Do you love seeing a film on the big screen? While going to the movies might not be something that you go out of your way to do while on vacation, if you visit an area that is home to one of the best movie theaters in America, you would simply have to check it out! Here are some unique movie theaters that offer an experience well beyond your typical popcorn-and-a-movie night out:
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The Alamo Drafthouse, Austin, Texas If you find yourself in Austin, you might want to check out the Alamo Drafthouse. Instead of munching on popcorn while watching the latest blockbusters, you’ll dine on cocktails and appetizers while taking in a quirky variety of entertaining films. This September, take part in the annual Fantastic Fest, which is dedicated to cult and horror films. One caveat: If you can’t observe proper movie theater etiquette, you won’t be welcome here. The Drafthouse chain is known for enforcing strict rules, including no unaccompanied minors, no talking, and no texting. Patrons have been asked to leave after not complying with the rules.
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Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Hollywood, California The allure of this theater really has nothing to do with the movies playing, but rather, the celebrities featured in the movies! While you wait for your tickets, you’ll have ample opportunity to compare your hand- and footprints to the rich and famous, including Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood and, for the less traditionally-shoed among us, R2D2.
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Film Forum, New York City If you’re looking for the hottest new films, you won’t find them here. Instead, moviegoers to the Film Forum will find independent films, documentaries, and other movies produced to inspire thinking in their viewers. The experience has been likened to taking a film class. Located between Greenwich and Soho, it tends to appeal to those interested in social, historical, political and cultural topics.
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The Castro Theater, San Francisco It’s the details that make the Castro Theater, which was built in the 1920s, so interesting. From the Mexican cathedral-inspired outside to the gorgeous works of art on the sides of the screens, this “movie palace” is teeming with the luxury and decadence of a bygone era.
If you love movies, it’s worth checking out which theaters are popular in the area that you’ll be visiting. Moviegoing isn’t always about relaxing with an overpriced container of nachos and a $6 soft drink while watching the newest blockbusters, though it certainly can be if that’s the experience you’re looking for!
Have you visited any unique or interesting movie theaters in your travels or in your hometown? Tell our readers about it!
