With peak movie season just weeks ahead, the team at City Cast Twin Cities decided to step into the fray and pick out some of our favorite spots to take in a film in the Twin Cities. Our criteria were far from scientific … we all love movies and the movie going experience. The film offerings matter, the accessibility matters, the prices matter … and yes, the urinals matter. Without further ado, here is our Top 5 + honorable mentions for movie theaters in the Twin Cities.
5 - The Grandview
The Grandview is a neighborhood gem with a history going back almost 100 years. They do plenty of late-night screenings of cult classics, work in lots of first-run flicks, and make sure there’s something for the kids most weekends. On top of their programming, this two-screen house packs a punch with a well-appointed concession stand and old-school urinals that harken back to a better time for lavish lavatory design.
(courtesy of AMC Eden Prairie 18)
It’s easy to lose a lot of personality when you head to a mall to take in a film. What you lose in personality, you often gain in convenience and options. But AMC Eden Prairie 18 bridges the gap and provides one of the finest experiences in mall movie viewing. AMC Eden Prairie 18 sits next to a well-appointed food court with tons of options, plus a truly cozy fireplace to relax in front of. Inside the theater area, you can find a functional bar, a nursing station, and a bevy of state-of-the-art screens with great sound and comfy seats.
(courtesy of Riverview)
The Riverview is the pinnacle of a neighborhood movie theater. This South Minneapolis gem offers the best popcorn in town at the best price. Plus, the Riverview programs a steady stream of unique movies mixed in with first-run films. The Riverview is available to rent on certain nights of the week for special events, which makes it near and dear to neighborhood residents who can host their own movie night for a reasonable price.
2 - The Main
(James Napoli / City Cast)
It’s hard to imagine the Minnesota movie scene without the Main. The Main is downright chameleonic; it is front and center for film festivals, premieres, and other unique offerings, but it is also a great spot to slide in and catch a big-budget Hollywood production in a great space. The Main also boasts more screens (five) than any other theater in Minneapolis proper and offers enough screenings to be the first place you look when you’re trying to see a film.
1 - The Trylon
(Sean McPherson / City Cast)
The Trylon is one of a kind. Nestled into the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis at 33rd and Minnehaha, this 90-seat movie theater traces its lineage to the Oak Street Cinema (RIP) and continues the tradition of running critically acclaimed films right next to niche cult movies. It’s easy to tell when a beloved institution is powered almost exclusively by love and a dedication to doing something right no matter the bottom line. Trylon showings are staffed exclusively by volunteers, and their dedication to the mission is tangible from the moment you walk in. The popcorn is real, the projector is real, and the passion can be felt before they even take down the house lights.
Honorable Mention - The Heights and AMC Rosedale 14
(Anna Weggel / City Cast)
The bounty of movie houses in the Twin Cities can’t be contained to just a list of five. The Heights is a nationally recognized gem keeping movie traditions of yesteryear alive today, including the requisite live organist. The Heights also offers programming that can’t be found anywhere else in the world! Long live The Heights. AMC Rosedale 14 also deserves special recognition for being the rare suburban movie house that is a breeze to get to via Metro Transit. The A Line and eight other lines get out to Rosedale, and they deserve a mention for that alone. The 14 screens are also all top-of-the-line, and their packed schedule of screenings means they are frequently the only theater offering the movie you want to see at the time you can see it.
Errata - The Parkway Theater
(Anna Weggel / City Cast)
After our Tuesday podcast came out, our mailbag was stuffed with criticisms for leaving out the Parkway Theater. This South Minneapolis gem might overshadow its own film programming with the spectacular live concerts it also hosts. But, it’s clear that they are beloved and for good reason. Here’s a note from our friend Jason:
“Longtime theater in South Minneapolis, which has been recently renovated to embrace its historic character with comfy seats and nice wide rows so you can remain seated when someone walks by you to their seat (or to stretch your legs out). It often has thematic boozy drinks available to pair with the films, and like your #1 has monthly themes for its showings.”
Thank you, Jason, and thank you to everyone who chimed in to help us with this list. Happy screening!
