It’s time to go to the movies and enjoy all the latest new movie releases and current movies in theaters! Check out to see if we’ve covered your city! This week we’re focusing on Raleigh movie theaters.
In a city as beautiful as Raleigh, 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 across town to go to one 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 9 of our favorite local movie theaters in Raleigh to help you make the most of your Raleigh movie theater experience.
Grab some movie theater popcorn and get comfy as we dive into our Raleigh movie theater guide!
Not in Raleigh? Check out all of our other local movie theater guides here.
Want one for your city? Let us know on Twitter.
Raleigh Movie Theaters: AMC Park Place 16
Located in Morrisville, NC is the AMC Park Place 16. While you’ll have to drive a little more than 20 minutes to get here, it’s worth it. This AMC operates like other AMCs around the country. There’s recliners, crystal clear projects, new movie releases, anything you can think of!
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One Google reviewer loves the vibes of the place. “Immaculately clean, perfect ambience without feeling overcrowded. Awesome recliners. Decent sound. Polite patrons. Great staff. Temperature was spot on. Think we’ve found our new go-to.
Try it out for yourself and see if it’ll be your next go to spot!
AMC Park Place 16
9525 Chapel Hill Rd
Morrisville, NC 27560
Raleigh Movie Theaters: Marbles IMAX
Is there anything better than seeing a movie on an IMAX screen? We think not.
However, if you’re like us, you’ve probably found that North Carolina doesn’t have a lot of options in terms of IMAX theaters. That’s why the Marbles IMAX Theater is so special—it’s the only one in the state! So if you want to see a movie on an IMAX screen in NC, this is where to go. Serving as a kids museum and theater since 2007, Marbles Kids Museum offers one of the best movie experiences in the state.
People from all over flock to this theater to experience movies on an enormous IMAX screen. The theater offers a unique experience featuring an immersive sound system that envelops the audience in the action of the film and a wall-to-wall screen that fills your field of vision with brilliant images.
Along with the IMAX screens, the decor, atmosphere and special events make Marbles IMAX all the more enjoyable.
An awesome weekend at the #MarblesIMAX in Raleigh seeing all three of the extended editions of the #LordOfTheRings films! 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/ZdtbTqrowF
— RaD Adventures (@RaD_Adventures) March 1, 2020
Marbles IMAX
201 E Hargett St
Raleigh, NC, 27601
Raleigh Movie Theaters: The Cinemark Raleigh Grande
If you’re a movie lover, you need to check out the Cinemark Theater in Raleigh, NC.
This theater offers a variety of movie options and snacks to enjoy during your show. You can watch everything from action-packed thrillers to family-friendly comedies, and everything in between.
Additionally, the new chairs and tables are perfect for holding your snack during the movie and you can even upgrade your seat to one of their reclining luxury lounge chairs. Theater-goers can also enjoy alcoholic drinks and fast food.
This crew came to the theater in style, showing people of all ages come to enjoy the newest movies at the Cinemark Raleigh Grande.
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Cinemark Raleigh Grande
4840 Grove Barton Rd
Raleigh, NC 27613
Raleigh Movie Theaters: Alamo Drafthouse
If you’re looking for a movie theater with great food and a fun atmosphere, look no further than the Alamo Drafthouse in Raleigh.
The Raleigh Alamo Drafthouse has a loyal customer base, and according to reviews, people can’t imagine going anywhere else in the Raleigh area to see a movie. The food is incredible and their loaded fries are apparently to die for.
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The Alamo Drafthouse knows how to do food right. If you’re gluten-free, they’ve got you covered. If you’re vegan, they’ve got your back. And if you just love a good burger or fancy pants burger, they’ve got that too! Add to all that a beer list filled with local brews and a variety of other interesting selections, and it’s clear this place is something special.
Whether you’re watching an action flick or a tearjerker, you’ll be able to relax in their comfy seats while enjoying some great food and drinks.
What really makes this place stand out is their commitment to giving customers an experience that goes beyond just watching a movie. They host events like Grease singalong nights and Pulp Fiction parties where you can meet other people who love movies just as much as you do. In summary, this theater has everything you need for the perfect night!
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Alamo Drafthouse
2116-D New Bern Ave
Raleigh, NC 27610
Raleigh Movie Theaters: The Rialto
The Rialto Theater is hands down one of Raleigh’s most unique movie theaters.You won’t get the multiplex experience here, but that doesn’t matter. You’ll get what you want: an old-style theater where they serve beer and show only the best films.
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the historic Rialto Theater, then you need to check out Monday at the Movies. Every 3rd Monday of the month, tickets are only $5. Pre pandemic, the theater would host a Rocky Horror Picture Night every Friday at Midnight, and Raleigh locals absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, the Rialto has not hosted a Rocky Horror Night in a few years, but locals remember the time with nostalgia, calling the experience ‘life changing’.
I grew up going more times than I can count to see Rocky Horror at The Rialto Theater in Raleigh, NC at Five Points. It started at midnight. They let you bring in rice, soda, popcorn, newspapers. People acted the movie out down in front. It was life changing. #RIPMeatLoaf pic.twitter.com/HckJXghuIf
— Astonishing Legends (@AstonshngLegnds) January 21, 2022
I’ve seen rocky horror over 100 times at the rialto in Raleigh lol https://t.co/wTQ8kYfxMM
— gay (@pupybowtie) November 30, 2020
In addition to these screenings, The Rialto offers custom paintings and totes emblazoned with its name—perfect for any movie lover who wants to support small business! These paintings are available at Tom Forsythe’s Etsy Shop and 50% of artwork revenues will go toward upkeep and improvements of the theater.
During the pandemic, this little theater did something amazing: it opened up its doors to couples and small groups so they could rent out their space and get a taste of life before the pandemic hit. One reviewer said, “It was pure magic, just the two of us, in one of our favorite spots in Raleigh, living a taste of life prior to the pandemic.”
The Rialto will close for the time being
This week on Instagram,, the owner Bill Peeble announced that the Rialto Theater will be temporarily closing its doors due to ‘retirement and market conditions’.
“Retiring is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make, but I know it is time,” wrote Peebles, who ran the theatre for over 30 years. “I will truly miss our wonderful staff and fiercely loyal patrons. See ya at the movies.”
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The final marquee change will occur on Sunday, August 28, at 1 p.m. In true Rialto fashion, Bill Peebles thought it was only appropriate that the last showing will be Rocky Horror Picture Show. Emotional fans and Rialto patrons responded to the news on Twitter.
It’s starting to sink in: Raleigh’s historic Rialto Theatre closes on August 27: https://t.co/ot9HB2Xubz @RaleighMovies #Rialto
— daniel cook johnson (@filmbabble) August 15, 2022
Fans of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” won’t want to miss the last showings at the beloved Raleigh theater. https://t.co/68dWNpXHsC
— The News & Observer (@newsobserver) August 17, 2022
The Rialto Theatre
1620 Glenwood Ave
Raleigh, NC, 27608
Raleigh Movie Theaters: The Carey Theatre
If you’re a film fan and you live in the Raleigh-Durham area, you need to stop into The Carey Theater. It’s an absolute gem of a venue that offers independent films, classic cinema, locally produced film festivals, live music, and comedy!
The theater has 175 seats—and it fills up quickly. Film fanatics come for the movies, but stay for the atmosphere. The Carey Theatre is one of the only Raleigh Movie Theaters that plays niche films including foreigh films, sundance film festival films and arthouse films.
The theater also offers events and series nights with fun themes like food films, kung-fu movies , prom movies and more!
Costume contest FRI for Napoleon Dynamite w/ photo booth. Sing-along on Saturday for Grease & you’re welcome to “Bang Your Head” at Footloose, too! TIX $6
*@TOC_Downtown @TOC_Fun @TownofCary pic.twitter.com/TCGIAzhepn— The Cary Theater (@CaryTheater) May 19, 2022
The theater itself is beautifully restored with comfortable seats and clean carpets, pristine bathrooms, and affordable drinks and snacks.
Bonus: there’s a coffee shop right next door so you can visit and bring your coffee into the theater.
The Carey Theatre
122 E Chatham
St Cary, NC 27511
Raleigh Movie Theaters: Triangle Drive-In
If you’re looking for a fun evening out with your family, friends or partner, plan a movie night at the Triangle Drive-In in Raleigh. It’s cozy and cute, and has a great selection of movies for every type of film lover, including kids.
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There are tons of restaurants nearby, and the food court at the mall is open to get some snacks beforehand. If you come early enough, you’ll be able to find a good spot to watch the movie from your car or with lawn chairs outside.
The concession stand is affordable and there are food trucks available if you want something more substantial than popcorn or candy bars before or during your movie.
The Raleigh Triangle Drive-In is open on Friday and Saturdays , offering a unique mix of new kids movies, blockbuster films and film classics and even double features!
You can view their entire movie schedule here.
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The Triangle Drive In
3721 Sumner Blvd Unit 150
Raleigh, NC 27616
Raleigh Movie Theaters: Paragon Theaters- Fenton
The Paragon Theater in Carey is not just a theater, it’s an experience. It’s got everything you could ever dream of: luxury seating, sight and sound technology that immerses you into the movie, and dine-in seating service featuring the best in craft food & beverage by The Agency – Bar & Social.
The theater is equipped with Lux Box dine-in seating in all seven auditoriums, and includes the Axis15 Extreme theater – Raleigh’s largest screen featuring 4K Laser Projection and Dolby Atmos sound technology.
Simultaneously, the Paragon Theater also serves as a full-service entertainment destination, with a state-of-the-art bowling alley, arcade games, and an incredible restaurant and bar that serves drinks and food directly to your seat during a movie!
Don’t believe us? Take a look yourself at the luxury theater with comfortable seats, tons of privacy, and most importantly, a dedicated bar for each theater.
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Paragon Theatres- Fenton
21 Fenton Main St Suite 110
Cary, NC 27511
Raleigh Movie Theaters: CMX CinéBistro at Waverly Place
CMX CinéBistro at Waverly Place in Raleigh fully leans into the “dinner-and-a-movie” experience. They offer an elevated movie-going experience with amenities such as reserved seating in cozy, oversized reclining leather seats, full-service in-theatre dining, 4k digital projection, and 7.1 surround sound. You can enjoy chef-crafted American Bistro cuisine, fine wines, and signature cocktails served in an environment like no other, making for a perfect date night.
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Guests can choose to just dine in the restaurant and bar without the movie and can choose to see a movie, but not order dinner. The theater also offers traditional movie concessions such as hot, fresh-popped popcorn, candies, and snacks.
Furthermore, the multi-functional theater is also available to rent for movie screenings, birthday parties, corporate events and all kinds of celebrations.
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CMX CinéBistro at Waverly Place
525 New Waverly Pl Suite 203
Cary, NC 27518
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