It's hot. Go to the movies. 12 North Jersey downtowns have must-visit theaters. Here's why
Looking for the perfect place to finally catch that Barbenheimer double feature? It might be time to check out your nearest downtown movie theater.
While North Jersey has no shortage of theaters available for all of your big-screen viewing pleasures, there's something about the small-town charm of a local movie theater that big chains can't deliver.
Whether you're just looking for a relaxed option compared to the bustling bigger theaters, or you want to explore that unique local charm, here are 12 downtown movie theaters in North Jersey you need to check out — and why.
The Clairidge, Montclair
Originally opened in 1922 as a single-screen movie theater, The Clairidge has been in Montclair's downtown for more than a century. Now owned and operated by Montclair Film, this six-screen theatre temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was renovated and reopened in October 2021 for the 10th Annual Montclair Film Festival. In November 2021, it began showing films year-round.
Montclair Film is a non-profit, so patrons can make donations and become members. Members unlock access to a variety of perks, including $4 off all tickets, $6 matinee tickets, $5 tickets on Tuesdays, merchandise and concession discounts and, for senior-level donors, early access to Montclair Film Festival tickets.
Regularly, tickets to view a film at The Clairidge are $15 for general admission and $11 for matinees.
Go: 486 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair; 973-381-5588, theclairidge.org.
Bow Tie Cinemas Warner Theater, Ridgewood
Bow Tie Cinemas Warner Theater originally opened in 1932 as Warner Theatre, part of Warner Brothers Circuit Management Corp, and was taken over by its current owners in 2013.
The outside of the theater is adorned with a neon "Warner" sign to signify its historical connection to the Warner name. On the inside, there are remnants of the original art-deco style, including chandeliers.
Auditoriums in the theater can also be rented out for events, such as fundraisers, film festivals and private screenings.
For matinee showings, tickets are $12.50 for adults and $11 for children and seniors. For regular general admission, tickets are $14.50 for adults and $11 for children and seniors.
Go: 190 E Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood; 201-444-1234, tickets.bowtiecinemas.com.
Barrymore Film Center, Fort Lee
The Barrymore Film Center is more than just a movie theater: It is a 260-seat cinema, film museum and archive all wrapped into one.
While you may not be able to view all of today's recent releases here, the Barrymore is the perfect place for movie buffs looking to view cult classics, like "Jaws" and "Dirty Dancing" on the big screen.
The center also features a variety of programs such as film festivals, renditions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, sing-alongs and more.
It is today a not-for-profit theater where guests can make donations and become members for free and discounted tickets, tickets to the John Barrymore Birthday Reception, private museum tours and theater seat plaques.
Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for both seniors and children under 10.
Go: 153 Main Street, Fort Lee; 551-215-0455, barrymorefilmcenter.com
Landmark Theater, Closter
Located in Closter Plaza, this theater was originally opened in 1963 as Closter Theatre. After going through several owners, it was obtained by its current owners, Landmark Theatres, in September 2022. While Landmark Theatres is a movie theater chain, this is the only one in New Jersey.
Landmark Theatres in Closter offers five viewing screens and newly-installed recliners. You can also find some touches of the '60s throughout the theater from when it first opened.
At the concession stand, you can find more traditional theater treats, such as fresh popcorn and soda, as well as more modern and upscale snacks, such as vegan cookies and caramel popcorn.
During the week, tickets are $13.75 for adults and $11.50 for children. Tickets prices are the same for weekend matinee shows, but rise to $16.75 for adults and $14.75 for children in the evening.
Go: 130 Vervalen Street, Closter; 201-735-1802, landmarktheatres.com
Box Office Cinemas, Sparta
Box Office Cinemas was renovated and reopened in 2022 after the previous NewVision Theatres closed during the pandemic.
The site — where the original Sparta Theatre stood until it was torn down in 2006 — was built in 2007, incorporating spaces for various restaurants and office spaces.
Box Office Cinemas is a three-screen theater, featuring concessions, theater rentals and birthday party accommodations.
Matinee shows are $11 for all tickets, while general admission is $14 for adults and $11 for children and seniors.
Go: 25 Centre Street, Sparta; 973-729-2222, boxofficecinemas.com
Hawthorne Theaters, Hawthorne
First opened in 1928 as a small-town community theater, Hawthorne Theaters is now a five-screen town staple for those looking to catch the latest film releases.
This theater is known for its involvement in the community, serving as the location for several annual local fundraisers. Additionally, it hosts movie premieres and foreign-language films.
Matinee tickets for all guests, which is the first showing of a film daily, is $10, while regular admission tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for both children and seniors. The theater also offers "Super Tuesdays," where all tickets for all showings are $7 — with limited restrictions for 3D films and Sony Pictures films.
Go: 300 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne; 973-427-2524, hawthornetheatres.com.
Township Theatre, Washington Township
Originally opened as the Washington Cinema in 1966, this movie theater closed after falling victim to the pandemic. But, taken over by the former owners of Ramsey Theatre — which permanently closed during the pandemic — it was reopened as Township Theatre in April 2021.
Located in the Washington Town Center Shopping Plaza, the theater offers three screens and can be rented out for a variety of private events and birthday parties.
Regularly, tickets to a screening cost $13.50 for adults, $12.50 for military personnel and veterans, as well as $11.50 for both children and seniors. For matinee shows — screening before 4 p.m. during the week and before 2 p.m. on the weekend − adult tickets cost $12.50.
Township Theatre also offers "Two-Fer" Tuesdays, where tickets to all shows after 6 p.m. are $7.
Go: 249 Pascack Road, Washington Township; 201-497-3500, townshiptheatre.com
Westwood Cinemas/Pascack Theatres, Westwood
Originally opened in 1928 as Pascack Theatres, the art-deco style movie houses is a staple in Westwood.
The theater, which lost two original murals when it was purchased by United Artists and converted to a multiplex cinema, was restored in 1996 by its current owner, Spiros Papas. Today, the theater still holds onto original features, such as marquee lights and neon lighting.
Matinee tickets are priced at $11 for all ages, while regular admission tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for both children and seniors.
The theater also offers fundraising programs for local non-profits, scout groups and various other groups.
Go: 182 Center Avenue, Westwood; 201-664-3200, westwoodmoviehouse.com.
Fabian 8 Cinema, Paterson
Located on the top floor of the Center City Mall, Fabian 8 Cinema opened in 2010. This theater is named after the original Fabian Theater, once located at 45 Church Street in Paterson. It closed in 1993, and Fabian 8 Cinemas is the first and only theater that opened in Paterson after its closing.
With eight separate auditoriums, Fabian 8 Cinemas has a variety of screenings available at all times. The theater also offers rentals, including private viewing reservations both during and off regular business hours, as well as bookings for private events, such as film premieres for local filmmakers.
The theater offers $9 matinee tickets for all showings before 4 p.m., with regular general admission pricing of $13.75 for adults, $10.50 for children and $12 for seniors for all other showings.
Go: 301 Main Street, Paterson; 973-754-1616, fabian8.com
Chatham Hickory Cinema, Chatham
First opened in 1973 as Roberts Chatham Theater, this single-screen theater reopened in 2022 under new ownership after being closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chatham Hickory Cinema offers live shadow-cast performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on select days, in addition to private theater rentals for birthdays and special events.
General admission tickets are $13 for adults, $11.50 for seniors and $11 for children.
Go: 641 Shunpike Road, Chatham; 973-822-1550, hickorycinema.com
Teaneck Cinemas, Teaneck
Originally opened as a single-screen movie house in 1937 known as Teaneck Theatres — which shut down in 2012 — this movie theater was revamped and reopened in 2013 under new ownership as Teaneck Cinemas.
The inside of the theater includes art-deco elements, such as patterned carpets, with more modern features and amenities.
Tickets are $6 until 4 p.m. every day, and then $9 for adults and $8 for kids and seniors.
Go: 502 Cedar Lane, Teaneck; 201-530-7409, teaneckcinemas.com.
CityPlex 12, Newark
Located on the site of the former Loew's Newark Metroplex and Newark Screens Theatre, CityPlex 12 opened in 2012. Co-owned by NBA star and Newark-native Shaquille O’Neal, this 12-screen theater in downtown Newark features 3D screens and stadium seating.
The theater's biggest auditorium is known as the Shaq-DX Premium Theatre Experience. It is equipped with 300 stadium-style black rocker seats, a 47-foot wide viewing screen, enhanced audio and 3D capabilities.
Ticket prices vary, but are typically $13.50 for adults and $10.50 for children under 11, with select discounts available for seniors, students and military. Matinee shows cost $6.50 for all tickets, while showings between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. cost $11.50 for adults and regular price for seniors and children under 11.
The theatre offers $6.50 movies for all patrons on Tuesdays, and also hosts a summer kids film series, where free viewings are offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the season for a select film. Admission is free for all guests; doors open at 9 am and shows start at 10am.
Go: 360-394 Springfield Avenue, Newark; 973-642-5555, cityplex12.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Downtown movie theaters in North Jersey: 12 are must-visit
