BEST MOVIE THEATERS in IL
Gene Siskel Film Center
164 North State Street, Chicago
The Gene Siskel Film Center was originally founded in 1972 as “The Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago” and was renamed in 2000 after the late, nationally celebrated film critic - and Chicago native - Gene Siskel. The Film Center’s programming includes annual film festivals that celebrate diverse voices and international cultures, premieres of trailblazing work by today’s independent filmmakers, restorations and revivals of essential films from cinema history. As part of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the center fosters a deep appreciation for film as an art form through insightful and provocative discussions with filmmakers and media artists.
The Pickwick Theatre
5 S Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068
The Pickwick Theatre is a historic Art-deco movie palace located in Park Ridge, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. It was designed by Roscoe Harold Zook, William F. McCaughey, and Alfonso Iannelli and opened in 1928 as a vaudeville stage and movie theatre. The main auditorium was built to resemble an Aztec or Mayan temple and originally seated up to 1,400 people. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and continues to host films as well as live stage shows. In 1990, theatre management expanded the Pickwick by adding three new screens behind the original auditorium. All cinemas have nice, comfy seats and digital projectors.
Emagine Batavia
550 N. Randall Rd., Batavia, Illinois
Emagine Batavia is a luxury movie theater in Batavia. The theater has 12 auditoriums, all equipped with 4K projections and featuring luxury heated recliners and cuddle chairs. The main auditorium features a Super EMX screen, which is the largest movie screen in Illinois with a 96-foot screen. The 4K laser-projected image is paired with a Dolby Atmos immersive sound system with 70 channels of sound. In addition to movies, Emagine Batavia also offers video games, pool tables, bowling lanes, and stone-fired pizzas.
Music Box
3733 North Southport Avenue, Chicago
In 1983, Robert Chaney, Christopher Carlo, and Stan Hightower formed the Music Box Theatre Corporation and restored and reopened The Music Box Theatre after it fell into disrepair in 1978. An additional theater was built in 1991, and a bar and lounge were added in 2015. This independent theater offers a carefully curated selection of films, including foreign, independent, and cult classics, often accompanied by special events and discussions. Originally built in 1929 and designed by C. Howard Crane in a Palladian-inspired style, the Music Box Theatre has a unique and cozy atmosphere that makes it perfect for a night out with friends or a date.
Landmark Theatres Chicago
2828 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657
Landmark Theatres Chicago features a diverse selection of studio-backed indie films, foreign films, documentaries, and cult classics. The seven theaters have all-stadium seating and some are equipped with Dolby Cinema. The Landmark Chicago has a full bar that offers a variety of drinks, including movie-themed cocktails and signature drinks. As part of the Landmark Theatres chain, they also host special events, such as Q&A sessions with filmmakers, sneak previews, and film festivals.
AMC Hawthorn 12
675 Hawthorn Ctr, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
AMC Hawthorn 12 in Vernon Hills is a modern and well-equipped movie theater that offers a diverse range of film experiences. With 12 screens, it provides a wide selection of movies, including the latest blockbusters, family-friendly fare, and special screenings. This theater boasts comfortable seating, cutting-edge projection and sound systems, as well as amenities such as AMC Signature Recliners, Dolby Cinema at AMC, and MacGuffins Bar.
