Everything is spread out in Northern Virginia making it difficult to find what you’re looking for when you need it. Here is a guide to movie theaters in Northern Virginia. I haven’t listed every single one, but just the ones of note. I visit these theaters so I know all the pitfalls and what advantage they may have over others. Weather you watch theOccasional film occasionalOccasional or see everything that comes out this guide will help you navigate the Northern Virginia Movie Theater scene. I’ll see you at the movies.
Arlington Cinema Draft House
2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington VA – (703) 486-2345
Overview
The Cinema Draft House is a movie house that doubles as a restaurant and bar. You can get full service at your seat. I love the Draft House because I can enjoy a meal and a few drinks in the comfort of a theater. They usually show films prior to their DVD release, but they also have special events with classic fan favorites like Office Space and The Big Lebowski. In addition to films the Draft House also features stand-up, sports events, and live performances.
Pros
– Full service bar and a large menu of food and snack choices.
– Live shows and sport events
Cons
– Show times are posted online and updated irregularly
– Special event screenings come and go so there are long periods without them.
– Show times are often inconvenient
Tips for your visit
– Parking is a little hidden behind the 7-11.
– Bring Cash for your Ticket because they often don’t have a card machine in the box office.
– If you get chilly bring a sweater.
– Arrive early because some films draw a crowd, especially at special screening.
– Check the website often because updates are random.
– Seating is limited, if you’re in a group arrive early to get a good table.
Cinema Arts Theater
9650 Main St Fairfax, VA (703) 978-6991
Overview
The Cinema Arts Theater is located in the Fair City Mall next to BestBuy and Shoppers. Cinema Arts specializes in artistic or indie films. They often have seasonal Film Festivals and announce their screenings well in advance. They have student seating up front with desktops so you can write as you watch.
Pros
– Smaller hard to find films.
– Film Festivals
– The theater is located near many shops in Fairfax, VA.
– Cheap in price
Cons
– Keep movies for a really long time
– Limited show times because it is a small theater
Tips for your visit
– Bring a student ID if you have one and you’ll get a discount.
Fairfax Corner 14: Cinema De Lux
11900 Palace Way, Fairfax, VA – (703) 502-4060
Overview
The Cinema Delux is a massive multiplex located at the heart of Fairfax Corner. Even the smallest screens still have stadium seating. They also have a swanky Directors Hall with digital projection and leather seats. They host birthday and private parties. Chatters bar and Grill is a small restaurant with bar service located in the food court. The food isn’t great, but you can grab a few drinks before or after a movie.
Pros
– Massive screens with amazing seating
– Many show times starting early in the afternoon and go until late at night.
– Chatters on location bar and grill.
– Directors hall and Digital projection
– Location in Fairfax Corner gives you many shopping and dining choices.
Cons
– Price, most screenings start at 10 dollars. If you’re using the director’s hall or digital projection the price goes up.
– Parking is a nightmare on weekends at Fairfax Corner.
Tips for your visit
– Get there in advance to find parking. The best parking is on the right of the theater.
– Buy tickets in advance on Fridays, Saturdays, and opening nights.
– It can get freezing in there so be sure to dress warm.
– Ask for your tab early at Chatters so you don’t miss your Showtime.
UA Fairfax Towne Center 10
4110 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA – (800) 326-3264
Overview
A typical first run theater like the Cinema Delux, but not nearly as nice this is a standard theater. Located behind Fair Oaks Mall it and the shopping center it is located in are starting to show its age the theater of last resort in Northern Virginia.
Pros
– Near the mall
– Priced a little cheaper than Cinema Delux
– Parking isn’t a problem
Cons
– Old theaters
– No stadium seating
Tips for your visit
– I would advise going here only if you can’t get the film or show time you want anywhere else.
University Mall Theatre
10659 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA -(703) 273-7111
Overview
The University Mall Theater is exactly what it sounds like a small second run theater used mostly by George Mason students. They show films before they go to DVD. They also have weekend Midnight showings of classic films. Every Saturday they show The Rocky Horror Picture Show with crowd participation expected. A very cheap theater with a student discount.
Pros
– Classic film showings on weekends
– Very cheap
– Student discount
– Parking is good
Cons
– Older theater often with minor film problems
– Second run movies often aren’t very good
AMC Tysons Corner 16
7850 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA – (888) 262-4386
Overview
Located inside the Tyson’s Mall on the top floor next to the food court AMC is another first run theater with all the usual trappings. It seldom has special showings or events.
Pros
– Convenient location
– A lot of screens and showings
Cons
– It has stadium seating, but some of the rooms are small and cramp feeling.
– Movies often sell out
– You sometimes have to stand inline to get in the theater.
Tips for your visit
– Remember where you park it is very easy to lose your car
– Buy tickets in advance
– Get there early to avoid lines and get a good seat.
– Tuesday nights are discount nights
Big Cinemas Loehmann’s Twin Cinema
7291 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA – (703) 573-5774
Overview
Northern Virginia’s Bollywood home is much larger than you would think seeing it from the parking lot. It is an older theater that only shows Indian Cinema and on occasion American films. The films often do not have subtitles, which I think makes the films better, and never have English dubbing. The films are usually over two hours so be sure you’re ready for a long film.
Pros
– Indian (Bollywood) films right in Northern Virginia
– Near shops
Cons
– Limited show times
– Movies tend to stick around a while
– Theaters often break down without notice
– Almost never for an English speaking audience
Tips for your visit
– Be sure to call ahead and ensure your film is still showing
