The 14 best movie theaters in Chicago

For movie lovers who aren’t out to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters, there's no better theater than the Music Box, a two-screen cinema that shows the latest art-house films and documentaries. The theater itself is gorgeous, and regularly hosts director Q&As as well as weekly midnight screenings of cult classics. Another plus? The concession stand here tops its popcorn with real butter.

Named in honor of the late Chicago film critic, this theater is operated by the School of the Art Institute and showcases a wide range of movies, including indies, foreign films and celebrated classics. The theater is also the home of several different international film festivals, including the Chicago Palestine Festival and the Festival of Films from Iran.

This renovated theater in the heart of Logan Square features an upgraded sound system, new screens and projectors, and perhaps best of all, a lobby bar and lounge that hosts events like live comedy and movie trivia. You'll find a diverse mix of second run studio movies and indie flicks in addition to a robust lineup of midnight screenings each weekend.

Founded more than 80 years ago, the University of Chicago's single-screen Doc Films theater is on record as the longest continuously running student film society in the country. While it began featuring documentaries, hence the name, the modern screening schedule showcases classic films from a variety of genres, appealing to film aficionados as well as casual moviegoers.

A multiplex theater that meets the needs of the casual moviegoer as well those who want an upgraded cinematic experience, this South Loop spot also boasts a second floor lounge where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat before the show. If you're looking to splurge, get a VIP ticket and enjoy the latest blockbuster in a cozy balcony seat, where you can enjoy drinks and lounge food while watching the movie.

Though it's located on top of what appears to be an abandoned mall, the Landmark's lineup of studio-backed indie films and obscure midnight screenings is worth the trip. The theater's bar and snack options can be just as quirky as the movie you're seeing, making it the perfect destination for the cinephile in training.

While Chicago has multiple art-house theaters, Facets is the place to go to find obscure indies that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. The Lincoln Park theater is the site of the annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival and also hosts Facets Multimedia, where movie buffs can rent obscure DVDs from around the world.

This Lincoln Square neighborhood favorite reopened in December 2016 after extensive renovations and features first-run films on three screens. The revamped theater includes an attached restaurant and bar, Carbon Arc Bar & Board, with an impressive cocktail menu, 18 beers on tap and an extensive wine list—but if you’re more of a traditionalist, the theater sells its own gourmet popcorn tins.

River East 21 has become a thriving downtown film destination, playing host to the Chicago International Film Festival and a regular slate of advance screenings. With 21 screens available, many different titles can be shown at once, which gives moviegoers a good balance of huge blockbusters and art house fare.

You won’t find any reclining seats, or waiters serving you full meals, at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge. What you will find is an art deco-themed movie palace that dates back nearly a century at the suburban theater that’s easily accessible through the CTA. In between catching the latest blockbusters and Hollywood hits the theater goes back to its historic roots and shows screenings of silent films like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

The newest Chicago location of the AMC multiplex chain, located on the fourth floor of the Block 37 shopping center, offers 11 screens and AMC's full dine-in menu, featuring everything from plant-based chicken tenders to sushi rolls. Five variations on milkshakes are balanced out by healthier options like grilled chicken sandwiches. You order from a console at your seat, and your freshly prepared food is delivered right to your plush leather recliner.

Regal Webster Place 11 hides a revolutionary advance in movie-viewing technology: king-size reclining seats. It's especially useful considering Pequod's is just across the street—you'll probably need to lay down for a while after a few slices of deep-dish.

Since opening in 1997, Cinema Chatham has been owned by a number of different companies, and has closed and reopened several times. After shuttering due to Covid-19, the South Side multiplex was purchased by Emagine Entertainment, and reopened in August 2021, showing the latest blockbusters to hit the silver screen.

If the $8.50 ticket price (even cheaper for seniors and students) at this Rogers Park theater doesn't grab your attention, then this certainly should: The theater sports a full bar and servers deliver drinks to your seat. Frankly, we'll go see just about any movie if there's a stiff cocktail involved.