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The 5 Best Dallas Movie Theaters Every Film Buff Should Check Out
I once took a date to a movie theater where the seats were so squeaky, every time I shifted, it sounded like I was sending Morse code for “send help.”
By the end of the movie, I was 99% sure the couple behind us thought I was trying to escape captivity.
After that cinematic disaster, I made it a mission to find actually good film houses in Dallas—the ones with comfy seats, tasty snacks, and sound systems that don’t double as dental drills.
If you’re tired of sticky floors and whispering “What did they say?” every 5 minutes, this guide is for you! Here are the best Dallas spots that truly make movie night worth leaving the couch for.
1. Angelika Film Center & Café – Dallas
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Address: 5321 E Mockingbird Ln #230
Website: https://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/dallas
Phone: +1 214 841 4712
Ticket Price: $11-$14
This place is near and dear to me as it’s my go-to for low-key weekends. It’s inside Mockingbird Station, so whether I’m driving or taking the DART, it’s always an easy trip—and the free parking doesn’t hurt either!
I usually head in a bit early to grab a drink from their café—they’ve got craft beer, wine, coffee, and even pastries if you want something sweet. The lounge area is cozy and chill, making it a great place to unwind before the lights dim.
While most movie houses are packed with big-budget action and superhero sequels, Angelika leans into indie films, foreign titles, documentaries, and those smaller, thoughtful movies that rarely appear on mainstream screens.
The theaters themselves are well-kept with reserved stadium seating, great sound, and a projection setup that does justice to both crisp visuals and more intimate cinematography.
Plus, they run special events like sneak previews, Q&As, and themed series, which makes the experience feel a little more special!
Pro Tip:
Thinking of going? Try Tuesday nights. Tickets are cheaper, and if you join their free membership, you can earn points for snacks and surprise screenings.
2. Texas Theater
Address: 231 Jefferson Blvd
Website: http://www.thetexastheatre.com/
Phone: +1 214 948 1546
Ticket Price: $11-$15
For movies with a side of history, I can’t recommend the Texas Theater in Oak Cliff enough. This place isn’t just for film buffs—it’s for anyone who appreciates a good story, both on and off the screen.
The seats are comfy, the drinks are cold, and the atmosphere is absolutely dripping with character. I mean, this is the theater where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested. You can’t help but feel a little shiver when you walk in!
It’s not some fancy megaplex, and that’s what I love about it. The lineup is always changing—from old-school cult classics to indie films you won’t catch at big cinemas.
One night, I saw a Wes Anderson flick, and the next week, it was a local documentary with a Q&A.
Pro Tip:
If it’s your first time, come early, grab a local craft beer from the bar, and take in the lobby—it’s full of vintage charm that feels totally untouched. And yes, you can bring your drink into the movie room.
3. Cinemark Dallas XD and IMAX
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Address: 11819 Webb Chapel Rd
Website: https://www.cinemark.com/theatres/tx-dallas/cinemark-dallas-xd-and-imax
Phone: +1 972 247 8172
Ticket Price: $12-$15
This theater doesn’t always get the hype it deserves, but it’s honestly one of my favorite places to catch a movie in Dallas.
The recliner seats are roomy and comfy, and if you’re lucky, you might even end up in one of those D-BOX ones that shake and move with the action—super fun for big blockbusters!
If you’re seeing something like Oppenheimer or Interstellar, go for the 70mm IMAX screen. It’s huge—like, 5 stories tall— and the sound completely surrounds you.
For other movies, the XD theater is solid, too. Still big, still loud, with awesome picture quality, and usually costs a few dollars less than IMAX.
And don’t skip the snacks! The concessions here are better than average—real food options, Blue Bell milkshakes, and even samosas. I always grab pretzel bites with extra queso. No regrets.
Pro Tip:
Tickets usually run about $12-$15, but if you go on a Tuesday or during Senior Monday, it’s way cheaper—like 5 or 6 bucks.
4. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Cedars
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Address: 1005 Botham Jean Blvd
Website: https://drafthouse.com/dfw/theater/cedars
Phone: +1 469 701 4679
Ticket Price: $13-$16
Alamo Drafthouse Cedars is a bit of a staple in my movie night rotation because it’s a theater, bar, and restaurant all rolled into one.
The cinema’s on the main floor, and upstairs, there’s a bar called The Vetted Well with a patio that overlooks the Dallas skyline.
Ticket prices are a little higher than usual, and there’s an 18% service charge on food and drinks.
But that’s pretty normal for a dine-in setup like this, especially considering the quality—they’ve got recliner seating, 4k projection, and themed pre-show reels instead of regular ads.
I like to show up early, either to grab a drink at the bar or pick out a good spot. You can order snacks without leaving your seat—things like burgers, pizza, or even an adult milkshake.
And if there’s a quote-along or special event, try not to miss it!
Pro Tip:
Ordering in the dark can be a little tricky at first, but they’ve got it down to a system—use the small light under your seat to fill out an order card on your armrest, then place it upright so a server can quietly grab it during the move.
5. Studio Movie Grill
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Address: 13933 N Central Expy
Website: http://www.studiomoviegrill.com/spring-valley
Phone: +1 469 405 8521
Ticket Price: $9-$11
There are a few dine-in theaters around Dallas, but Studio Movie Grill stands out big time. In my experience, other places either nail the food or the movie, but rarely both. SMG somehow gets both right!
The chicken nachos came out hot and loaded, and the flatbreads had that perfect crispy-chewy bite. I also tried their mango margarita (don’t judge), and it was way better than I expected.
Plus, the service was super smooth—just press the little button, and your order shows up without disrupting the film.
The cinema itself feels modern but comfy, with plush recliners and roomy tray tables. And the fact that you can reserve your seat ahead of time makes everything feel way less stressful!
Pro Tip:
Sign up for SMG Access rewards—you’ll earn points, unlock special events, and score discounts on tickets and food.
