Love going to the movies with your favorite 65+ loved ones? Looking for movie theaters with senior discounts? Senior discounted tickets are available at most major movie theaters, plus additional discounts on concessions, too. The surround sound technology in movie theaters is also a plus for seniors.
If you’re hard of hearing or simply want to track the dialogue super closely, know that closed captioning devices are available at all movie theaters — the devices are required by law, as of a 2016 ruling by the Department of Justice. Just ask for one at your theater. The devices can be hand-held or clip onto seat-backs so that the closed captions are visible only to the patron in need. For blind or low-vision patrons, theaters must provide an audio description track. Of course, all movie theaters are required by law to be handicap accessible in design as well.
As far as going back to movie theaters, we’re here to get you ready to see the movies and actors you love (at a discount) so you can enjoy all the latest new movie releases out now in theaters!
What is the age for senior discounts on movie tickets?
Since 65 is the age for Medicare and Social Security benefits, many consider it to be the generally accepted age for the official start to the golden years. It turns out, however, that many movie theaters offer discounts to patrons even younger than 65 — either directly when purchasing tickets online or at the theater, or through programs and non-profit organizations that cater to an aging population.
For instance, even if you’re only 50, you can squeak into the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and reap its awesome membership benefits — which include, by the way, FREE movie screenings through its AARP editor-selected “Movies for Grownups” series. Check it out here.
Is there a magical age in the movie theater universe to score a senior discount for any movie, any time? Turns out there isn’t one, although it feels like magic when a movie theater does offer a 62-year-old or a 60-year-old or even a 55-year-old (depending on its rules) a special rate.
What is the standard movie ticket discount for seniors?
According to the National Association of Theatre Owners, the average price of a standard movie ticket in 2019 was $9.16. That’s up more than a dollar from $8.13 in 2013. While many theaters do offer discounts to seniors, not all do.
It’s pretty sweet when seniors can see the latest movies for a few dollars off the current going rate for tickets. Let’s hear it for the theaters that do offer discounts to seniors, because many of them are on a fixed income and struggle to pay the rising price of a movie ticket. Even nicer is that some theaters reserve a certain day of the week for a senior deal on tickets, so it’s sort of a special viewing experience catered only to them.
Momentous senior moments
“I’m at my creative zenith right now. I’m doing more with scripts and stories than ever before,” says 90-year-old William Shatner, who stars in the new movie Senior Moment.
Where are all of the older adults? Starring in movies, according to a new report from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Caroline Cicero, professor at USC’s School of Gerontology and an expert in the visual representation of older adults, points to movies like The Life Ahead starring Sophia Loren, The Father starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, The Artist’s Wife starring Lena Olin and Bruce Dern, Minari starring Yuh-Jung Youn, and Nomadland starring Frances McDormand.
Cicero says:
“With all the recent focus on the frailty of older people and the need to shutter them inside or distance ourselves from them, it’s wonderful to see these older actors representing stories from around the world, showing us not only that creative artists can contribute powerful work well into their 80s but also that the characters they portray have intensely important and meaningful intergenerational stories that educate, entertain, and elevate all of us.”
The New York Times film critics Manohla Dargis and A.O. Scott recently ranked the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century. Seventeen of the 25 actors listed are 50 years of age or older.
Going to the movies is hugely beneficial to seniors
According to the National Institute on Aging, research shows that older adults who participate in social activities like going to the movies with others wind up living longer lives. As an interesting side note, older adults who engage in the creative arts, like taking an acting class for just four weeks, show improvements in memory, comprehension, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Fortunately, going to the movies is something that many seniors love to do, whether to see an actor they like or to see a new release that might spark their interest, according to a recent AARP ”Movies for Grownups” survey. Pre-pandemic, roughly 25% of Baby Boomers went to the movies once a month or more. Boomers love the recliner seats and premium sound found in movie theaters, the survey found, and they appreciate the bargains with senior tickets.
Favorite concession treats among Boomers? Popcorn and soda. Speaking of classics, there is one thing Boomers would love to see more of at the theater: classic movies, according to the AARP survey.
We did a country-wide sweep of major movie theaters that offer Senior discounts. Here are the big movie theater chains that showcase senior discounts.
8 movie theatre chains that offer senior discounts
Here are the biggest and best movie theater chains with a link to the senior discounts they offer:
AMC Theatres: With more than 8,000 screens across North America, AMC Theatres is the largest movie theater chain. AMC offers guests 60+ a discount on tickets all day, every day. You just have to select senior pricing when you order online at your local AMC theater.
Regal Entertainment Group: Regal operates 546 theaters in 38 states. Guests 60+ can receive up to 30% off the regular ticket price. Select senior pricing at your local Regal Entertainment Group theater (which operates under brands that also include United Artists and Edwards Theaters).
Cinemark USA, Inc.
Cinemark offers a designated “Senior Day” one day during the week when seniors can save up to 35% off the regular ticket price. Check out your local Cinemark Theater to see when you might get a great deal on the movie you want to see.
Landmark Cinemas
Guests 62+ pay less for every movie at every Landmark theatre across the US — and on Mondays, seniors get 20% off the usual senior admission price, plus 20% off concession. That’s a lot of savings for seniors!
Marcus Theatres
With 90 theater locations throughout Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, this chain features “Young at Heart Fridays” for guests 60+. Tickets for seniors cost only $6.00 for any show before 5:30 pm. Additional charges apply for 3D features.
Harkins Theatres
This chain is based in Scottsdale, AZ, and operates theaters throughout Texas, Colorado, California, and Oklahoma. Seniors (60+) can save $1.00 to $3.00 off the regular ticket price. To find out specific prices at a theater near you, contact Harkins Theatres directly or view the movie schedule time and ticket pricing online to find out more.
B&B Theatres
This chain operates theaters from Florida to Oklahoma and offers seniors $1.00 to $3.00 off regular ticket prices when you sign up for a club membership.
Malco Theatres Inc.
This fourth-generation, family-owned and operated movie theater chain has theaters scattered throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri. It offers seniors (65+) $1.00 off regular ticket prices.
Best movie theaters in major cities that offer senior discounts
#CitiesAreBack #TheatersAreBack
Yep. Cities are rebounding big time right now, especially now that summer is here. It’s time to enjoy all the things we love about cities again, like five-star restaurants, parks, shopping, and catching a flick at one of the many iconic movie theaters found in cities around the country. Thankfully, some of the best city theaters offer senior discounts to patrons, along with other bargains for military members, students, and matinee-goers.
Here’s a sprinkling of local theaters in major cities across the country that offer Senior discounts and show classic movies and independent films along with new releases:
Boston
Landmark’s Kendall Square Cinema
One of the top independent movie theaters in Boston, this theater shows both first-run blockbusters and independent films. It offers seniors (62+) $12.00 tickets — that’s $2.00 less than the regular price.
Landmark’s Kendall Square Cinema
1 Kendall Square
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 621-1202
One Landmark Kendall Square Cinema Google Review noted:
“Great movie theater with good movie selection. There is a parking garage next doors with great rates once validated at the movie theater. A good choice of bars and restaurants close by.”
This theater borders six Boston neighborhoods and shows first-run, independent, and classic movies. It offers a $45.00 membership for seniors. This includes $3.00 off all regular movies; discounts on popcorn; tickets to 10 Free-to-Member events annually; and discounts at all participating business organizations partners.
Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 734-2501
Google reviews for Coolidge Corner Theatre are very positive, with one reviewer observing:
“Classic movie theater with a modern sound system. Compared to other theaters in this format, Coolidge definitely has the acoustics closest to the modern standard. Midnight screenings have a unique atmosphere with each crowd.”
Philadelphia
Landmark’s Ritz Five and Landmark’s Ritz East
These theaters are located near the waterfront in the “Old City” neighborhood of Philadelphia. The Ritz theaters show independent, foreign, avant-garde, documentary, and classic films. Seniors pay $8.00 during the week for any show — that’s $3.00 less than the regular price.
Landmark’s Ritz Five
214 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 440-1184
Landmark’s Ritz East
125 South Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-4535
Google Reviewers love the Landmark Ritz theaters, with one reviewer noting:
“Nice place in the city. Qwerky, indie feel, but the theater was also clean, inviting, modern, and comfy. So you get hipster points but still get pampered. Watched The Farewell here. Clean bathrooms too.”
New York City
This four-screen theater shows independent, foreign, classic, and arthouse films. People 65+ may purchase a $75.00 senior membership at the discounted price of $50.00. Members receive $9.00 tickets to any screening, any day of the year. If you don’t purchase a membership, seniors 65 + can still pay $11.00 for shows that begin before 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street
New York, NY 10014
212-727-8110
Google reviewers give the Film Forum high marks, with one stating:
“My favorite movie theatre in all of New York. They always have a great selection ranging from foreign/independent films to good ol’ classics. I remember watching a silent film here a few years ago, where they had live piano accompaniment. Can’t wait to return.”
One of the most successful and recognized arthouse theaters in the US, the Angelika is located in NYC’s Soho neighborhood. It shows a diverse mix of independent films and offers seniors (55+) a discount every Thursday. The $11.50 fee for seniors (5% off regular price) gets you a FREE popcorn.
Angelika Film Center
18 West Houston Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 995-2570
Google Reviews of the Angelika Film Center are overwhelmingly positive. One person shared their experience this way:
“This is my favorite theater downtown. The Lobby is really cool and not generic like so many other theaters. The movies are also well curated. It’s one of the few places in the city where my wife and I will pick the theater first and then see what’s playing. We’ve watched lots of great movies there that we wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. Also I think all movie theater popcorn is great, but the popcorn here actually is a little bit better.”
Washington DC
The oldest operating movie house in the area, the Avalon Theatre is a cornerstone of northwest Washington, DC, since its opening in 1923. The theater offers first-run films, independent and foreign films, and film festivals. It also offers $5.00 movies to seniors on “Senior Cinema Thursday.”
Avalon Theatre
5612 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20015
(202) 966-3464
One Google reviewer of the Avalon Theatre said:
“Great old American movie theater with the original large screen and beautiful painted ceiling. New comfortable seats with lots of leg room for us tall ones, and a whole accessible row. Tiny restroom in theatre but I hear there’s a bigger one by lobby. Concessions right there including wine & beer plus a few healthy snacks and the usual popcorn and candies. Second smaller upstairs screen. It’s a terrific neighborhood asset.”
Atlanta
This art-deco-inspired theater, with its portraits of classic stars like Greta Garbo and Humphrey Bogart, shows a mix of first-run and independent films. It offers seniors $11.14 tickets — $2.00 less than the regular price.
Regal Tara Cinemas
2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd
Atlanta, GA 30324
(844) 462-7342
One Google reviewer fanned the Regal Tara Cinema big time, stating:
“Tara theatre will forever stay in my heart as one of the last remaining art house theaters in Atlanta. It showcases fantastic indie films and the staff treats you next to kin.”
Tampa
With its signature recliner seats and tasty snacks and bar onsite, this AMC theater offers seniors 60+ a discount on tickets all day, every day: $10.19 is the senior fee; $11.69 is the regular price.
AMC West Shore 14
210 Westshore Plaza
(813) 637-8366
Google reviews for the AMC West Shore 14 are positive, with one person stating:
“The seats were clean and comfortable, the service was quick and professional. Plenty of parking and Covid separation was followed. It’s so good to go to the movies again!!”
Called “one of the most spectacular movie theaters in the world” by CNN, this movie palace offers a mix of independent, foreign, documentary, and classic films. It offers seniors $9.00 tickets — that’s $2.00 off the regular price. For the summer of 2021, the theater is showing 30 Years of Summer Classics — everything from Airplane! and North by Northwest to Some Like It Hot and Singin’ in the Rain.
Tampa Theatre
711 North Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602
(813)274-8981
Google reviewers agree with CNN because they have thousands of 5-star reviews. One reviewer explains why: “Wonderful classic theatre! It was like stepping back in time! Comfortable seating and a wonderful movie-watching experience!”
Dallas Fort Worth
This state-of-the-art, eight-screen theater features independent, foreign, and classic films. There’s a café/lounge area with comfy couches to enjoy craft beer, wine, espresso, and yummy treats. The theater offers seniors (60+) $10.00 tickets, and $9.00 matinee (before 5 pm) tickets.
Angelika Dallas
5321 E. Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 841-4712
Nearly 1500 Google reviews have weighed in on the Angelika Dallas theater. One visitor says:
“My favorite cinema because of its smart blend of major studio films and a healthy dose of indies and foreign films. There is always something worth seeing that you may not find elsewhere. They haven’t recovered completely from the Covid backup in filmmaking, but I’m sure that they will. On top of this, the nearby dining is far better than what you find around multiplexes, making for a nice evening out. Parking is great, unlike the Angelika on Houston Street in New York, where I spent a LOT of time when I lived there.”
With its Luxury Loungers, this theater shows first-run films in style. The theater offers Seniors Day on Monday: Seniors 65 and older can purchase $5.00 tickets all day. Admission for seniors on other days of the week costs $6.50.
Cinemark 17 IMAX
11819 Webb Chapel Road
Dallas, TX 75234
(972) 247 -8172
Close to 5000 Google reviewers can’t be wrong about the Cinemark 17! One guest noted: “We love this theater…it is our go-to. The luxury loungers are the best seats and the food options are awesome if you want to eat dinner there.”
Cedar Rapids, IA
This theater shows first-run and independent films and offers comfy seats and delicious snacks ordered online. Its Young at Heart Fridays program allows seniors (60+) to purchase $6.00 tickets for any show that starts before 5:30 pm on Friday.
Marcus Cedar Rapids Cinema
5340 Council St NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(205) 425-7880
Marcus Cedar Rapids Cinema map
Thousands of positive Google reviews for the Marcus Cedar Rapids all saying it’s a great night out for families, friends, and couples. One reviewer shared:
“Had a blast here with my kids and they do very well with social distancing. I was able to buy not only my tickets online but my food and drinks as well. They were not over crowded, and we were able to play games before the movie. I would highly recommend taking the family here for a fun filled night!”
St. Louis
This charming family-run theater shows first-run, classic, and independent films. It offers seniors $8.00 tickets during the week and on weekends — that’s $2.00 less than the regular price.
The Hi-Pointe Theatre
1005 McCausland Ave.
St. Louis, MO
(314) 995-6273
Visitors love to share their experiences at The Hi-Pointe via Google reviews. One theater-goer says:
“The Hi-Pointe is my favorite theater in all of St. Louis! I see virtually every new movie that is shown. I love the owners, the convenient parking, the immaculate bathrooms. And, for $8 I can buy a small bag of popcorn and a glass of wine! Perfect venue.”
Minneapolis
This classic 1950s theater offers comfy high-back rocker seats and a mod lounge packed with tasty treats. It shows a mix of first-run and independent films and offers seniors 62 and older $5.00 tickets to all shows.
Riverview Theater
3800 42nd Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 729-7369
Check out Google reviews for The Riverview Theater because fans go on and on about this gem, sharing photos and real-time commentary. Here’s one worth sharing because it really does capture the soul of this theater:
“The Riverview Theater in South Minneapolis is truly a gem. I love the early 1950s look and their big lobby with vintage furniture is a gem. Also, the Riverview does a great job picking movies that are in their second-run theater. Often hard to find movies such as JoJo Rabbit. They will keep it there for a while because it seems to get a following and others come to see it. Also the prices are so reasonable, $2.50 for a matinee. You can’t beat that. In the lobby check out the history of this theater that opened I believe, in 1951. There are congratulatory telegrams from famous stars such as Rosalind Russell and Kim Novak who wrote to honor this new theater. A nice feature of this theater is that sometimes, when the movie is really good, the audience will clap at the end of the movie. That hasn’t been done for decades. I like the idea of a historic theater with only one theater in it instead of a Megaplex with 10 or 20 theaters within a huge building. The Riverview has a real soul. I no longer live in South Minneapolis but it is worth the drive from the suburbs to see a movie at Riverview.”
New Orleans
This beautiful theater with its swanky bar and 4–6 pm happy hour is a great downtown destination for first-run and independent films. Seniors can purchase $8.00 tickets for any movie – that’s $2.00 less than the regular price.
The Broad Theater
636 N Broad Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 218-1008
Thousands of Google reviewers of The Broad Theater can’t be wrong! Here’s one that seems to capture the simple pleasures of this beautiful venue: “The Broad theater has a wonderful selection of cocktail, and the atmosphere is so inviting. The movies are reasonably priced. My family loved the Broad Theater.
Nashville
This Nashville gem is a cultural and historic institution that draws visitors from throughout Tennessee and across the country. It shows independent, documentary, and classic films and charges seniors $9.00 per ticket for any movie — that’s $2.00 less than the regular price.
Belcourt Theatre
2102 Belcourt Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 846-3150
Google reviewers love the Belcourt Theatre, saying:
“Sooooo happy The Belcourt is back! Saw The Truffle Hunters and it was fantastic…warm, funny, real, classic documentary with an underlying message that is not intentional, but unavoidable. A must-see!”
Chicago
This Art Deco theater sprinkled with vintage movie posters shows both independent and blockbuster films. It offers seniors $9.00 tickets during the week and on weekends — that’s $1.00 less than the regular price.
The Logan Theatre
2646 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago IL 60647
(773) 342-5555
Google reviewers are in love with The Logan Theatre. Here’s one review that captures its essence:
“I love this theater. It’s so hard to keep history preserved in the city and this place has accomplished that. I hope it never changes. Food is yummy and the prices aren’t over the top like most theaters and the staff are great. Can’t get enough of the old school vibe. Definitely will be back next month to see the purge!”
Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema
Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema
2828 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 248-7759
Google reviewers offer high praise about Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, saying: “Great customer service. Excellent popcorn great sounds and excellent foreign films.”
Located on the 4th, 5th, and 6th levels of a glittering mall situated in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side, this seven-screen arthouse cinema shows first-run movies as well as independent and foreign films.
San Diego
Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas
This beautiful theater with luxury electric reclining seats and high-back leather rockers offers yummy pub-style food and a nice selection of wine and beer. It also offers Seniors $11.00 tickets during the week and on weekends, compared to $13.00 (week) and $14.00 (weekend) prices for regular tickets.
Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas
3965 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA
(619) 298-2904
One Google reviewer offers their thoughts on the best aspects of the Landmark Hillcrest Cinema: “I will definitely be giving this place my precious “5” stars! They had their tasty snacks liked Fries that was very nice. A cinema house liked this was ideal to stay with your friends and family as well. Trust me! You will never be disappointed for sure.”
Angelika Film Center & Café – Carmel Mountain
This state-of-the-art theater features a lush outdoor patio and a lounge with a bar. It shows first-run, classic, and independent films and offers seniors $14.00 tickets during the week ($1.00 less than the regular price) and $16.00 tix on the weekend ($1.00 less than the regular weekend price).11620 Carmel Mountain Rd.
San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 207-2606
Nearly 1500 Google reviewers have weighed in on the Angelika Carmel Mountain, giving mostly 5-star reviews like this one: “You will love this theater. The seating is currently very spacious. The seats as comfortable as any quality lounger I’ve ever sat in. They have a super selection of food and drinks. It’s now my go to theater.
Los Angeles
This arthouse movie theater is the flagship location of the Landmark movie theater chain. It shows first-run, independent, and foreign films and offers Seniors $9.00 tickets during the week and on the weekend — that’s a whopping $3.00 less than the regular price for tix.
Landmark’s Nuart Theatre
11272 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 473-8530
Google reviews love Landmark’s Nuart Theatre, with one person sharing:
“I would unquestionably recommend this cinema house to everyone because of its excellent and well-maintained facilities. This is one of the best movie theaters in town, and I enjoy going there because they serve the best popcorn. A fantastic place to unwind and watch a movie! It is highly recommended!”
San Francisco
This movie theater is in the Japan Center complex of San Francisco’s Japantown neighborhood. It shows first-run, classic, and independent films — provocative film-making is what this theater celebrates. It offers seniors $14.49 tickets during the week and on weekends — that’s $1.50 less than the regular price.
AMC Kabuki 8
1881 Post St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 346-3243
A few thousand Google reviewers of AMC Kabuki 8 can’t be wrong! Check out this fan review for a taste of what it’s like there:
“Really good service! The service is always quick and the food is really pretty good. The seats are comfy and the table trays are large to put your food on there. It’s so convenient to push a button and a server comes to you to place your order, and they also deliver your order. I love this Place. I’m always going back here!”
Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema
This beautiful theater is located in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District. It shows first-run, independent, and foreign films and offers seniors $12 tickets — that’s two dollars less than the regular price.
Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema
1 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 352-0835
Check out Google reviews for photos of the Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema because visitors love it and post many. Here’s one person who shared thoughts and images: “Great location. You can spend a whole day here. Lots of shopping and restaurants! Nice cinema located on roof top. Plenty of lounge area. Comfy chairs that recline.”
Seattle
This modern theater with ten screens is located in the University Business Center and offers cocktails, craft beer, and yummy bowls, artisan flatbreads, and other food you can order online in advance and bring into the theater. It shows first-run and sometimes indie films and offers seniors $11.49 tickets — $1.50 less than the regular price.
AMC Seattle 10
4500 9th Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 633-0059
Portland, OR
This art-deco-inspired theater is located in the Kerns neighborhood of northeast Portland. It shows first-run, second-run, classic, and independent films and offers seniors $6.50 tickets during the week and on weekends — that’s a whopping $2.50 less than the regular price.
Laurelhurst Theater
2735 E Burnside St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 238-4088
With so many commenters out there, we love Google reviewers of the Laurelhurst Theater like this one to help us understand the special aspects of certain theaters:
“I love this theater because of the vintage feel and the intimate, comfortable atmosphere. Along with some tasty food, the staff is nice and welcoming! The matinee shows are affordable and so are the food/drinks! Most theaters cost almost $40-50 at concession. At Laurelhurst, I went in and got candy, a slice and a couple beers for around $20 (including tip :)”
View all of our local movie theater guides here.
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