A subjective and 100 percent biased ranking of Charlotte movie theaters
It’s cold outside in Charlotte, and whenever that’s the case, countless Charlotteans will flock to movie theaters to escape the chilly weather by sitting silently in heavily air-conditioned theaters for hours at a time. Don’t try and reason with that logic, just read this completely fact-based and totally objective ranking of the top five movie-going experiences in Charlotte that don’t involve Netflix or bootlegged flea market DVDs.
(5) Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen Stadium 22 & IMAX
Crowd: Everyone who has ever grown up in or around South Charlotte’s many different neighborhoods or subdivisions know that this is THE place to be for weekend fun (loitering). That tradition continues on even today.
Price: Standard ticket prices. Prices start at $6 most weeknights and $10 weekends.*
Food and beverage: Food and beverage are also pretty standard, which is somewhat surprising considering the limited allowance of many patrons.
Comfort: The seats are pretty stiff and the viewing lines aren’t anything special but if you’re into lapses of teenage nostalgia and arcades I suppose you could do worse.
7824 Rea Road
(4) AMC Carolina Pavilion 22
Crowd: Carolina Pavilion gets a little bit of all the different traditional movie-goers and legitimately gives off the sense that everyone in line is going to a “true” movie-viewing experience. This theater is one of the older ones remaining and its diverse crowd represents this.
Price: Prices start at $10.*
Food and beverage: The food is nothing to write home about but the beverages, on the other hand, are a revelation. Trying to enjoy a healthy buzz while watching “Arrival”? The theater now sells alcohol! Want to mix seven different kinds of soda into one giant bucket called a “cup”? You can make your own drinks! Ever feel like just crushing Slushees while watching Harry Potter movies? Look no further than Carolina Pavilion.
Comfort: The seating is spacious and comfortable, providing for an especially enjoyable experience.
9541 South Blvd.
(3) Cinebarre Arboretum 11
Crowd: Cinebarre has had an uphill battle from the start after adopting a younger crowd from the previous Arboretum location operating there. Fortunately, the emphasis on higher-brow entertainment has not reduced the size of the crowd enjoying movies here, just the focus.
Price: Surprisingly affordable for the environment and the experience! Prices start at $6 most weeknights and $10 weekends.*
Food and beverage: A refreshingly well-rounded menu of both food and drinks that aren’t too much more expensive than you’d find at your standard restaurant and delivered right to your seats.
Comfort: Let’s just say that I’ve considered just buying an afternoon matinee ticket and napping in the seats while some 1:30 p.m. Tyler Perry movie plays. That’s not weird at all.
8008 Providence Road
(2) Regal Manor Twin
Crowd: Hipster Ariel meets a dedicated community of long-time arts benefactors from around the community. So….it’s eclectic.
Price: Standard prices make for a particularly good deal with this movie-going experience. Prices start at $10.*
Food and beverage: Manor eschews the need for fine dining or libations at their establishment, instead offering a charming if limited menu of traditional movie treats that are more than satisfying!
Comfort: There’s something to be said for the comfort of watching a movie in what feels like a real, tried and true theater. In this regard, Manor cannot be topped…..even though the seats are pretty spartan.
609 Providence Road
(1) Regal Phillips Place Stadium 10
Crowd: An invigorating mix of people who generally come out to the area for a fun night out on the town beforehand or after at some of the restaurants and nightlife establishments within walking distance.
Price: Affordable and their specials for veterans and children are added perks too! Prices start at $6 most week nights and $10 weekends.*
Food and beverage: Traditional fare goes a long way here as the moment visitors walk in they are greeted by concession stands on either side of them, not unlike what you’d see in the mid-20th century theatres. The food is hot, the drinks are cold and the lines are never too long.
Comfort: The comfort of walking into a theater that appears to have Art-Deco design qualities and a charmingly lit location may seem a bit pretentious but it honestly adds to the experience here at Phillips Place. In addition to this, the seats, while not La-Z-Boys, more than do the trick for a night of comfortable movie viewing.
6911 Phillips Pl. Ct.
*Prices can be checked at Fandango.com.
Photo: John D. Simmons/Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published January 11, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "A subjective and 100 percent biased ranking of Charlotte movie theaters."