Although Houston isn’t necessarily known as a movie town, Houston does indeed have a rich historical movie history. With some of the most beloved movies filmed in Houston – in this writer’s opinion – that history has expanded into a wonderful cinematic seen manifested in Houston movie theaters located across the city.
Whether you’re wanting to watch the next A24 mind-bender, Marvel blockbuster, or instant Pixar classic with the kiddos, check out our list of the best cinemas in Houston.
1. River Oaks Theatre
Established in 1939, the River Oaks Theatre was a beloved destination for movie enthusiasts, thanks to its timeless art-deco architecture and carefully curated film selection that earned the admiration of both the local community and cinephiles.
Reopened this past fall, River Oaks Theatre has reprised its mixed program of art-house, cinema essentials, cutting-edge blockbusters, as well as live performances ranging from comedy to music.
📍 2009 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
2. Reel Luxury Cinema
Situated at 9595 Six Pines Drive Suite 8200, Reel Luxury Cinema offers an upscale cinematic experience featuring five screens, state-of-the-art laser-projection technology, and advanced Dolby sound systems.
Additionally, patrons can enjoy maximum comfort with the theater’s luxurious recliners, which include “ultra-lux front row love seat style chaise lounges,” along with amenities like blankets, privacy pods, and heated seats.
📍 9595 Six Pines Drive Suite 8200
3. Moonstruck Drive-In
Moonstruck Drive-In, a permanent outdoor cinema in Houston, provides an exceptional movie experience for enthusiasts, combining nostalgic charm with contemporary technology.
With its expansive screen and breathtaking skyline views, this drive-in theater is unbeatable, especially during the captivating pre-movie sunset. The venue includes a bar, an on-site concession stand, and a variety of food trucks on rotation.
📍 100 Bringhurst St, Houston, TX 77020
4. Rooftop Cinema Club
Situated atop the Whole Foods in BLVD Place in Uptown, Rooftop Cinema Club stands as an open-air theater that fosters a concept known as “social cinema.” This unique setting allows audience members to move around and engage with the surroundings while the movie unfolds.
In recent years, this cinema has offered an unparalleled viewing experience in Houston, showcasing a diverse range of films, including the latest blockbusters, cult classics, sing-alongs, and more.
📍 1700 Post Oak Blvd 5th Level, Houston, TX 77056
5. iPic Theater
iPic Theater is an immersive luxury entertainment experience that merges cutting-edge technology with lavish ameninities. The theater features a chef-driven restaurant menus, with carefully crafted and seasonally inspired dishes.
Alternatively, patrons can visit the bar and lounge before the screening to engage in lively conversation with friends about the movie over crafted cocktails from a skilled mixologist.
📍 4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027
6. Regal Cinema
As part of the second largest theater circuit in the states, Regal Cinemas is American cinematic institution. Emulating a ‘regal’ ambiance with state-of-the-art facilities, including an iMax experience, Regal Cinemas regularly screens a diverse range of films, from blockbuster hits to independent gems in an immersive and enjoyable movie-watching experience.
Regal Cinemas boasts cutting-edge technology, including high-quality sound systems and crystal-clear projection. The theaters cater to the preferences of diverse moviegoers, providing a comfortable and visually stunning environment.
📍 Multiple locations
7. AMC Theaters
You gotta respect the classics. AMC is a national mainstay for a reason. Established in 1920, AMC grown become one of the largest and most recognizable cinema chains globally. AMC provides an immersive and cutting-edge movie-watching experience, offering a wide range of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent and foreign films. Plus, you can get a special Yellow Ticket deal to get discounted access to all the excellent new films!
📍 Multiple locations
8. MFAH Brown Auditorium Theater
Housed inside the Law Building of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Brown Auditorium Theater is the oldest repertory theaters in Houston. It’s a go-to for cinephiles as the theater screens arthouse golds, foreign films, and cult classics.
📍 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
9. Star Cinema Grill
If you’re up for a dinner-and-a-movie date, knock out two birds with one stone at Star Cinema Grill. The dine-in-theater concept screens the latest blockbusters, animated features, as well as select sporting events all with an expansive food and drink menu.
With regards to the latter, movie-goers can choose from a wide range of appetizers, entrees, pizzas, flatbreads, and desserts. The venue also serves a curated selection of cocktails including the likes of their Certified Fresh Margarita, Espresso Patronum, and Ecto Cooler. Star Cinema Grill also serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays until 2 pm.
📍 Multiple locations
10. Cinepolis
Cinepolis is a luxury cinema experience that offers reclining leather seats, waiter service, and a full bar. The theater located in The Woodlands screens the latest and greatest in Hollywood.
Its menu features a wide range of apps, quesadillas, hot dogs, burgers, wings, pizzas, bowls, and sandwiches. Movie goers can also enjoy Bottomless Butter Popcorn. Cocktails, wine beer, mocktails, and soft drinks are also available.
📍 26543 Kuykendahl Rd, Tomball, TX 77375