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Ann Arbor Movie Theaters - Children sitting in a movie theater with popcorn containers.

Lights, Camera, Action: The Best Movie Theaters in Ann Arbor

There are several movie theaters near Ann Arbor that make for a fun outing year round. Seeing a movie is great for families, a date night (or afternoon), or teens with their friends. Check out all these cinemas near us.

Best Movie Theaters in Ann Arbor Area

Michigan Theater and State Theater are independent, non-profit cinemas in Downtown Ann Arbor. The Emagine Theater in Saline and Cinemark in Pittsfield Township are very popular multi-plexes in the area.

Michigan Theater

The Michigan Theater features a main auditorium and several smaller screening rooms. The main auditorium has both a stage and a screen. It hosts concerts, plays, and other events as well as movies.

Michigan Theater and State Theatre offer frequent themed screenings and offer free movies on occasion. They frequently show Studio Ghibli films such as My Neighbor Totoro both with English subtitles and dubbed in English. They also have Christmas movies every year – including Sing Along White Christmas on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

At a Glance

Location

Michigan Theater, East Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Season

Year Round –

Schedule

See showtimes on their website

Price

As of September 2023: Regular showings: $7.50/matinee, $10.50/adult, $8.50/student, youth, senior, child. Special showings may be higher or lower.

State Theatre

State Theatre is operated by the non-profit Michigan Theater Foundation. They tend to feature more blockbuster movies than Michigan Theater.

State Theatre also host late night movies geared towards college students featuring cult-favorite and older popular movies. The theater is on the second story above Target, Chipotle and other businesses. An elevator or stairs are available to access the second floor.

Michigan Theater and State Theatre offer frequent themed screenings and offer free movies on occasion. They frequently show Studio Ghibli films such as My Neighbor Totoro both with English subtitles and dubbed in English. The family friendly series offering free movies for kids 12 & under is sometimes at Michigan and sometimes at State.

At a Glance

Location

The State Theatre, South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Season

Year Round –

Schedule

See showtimes on their website

Price

As of September 2023: Regular showings: $7.50/matinee, $10.50/adult, $8.50/student, youth, senior, child. Special showings may be higher or lower.

Emagine Theater Saline

Emagine Theaters is a metro Detroit based chain that has expanded through the midwest. Their Washtenaw County movie theater is Emagine Saline. Their Canton and Novi cinemas are also near Ann Arbor.

Emagine Theaters offers power recliners and cuddle chairs. They have an expansive snack bar with lunch/dinner options such as pizza. They will even deliver your food to your seat during the movie.

Emagine offers the latest new releases. They offer movies in IMAX, 3D, and IMAX 3D. They also have discounted kids movies in summer, fall, and winter. Check out their Wednesday rewind to introduce your kids to classic movies from your childhood. Emagine offers sensory friendly showings of the latest kid and teen friendly fare.

Plan to see a movie Tuesday. Emagine Rewards members get $5 tickets for most shows and free popcorn. Discounted tickets are not available on holidays, first week of release, or special screenings.

At a Glance

Location

Emagine Saline, East Michigan Avenue, Saline, MI, USA

Season

Year Round –

Schedule

See showtimes on their website

Price

As of September 2023: $7/matinee, $11/evening Additional fee for 3D or EMAX.

Cinemark Ann Arbor 20 and IMAX Theater

Cinemark Ann Arbor is the largest movie theater in Washtenaw County. They have 20 screens. including IMAX.

In the 20 years I have lived in Ann Arbor, the theater has been part of various chains. Many locals still refer to the theater as Rave. It has also been part of the Regal Cinemas chain.

Each summer Cinemark participates in the Summer Movie Clubhouse program offering discounted kids movies.

At a Glance

Location

Cinemark Ann Arbor 20 and IMAX, Carpenter Road, Ypsilanti, MI, USA

Season

Year Round –

Schedule

See showtime on their website

Price

$6.75/matinee, $11.75/evening, $8/senior, $7.75/child. Additional for IMAX, 3D & D-Box seats. $5.50/Tuesdays. Special pricing for some shows

Now Playing

This weekend sees two new releases…Captain America: Brave New World and Paddington in Peru

  • Captain America: Brave New World – PG-13
  • Paddington in Peru – PG
  • Dog Man – PG
  • Mufasa: The Lion King – PG
  • Becoming Led Zeppelin – PG-13

The Emagine Winter Kids Series continues with The Cat in the Hat through Thursday before moving to Babe on Friday, February 14. Shows are at 11a.


Events from our Sponsors


Upcoming Movies

Check out the list of movies coming soon for kids, teens, and families.

  • February 28 – The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie – PG
  • March 7 – Night of the Zoopocalypse – PG
  • March 21 – Snow White
  • April 4 – A Minecraft Movie
  • May 2 – Thunderbolts*
  • May 23 – Lilo & Stitch
  • June 13 – Elio
  • June 13 – How to Train Your Dragon

Movie Events

There are a number of regular series that run in the Ann Arbor area. Emagine and Cinemark both run special discount movies in summer, fall, or winter.

Cheap Movies At The 2025 Emagine Winter Kids Movie Series

This winter don’t miss Emagine Winter Kids Movie Series. Each week they will be replaying an older kids movie at a discount price. Snack combo packs are also available at a discount. Emagine Winter Kids Movie Schedule The Kids Summer Movie Series schedule starts on January 31 and runs through March 20. Tickets are just $3 […]

Cinema Under the Stars: Outdoor Movies Near Ann Arbor

I’ve loved seeing outdoor movies since my first trip to the drive-in. There are lots of options for outdoor movies near Ann Arbor. Michigan summer nights are often cool making for great movie watching weather. However, being on the western edge of the time zone, darkness starts late. Check out our list of outdoor movies […]

5 Cinematic Adventures: Emagine’s Summer Kids Movie Series

This summer don’t miss Emagine Summer Kids Movie Series for summer 2024. A movie theater is a great place to spend a hot summer day or escape a rainy summer day. And a cheap movie makes it an even better choice. 2024 Emagine Summer Kids Movie Series Details Dates and Showtimes The Kids Summer Movie […]

10 Budget-Friendly Flicks: Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse

Each summer the Cinemark Theater chain runs the Summer Movie Clubhouse at participating Cinemark theaters. The Cinemark on Carpenter Rd in Ypsilanti will be participating again this summer. Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse Details Movie Tickets Tickets for each movie can be purchased for $1.75. In the past you could purchase a season pass for additional […]

Frightening Fun: Exploring Ann Arbor’s Halloween Movies

There are several options for watching Halloween movies near Ann Arbor this fall. I love a good Halloween themed movie – but not a horror movie. Fortunately, that lines up with what my daughter has been able to watch. There is nothing like seeing even the non-scary Halloween movies on the big screen. Check out […]

Where to Watch Christmas Movies in Ann Arbor

There are a number of places to see Christmas Movies in Ann Arbor throughout the holiday season. What is your favorite Holiday Movie? I love Miracle on 34th Street. My husband’s favorite is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – he puts it on every year while his is wrapping presents. When she was younger, my daughter really enjoyed […]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the IMAX Theaters Near Ann Arbor?

Cinemark’s Ann Arbor 20 IMAX has several movie screens. Emagine in Saline also offers “EMX”, their version of IMAX.

For a more traditional IMAX experience, check out the IMAX screen at the Henry Ford Museum.

Where Can I find Ann Arbor Showtimes?

Follow the links above for each theater above to find the film showings near Ann Arbor.

Do I need to pre-purchase Movie Tickets in Ann Arbor?

Pre-purchasing movie tickets is recommended. New movie releases in Ann Arbor can sell out. Pre-purchasing also means you can get your first pick of seats since most shows are now assigned seats.

What is Parking like at Movie Theaters in Ann Arbor?

Cinemark Ann Arbor 20 and IMAX has a large parking lot with ample parking. Emagine Saline also has a large parking lot that is shared with local businesses.

Michigan Theater and State Theatre do not have parking lots, they are in downtown Ann Arbor. Street parking is available near both theaters. The parking garage on Maynard is the closest public parking. UM’s Thayer St garage is also a good choice if you have a UM Parking permit.

What Restaurants are Near Ann Arbor Movie Theaters?

Michigan and State Theaters are in downtown Ann Arbor. This means they offer the best variety for dining before or after the show. Restaurant options include both quick meals, casual sit-down meals, and fancier meals for a date night dinner and a movie. A few options include:

  • Hop Cat
  • Knight’s Restaurant
  • Sweetgreen
  • Chipotle
  • Sava’s
  • Totoro
  • Red Hawk Bar & Grill

There are several restaurants in the shopping center with Emagine. We have enjoyed Bonehead’s BBQ, Biwako Sushi, and Mancino’s.

Cinemark has the least options, mostly chains. Explore the restaurants along Carpenter and Ellsworth – Red Robin, Applebee’s, Wendy’s, McDonalds, Steak & Shake, and others

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