In Boston, we're spoiled for choices when it comes to seeing a movie. Here are six of my favorite theaters in and around the city.
1. AMC Assembly 12
Boston's newest movie theater in Assembly Row is quite luxe: armchair-style seating (with some seats that recline), IMAX and 3D movies, concessions including jalapeno poppers and waffle fries, and a mix-and-match soda vending machine where you can create your own customized soda flavor.
There's also a bar (and yes, you can bring your drink in to your movie). The theaters are squeaky-clean, too. And unlike many other Boston-area theaters, there's plenty of free parking.
2. The Brattle
Tucked into Harvard Square, the Brattle Theater makes each movie an event. The curated showings feature independent, art house, foreign, and classic movies, and it isn't unusual to see a quote-along of a cult favorite, a Q&A with the director, or lectures from prominent film critics accompanying screenings on the theater's monthly calendar listings. I love the theater's annual Trailer Treats event, where two hours of trailers from the 1950s to present day, for movies both well-known and little-seen, are shown (accompanied with dinner from a local BBQ restaurant). The Brattle also hosts regular Saturday morning cartoon screenings, as well as an annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival. It's a quirky—and always fun—place to see a show.
3. Coolidge Corner Theater
Housed in an Art Deco theater in Brookline's neighborhood of the same name, the Coolidge Corner Theater is a gorgeous place to take in a movie.
The schedule is primarily art house and independent films, although the staff also is game for goofy events from time to time. If you see a sing-along to a classic musical on the month's lineup, for example, be sure to go: The atmosphere is always hilarious, with costumes often encouraged. (Moviegoers who dressed up for the sing-along Sound of Music and Labyrinth showings a few years back took their attire very seriously.) The theater is also a nonprofit organization: All ticket and event proceeds support the Coolidge Corner Theater Foundation.
4. Landmark Kendall Square Theater
A frequent fixture on many Boston "Best Of" lists, the Kendall Square Theater in Cambridge's Kendall Square is the place to go for indie, foreign, avant garde, and otherwise hard-to-find or little-known movies. The film roster differs from the everyday, as does its concession stand: Snack options include freshly brewed coffee and pastries, in addition to traditional salty and sweet fare. Movie buffs can also take advantage of the theater's "Film Aficionado" program: If you buy a book of 25 tickets, you'll get a discounted price of $8 per ticket (a significant savings compared to Boston's other first-run theaters). Lastly, this theater stands out from the rest for its ample parking—a neighboring garage offers discounted validated parking, so unlike other theaters on this list, you don't have to worry about arriving late for your movie because you're searching for a place to park.
5. Loews Theater Boston Common
If you want to see the newest of new releases, chances are the Loews Boston Common theater will be showing them. This huge theater adjacent to the Common has 19 screens, including iMAX and 3-D options. Viewing rooms have stadium-style seating, digital projection, and surround sound. It's the place to go to see the blockbusters large and loud. It's easily accessible from the Red, Orange, and Green lines on the T, or, if you're visiting after 6 p.m., park your car a few blocks away at the affordable Boston Common Central Parking Garage.
6. Somerville Theatre
The Somerville Theatre in Davis Square has two concessions that distinguish it from other area theaters: ice cream and booze. Here, you can take in a movie while sampling the latest flavors of local favorite Richardson's ice cream, accompanied by a beer on draft or glass of wine. (All regular snacks, including popcorn and candy, are also available.) Movies range from crowd-pleasers to indie festival darlings. Another perk? Admission prices are typically cheaper than other Boston-area theaters: Show up before 6 p.m. and your ticket is $6 (all ages, all seats); seats for showings after 6 p.m. are $9 for adults and $6 for seniors 62 and older.
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