. Sometimes, the theater even presents drive-in movies! One reviewer on Google wrote, “We loved the intimate setting and the fact they offer films that aren’t offered everywhere else… Cinema Detroit is truly a Detroit gem!”
Cinema Detroit
4126 3rd Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
View Cinema Detroit movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
Detroit Movie Theaters: Detroit Film Theatre
The Detroit Film Theatre is located in the Detroit Institute of Arts. The theater is ornate and beautiful, providing a unique experience for guests. The theater has held screening for Academy Award-nominated short films for years!
The Detroit Film Theatre is temporarily closed, but has virtual screenings for audiences who want to watch movies at home. They boast that they show films you won’t find at big chain theaters including documentaries and historical films.
One reviewer on Google wrote, “The Detroit Film Theater plays such a wide variety of films, from silent films accompanied by live music to cat videos. Because it’s housed in the Detroit Institute of Arts, you know anything you watch will be fantastic. The theater itself is a work of art.”
Detroit Film Theatre
5200 John R Street
Detroit, MI 48202
View Detroit Film Theatre movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
Detroit Movie Theaters: Redford Theatre
The Redford Theatre has been in continuous operation since 1928. The theatre contains a multi-story foyer, a full stage, and a pipe organ! The Redford Theatre hosts live shows and has the ability to show 35mm and 70mm films.
The Redford Theatre has a cash-only concession bar where guests can choose from a variety of snacks. The space is very large, with the capacity to hold over 1,500 guests. The theatre plays classic films with organ overtures, and sometimes even has appearances from Hollywood actors!
One reviewer on Google said the Redford Theatre is “One of the most magical places in Detroit! If you see something playing stop in and see an incredible movie palace with 1600 seats and a bunch of friendly older folks volunteering at the concessions stand.”
Redford Theatre
17360 Lahser Road
Detroit, MI 48219
View Redford Theatre movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
Detroit Movie Theaters: Ford Wyoming Drive-In
The Ford Wyoming Drive-In shows all of the latest movie releases to be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. While most drive-ins are only open on the weekends, the Ford Wyoming Drive-In is open seven days a week! Tickets are sold per guest rather than per car and can be purchased online or in-person.
The Ford Wyoming Drive-In plays double features and has screenings as late as 1:40 AM. Guests are allowed to bring in outside food, or purchase on-site concessions like cheeseburgers, fries, and chicken strips.
Reviewers online raved about their experiences at the Ford Wyoming Drive-In. One reviewer on Google wrote, “This is THE destination for family, friends, and a night of movies under the stars with any company you choose.”
Ford Wyoming Drive-In
10400 Ford Road
Dearborn, MI 48126
View Ford-Wyoming Drive In movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
Detroit Movie Theaters: MJR Universal Grand Cinema 16
The MJR Universal Grand Cinema 16 is located about 15 miles outside of Detroit in Warren, Michigan. The theater has reserved seating in luxury recliners. Guests can purchase their tickets online or at the kiosks located in the theater’s lobby.
Guests who want to enjoy a drink before or after their movie can indulge at the MJR Universal Grand Cinema 16’s Studio Bar & Lounge. One reviewer on Google shared her experience of the theater: “The drinks from the bar were great, the movie was good and the theater was clean.”
MJR Universal Grand Cinema 16
28600 Dequindre Road
Warren, MI 48092
View MJR Universal Grand Cinema 16 movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
Detroit Movie Theaters: Emagine Royal Oak
Less than a half-hour drive from Detroit, the Emagine Royal Oak provides a variety of amenities for its guests. The theater’s “Dine N’ View” allows guests to order food right to their seat to be savored during the movie. Similarly, the theater serves a breakfast buffet along with a showing of the latest family film.
The Emagine Royal Oak has power reclining seats that guests can reserve upon purchasing their tickets. The theater offers a variety of enhanced viewing features including RealD 3D and DBOx Motion Seats, which place guests right in the action of the film. EMAX screens have the highest-quality sound and projection, and the Monster Screen stretches from floor to ceiling and wall to wall.
There are a variety of concessions at the Emagine Royal Oak, including pizzas, quesadillas, gourmet popcorn, alcoholic beverages, and self-serve Coca-Cola freestyle machines. The theater even has its own bowling alley! One reviewer on Google wrote, “Nice theater! Really clean and great ambience inside. The recliner seats were amazing and very spacious.”
Emagine Royal Oak
200 N Main Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067
View Emagine Royal Oak movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
Detroit Movie Theaters: Penn Theatre
Located about 25 miles outside of Detroit in downtown Plymouth, the Penn Theatre shows a mix of recent releases and older films. The theatre also hosts independent films, film festivals, and live music performances. Some showings are even free for guests!
The Penn Theatre first opened in 1941 with a screening of Weekend in Havana. In 2003, the theatre closed to undergo renovations and, with help from the community, it reopened in 2006. The Penn Theatre has 1 movie screen and can seat 402 audience members.
Reviewers are highly complimentary of their experiences at this unique theatre. One reviewer on Google called the Penn Theatre “A perfect family or friend get-together for many new or vintage
shows/movies. Worth taking your date to this place too!”
Penn Theatre
760 Penniman Ave
Plymouth, MI 48170
View Penn Theatre movie showtimes here.
Detroit Movie Theaters: The Maple Theater
The Maple Theater is located about 25 miles outside of Detroit in Bloomfield Hills. In addition to showing recent releases, the theater has a “Secret Cinema” program. When guests participate, they won’t know what classic film from Old or New Hollywood they’ll be seeing until they’re in their seats and the lights go down. Films are chosen by local professors, critics, industry professionals, and movie fanatics, and are followed by a Q&A session.
One reviewer on Google said The Maple Theater is “A unique theatre where you can get a meal or a snack and then see a film that probably isn’t at any other theatre in the area.” Another wrote, “The Maple Theater never fails to impress. It is obvious that the owners are passionate about movies and their customers.”
The Maple Theater
4135 W Maple Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
View The Maple Theater movie showtimes and buy movie tickets here.
We hope this rundown of some of our favorite Detroit movie theaters inspires you to go out and see all of the latest new movies out now in theaters.
View all of our local movie theater guides here.
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