Updated at: 23-06-2023 - By: Craig Huey

Film theaters in Boston include a wide range of films, from major studio releases to independent fare, international fare to art house fare, and everything in between.

Boston has a lot of movie theaters, but film fans can also watch movies at museums and universities.

Movie theaters in Boston offer a wide variety of films, including first-run blockbusters, independent and foreign films, documentaries, and even cutting-edge experimental and science fiction films.

And since we can all watch movies on our phones or TVs at home if we want to, theaters have to offer something unique to attract customers, and Boston”s cinemas do.

You can find more to enjoy than just the chance to see a film at one of Boston”s many thriving movie theaters, which offer everything from cool ambiance to super-comfy reclining seats to huge screens to premium sound to wine and beer at your seats and even popcorn flavors crafted by top local chefs.

Also included in our guide are theaters in the Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville areas, all of which are easily accessible via the T (Boston’s subway system).

Here’s What You’ll Find in This Article

First-Run Movie Theaters in Boston

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The West End’s ArcLight Cinemas, located in the Hub on Boston

ShowPlace ICON TheatreSeaport

The ShowPlace ICON at Seaport has set a new standard for movie theaters in the Boston area with its gourmet popcorn flavors created by some of the city’s best chefs, craft beers, and specialty sodas, not to mention its reclining heated seats with swivel tables. The state-of-the-art auditorium is one of the most technologically advanced in the country, and that’s before you factor in the surround sound and 4K laser projection screens. After 8 o’clock at night, the theater is restricted to adults only.

Bonus: Showtime and format determine ticket prices, but even at the highest end, the additional cost is minimal compared to other local theaters. Visit one of the many harbor-view restaurants in the Seaport district before or after the movie.

Number 60 Seaport Boulevard | Courthouse Station on the Silver Line (Lines SL1, SL2, and SL3)|Schedules and admission information

ArcLight Cinema

It is part of the Hub on Causway complex, which is right next to TD Garden Cineplex ArcLight provides the best viewing experience possible in a black box theater showing a wide variety of films, including recent releases, independent films, and classics.

Seats may recline or not, there may or may not be advertisements, there may or may not be trailers, and there will be no late seating.

Although you are surrounded by many other options in Hub on Causeway and all the other restaurants and bars in the area, the cafe, coffee bar, and full bar are on-site and offer high-quality food and drink bars specializing in sports-watching nearby or in close proximity.

It’s no secret that parking at North Station is prohibitively expensive, so your best bet is to find an alternative or hop on the T.

Bonus: Check out the theater’s annual membership program, where you can get two free tickets (worth more than the fee) and discounts at the concession stands, gift shop, and more.

Call (606) 235-2550 or visit North Station (Orange and Green Lines, as well as northbound commuter train lines from Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lowell, and Newburyport/Rockport) at 60 Causeway Street where to find showtimes and buy tickets

AMC Loews Boston Common 19

The huge The Loews AMC Theater Public Green Space in Boston This multiplex theater has 19 screens and plays mostly new releases. The theater’s prime spot across Tremont Street from Boston Common and next to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel makes it easy to get to.

Bonus: You can grab a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, or a drink at the nearby Restaurants in the Theatre District on Washington Avenue, or in any of the exciting locales to Enjoy a meal in Chinatown literally only a couple of blocks away.

175 Tremont St., Between the Red and Green Lines, Park Street Station| (888) 262-4386 | Ticketing information and performance times

Regal Fenway Stadium 13 & RPX

Students from Boston University and other nearby colleges and universities, as well as professionals living in Fenway and Back Bay, frequent the 13-screen Regal Fenway Stadium theater, which shows mostly first-run commercial movies.

Bonus: High-quality screens and stereos. Have dinner at a local Fenway restaurant before seeing a movie, and then stick around to enjoy the neighborhood’s lively nightlife afterward.

Fenway Park, 201 Brookline Avenue, Green Line, Stop D |Telephone: (617) 424-6111 | Website: www.regmovies.com

More Entertaining Things to Do in Boston

The Museum of Science in Boston

The IMAX® Dome screen is five stories tall, and the state-of-the-art audio system creates a full-immersion cinematic experience. Movies about science, nature, and exploration can be seen in the Mugar Omni Theater at Boston’s Museum of Science.

Bonus: Consider combining a trip to the Mugar Omni IMAX Theater with a stop at the Museum of Science; with a valid Boston discount card, entry to the Museum is free.

The Green Line at the Lechmere (Scientific) Park stop in Boston’s West End|Located at 617 723-2500 | www.amctheatres.com

Simons IMAX Theatre
New England Aquarium

The slightly curved, enormous 65″ x 85″ screen at the Simons IMAX next to New England Aquarium will make you feel like you’re right there with the sea creatures who are the stars of most of the films shown there.

Bonus: A combination ticket to the New England Aquarium and an IMAX film is a great way to save money. If you want to see whales, dolphins, and other marine life up close and personal this summer, you should go on a whale watching cruise.

Park Street Station on the Red and Green Lines, at 175 Tremont Street|Schedules and admission information

Movie Theaters in Cambridge, Somerville, & Brookline

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Assembly Row AMC (Somerville)

Assembly Row AMC provides a first-run experience and luxurious leather seats (some of which recline), private two-seat “pods” ideal for cuddling along the sides, and enveloping IMAX and 3D options.

Bonus: The Assembly Row shopping and entertainment district is home to many well-known brands’ outlet stores (Banana Republic, J. Crew, Nike, etc.) as well as numerous exciting eateries and pubs. You can take the Orange Line on the T or drive and park in the garage right next to the theater.

Orange Line/Assembly Station, Assembly Row, Somerville, www.amctheatres.com| 617-440-4192

Coolidge Corner Theatre (Brookline)

Considered by many locals to be the best independent film theater in the area. This historic Boston area theater, which opened in 1906 as a church and 1933 as an Art Deco movie palace, nearly closed its doors in the late 1980s due to competition from large suburban multiplex cinemas.

In 1989, the theater was saved by the community’s outpouring of love and donations; today, as a non-profit, it continues to thrive thanks to the diverse range of films it shows, which includes arthouse, mainstream, foreign, and first-run releases. The offerings are rounded out by a popular children”s series and numerous movie-related events.

Bonus: Near the theater, on Harvard Street and the nearby Beacon Street, are a wide variety of highly regarded dining establishments.

Green Line C/Coolidge Corner stops right at 290 Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner, Brookline (www.coolidge.org).|-617-734-2500

Brattle Theatre (Cambridge)

Focuses on independent, arthouse, foreign, and cult films, as well as the occasional first-run release. Repertory shows that highlight a specific director, genre, or actor are always a treat.

There are occasionally live music performances and author readings/signings that are not to be missed.

Warning: You could be forgiven for thinking that the theater’s seats haven’t been modernized since they first started showing films here in 1953; instead, embrace the nostalgia.

Bonus: Visit Burdick”s (52 Brattle Street) and try some of the best hot chocolate in Boston.

Red Line/Harvard Square Station, 40 Brattle Street| 617-876-6837 | Schedules and admission information

Landmark”s Kendall Square Cinema (Cambridge)

In addition to showing Boston premieres, film festivals, and special screenings not found anywhere else, the 9-screen Kendall Square Cinema also shows a wide variety of foreign language, restored classic, independent, limited release, and documentary films. Recognized as a top venue for theatrical performances in the greater Boston and Cambridge area.

There is alcohol and some relatively nutritious food options.

Bonus: Superb viewing areas with slanted seating and recliner chairs (so no one can block your view).

Address: 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge (355 Binney Street, between MIT and Central Square); Metro: Red Line: Kendall-MIT; Phone: 617-499-1966; Tickets:

Somerville Theatre (Somerville)

There is a theatre in Somerville is a venue that has been converted from a live theater to a cinema, but which still hosts performances and concerts when movies aren’t playing. Are you intrigued? One possibility is that very intriguing… just ask the people who saw U2 play here recently without any prior warning. Boston’s annual Science Fiction Film Festival, which runs for ten days in February, is held at Somerville Theatre.

In trendy Davis Square, Somerville, you can find both new and used commercial releases, as well as art, cult, and indie flicks. The At the Somerville Theatre hosts exciting theatrical productions, shows, and festivals.

The Somerville Theatre is the first theater in the greater Boston area to serve beer and wine, as well as other alcoholic beverages and tasty snacks like Richardson ice cream.

The theater is conveniently located near the Davis Square T stop and a number of popular eating and drinking establishments, including Redbones BBQ, Diva, Johnny D’s, and many more. It’s possible that you’ll come to love this theater as much as any other in the Boston area.

Bonus: You can visit the Museum of Bad Art in the basement after the performance for some added entertainment value. Film tickets are also relatively inexpensive, which is a nice perk.

Location: 55 Davis Square, Somerville (Davis Square) | Red Line/Davis|Showtimes & Tickets | 617-625-5700

More Places to See Movies in Boston & Cambridge

Boston Public Library

Movies are occasionally shown at the Boston Public Library, and they’re usually appropriate for the whole family free.

If you’re looking for something to do with the kids or if you’re interested in hearing some great music, the Library has plenty of events to offer besides movie listings. A film may be shown as part of a lecture on the same subject.

In addition, the modern, light-filled section of BPL has comfortable seating and several entertaining cafes/coffee bars, while the historic wing features museum-quality artwork. Everyone is welcome to come in and use the library’s resources at no cost.

Located at 700 Boylston Street, Copley Square |Green Line/Copley|Phone: 617-536-5400 | Website: www.bpl.org

French Library (Alliance Francaise of Boston)

Check their event schedule to see if they show movies if you speak (or understand) French.

Occasionally on Saturdays, they’ll have a Cine-Club or similar event for kids.

Address: 53 Marlborough St., Back Bay, MA 02130 | Green Line/Copley|(617) 912-0400 | www.frenchlib.org

Harvard Film Archive (Cambridge)

Harvard’s 200-seat Carpenter Center theater regularly screens films from the Harvard Film Archive on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday evenings throughout the year. From among the collection’s 14,000 films (and counting), curators choose works that represent a wide range of styles, periods, and countries.

As the collection grows, the Carpenter Center is being used more frequently to screen films. Movie tickets are available for purchase 45 minutes before the start of the showing.

Red Line/Harvard Square, Cambridge; Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, 24 Quincy Street|Phone: 617-495-4700 | Website: hcl.harvard.edu/hfa

Museum of Fine Arts

Foreign films, classic films, indie films, local films, and avant-garde experimental films are all part of the MFA’s seemingly endless film selection. There are also numerous annual film festivals, premieres in Boston, exhibit-related films, and talks by film producers and directors.

If you like the types of shows that MFA puts on, you should check them out because there is usually a wide variety to choose from and the offerings are sometimes unique.

Green Line E/Museum stop at 465 Huntington Ave in Fenway.|mfa.org | 617.267.9300

ICA Boston

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston regularly screens a wide variety of films, both independently and in conjunction with other exhibitions, as well as in the context of their well-attended social events.

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The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston is a great place to see modern, independent, and art films, as well as to meet people who share your passion.

Address: 100 Northern Avenue, South Boston Waterfront; Subway: Red Line/South Station; Silver Line Waterfront to Courthouse; Walk East (Away from City) 1 Block; Phone: (617) 478-3103; Website: www.icaboston.org