📷: Roy Englebrecht

Insider's Guide to Pittsburgh Movie Theaters

It's showtime!

Whether you're a casual moviegoer attending the latest summer blockbuster or a cinephile seeking hard-to-find films on the big screen, Pittsburgh is rolling out the red carpet.

Follow this guide to discover everything from arthouse and independent cinemas to multiplexes and the ultimate IMAX viewing experience throughout the birthplace of zombies and the home of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

Credit |
Brian Cohen

Row House Cinema

If you're looking to elevate your movie experience and truly enjoy the magic of cinema, Row House should be at the top of your list during your visit to Lawrenceville. For the last decade, they've shown hundreds of films ranging from new releases to obscure finds matched to weekly themes including Akira Kurosawa, Cult-O-Rama, CatVideoFests and so much more.

My personal favorite part of visiting? Row House has an adjoining bottle shop named Bierport positively packed with craft beer I can't find anywhere else, allowing me to grab some suds to go along with my popcorn. Other events to keep an eye out for include the Japanese Film Festival hosted here annually, Brew & Views beer pairings that are served alongside specific moments in the film and, for you early birds, Cereal Cinemas movies alongside an all-you-can-eat cereal buffet.

Harris Theater

History fills every square inch of this iconic movie theatre in the heart of our Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh. This was the first moving picture house in Pittsburgh, which was lovingly restored as the rest of the district took shape. Now, Harris Theater seats 194 guests for contemporary, foreign and classic films on beautifully preserved 35mm projectors.

This theater works with a number of events and film festivals throughout the year as well. Stop by during the EQT Children's Theatre Festival for a screening of child-friendly shorts and make this a repeat destination when they host the Carnegie Mellon International Film Festival, Pittsburgh Shorts and more.

Pro Tip: Harris Theater is BYOB ($5 fee)

Manor Theatre

Situated in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood, the signage of Manor Theatre is a well-known sight in this area that beckons diners and shoppers to an afternoon at the movies. This is your classic neighborhood cinema feel where you'll find blockbusters but also limited release films you've been wanting to watch on your Letterboxd list.

The lobby area is stunning (check out that light fixture), the bar features delicious top shelf cocktails to enjoy with your screening and prices are extremely affordable. One visit here and you'll see why this is my favorite place to go see new releases.

The Oaks Theater

This jewel of the Oakmont neighborhood shines with a restored, neon-lit marquee and Art Deco ambiance that's apparent from the outside into the lobby and single-screen theatre itself.

As for the films offered, expect single showings of independent films that you might not find anywhere else, specialty showings (like watching Peter Rabbit and doing an Easter Egg hunt) and events showcasing Pittsburgh premieres and local creators.

The offerings here vary from just movie showings, too. There's live music, disco parties, trivia nights and more that keep the Oaks a destination no matter what night of the week.

The Lindsay Theater & Cultural Center

Known by locals as simply The Lindsay, this theatre fills the gap of a much-needed independent theater northwest of the city (it's located in Sewickley). What makes this theater unique is it's mission to strengthen cultural experiences in this region for all, using revenue from ticket sales to invest into this goal.

This theater tops the list in accessibility with Open Caption screenings held every Wednesdays as well as sensory friendly screenings regularly scheduled. Beyond the films it shows, The Lindsay offers Free Cinema Maker Sessions, an Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, hosts the Three Rivers Film Festival and more. When the next George Romero emerges out of Pittsburgh, I'm confident they will come directly from the innovative programming offered by The Lindsay.

Parkway Theater & Film Lounge

This 45-seat theater in Stowe Rocks packs a big punch for its small size! Here, they offer everything from big name releases to independent films and documentaries. Oh, did I mention that Abjuration Brewing, one of the top craft spots in the city, brews and pours right here?

For local filmmakers, consider the Parkway Theater your house. This venue regularly shows screenings and special events from Pittsburgh-based creators, and is a fantastic venue to connect to a local audience. Add in trivia nights, live comedy and more and you can see why this theater goes way beyond movies and anchors this community!

Rangos Giant Cinema

Imagine the biggest movie screen you can. No, even bigger than that. The Rangos Giant Cinema, housed in the Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore, boasts a 71-by-39 foot screen with brilliant 4k colors augmented by 49 speakers pumping in Dolby surround sound.

Films here range from jaw-dropping nature documentaries and imaginative screenings looking to the future of mankind, as well as hosting films like Titanic, Moana or others that fit current exhibits and themes.

Century Square Luxury Cinemas

Hollywood is all about the glitz and the glam, and Century Square is taking center stage, styling itself as Pittsburgh's first all-luxury movie theater. Here, you can expect the comfiest leather reclining seats, crystal clear screens and their signature Century Pub full of draft and bottled beers, liquors, wines, frozen drinks and spirits.

It's a bit of a drive from the city, but one screening here surrounded by luxury (and without the price tag associated with it) will convince you to come back here more and more.

Phoenix Theatres Luxury 14

We love a good comeback story in Pittsburgh. Take Phoenix Theatres in Bridgeville, which underwent some major changes over the last few years and has emerged as many locals' new favorite spot to see new releases. Comfy, reclining seats, throwback movie Wednesdays and a modern multiplex feel combined with some innovative programs (their annual popcorn bucket you can refill for $4.99 every visit is the best deal in movies) makes every visit to the movies as rewarding as it should feel.

This movie theatre is also the home of Rezzanine eSports, a hangout where you and your gamer clan can play current favorites and multiplayer staples. They're open-year round to game at, but keep an eye out for special tournaments and other events, too, as they're announced.

AMC

Waterfront, South Hills, Mt. Lebo

Heartbreak feels good in a place like this (come on, I HAD to say it). As we transition into some of the chain theatre locations, I'm always so thankful AMC survived the pandemic and stock shenaningans, as Pittsburgh has so many of this chain!

Besides the Nicole Kidman ad, you can expect gigantic theatres with an emphasis on fresh concessions and comfy seats. These are the perfect theatres to bring your group of friends to the latest blockbuster release.

Pro Tip: The AMC Waterfront location contains the only IMAX screen in the region, making it a must-stop destination for the latest visual feast.

Cinemark

Robinson, North Hills and Monroeville

With locations spanning North America and Latin America, Cinemark provides that tried-and-true moviegoer experience that sticks in your memory. It's the place I take the kids to for the latest release because the quality is always great, my popcorn refills come fast and I know it will always be a great trip to the movies.

Pro Tip: The AMC location in Monroeville will often show a lot of Bollywood releases not shown anywhere else, due in part to this neighborhood's larger Indian population.

Moviescoop Waterworks

This independent movie theatre chain keeps the tinsel of tinseltown in focus with luxurious seating and gourmet popcorn so you're seeing the latest releases in style. They're also the sister theatre of Century Square discussed above!

Bottlerocket Social Hall

Ok, so this isn't a movie theatre at all, but it is my friends and I's favorite new spot to watch movies. This dive-bar-turned-comedy-club hosts screenings that border on the absurd. Maybe they'll have a Twilight costume contest as you yell our your favorite lines (give me your best "This is the skin of a killer, Bella," delivery) to screenings accompanied by a live DJ providing a new soundtrack and bad movie bingos that make each showing an interactive joy you will be telling everyone about.

Drive-in Movies

Moon, Vandergrift and Mt. Pleasant

I'd be remiss if I didn't toss in one of my favorite pieces of Americana into this blog: the drive-in movie theatre. Pack your blankets, turn off your headlights and use your car radio (or your boombox. Do people still have those?) to watch 2-3 movies once the sun goes down. At multi-screen establishments, you might get to even pick between new releases, kids screenings, horror classics and more, so check those schedules in advance.

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Jared B.

Author

Jared B.

Enthusiastic Pittsburgher

Always in search of the next great craft beer and arcade. Can be found in the Supporters Section of Pittsburgh Riverhounds games and at whatever festival is happening in the city.

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