Best Movie Theater In Colorado
With the growing popularity of online streaming services, movie theaters have to provide unique amenities to keep the crowds coming in. Colorado is home to plenty of fabulous cinemas, each with a special twist on the movie-going atmosphere.
If you’re looking for the best movie theater in Colorado, check out one of the following locations for an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’d like a fun way to relax after the day’s outdoor adventures or the perfect date night, going to the cinema is always a great option.
From the newest blockbusters to ground-breaking indie films, the best movie theaters in Colorado have something to offer every type of movie lover.
More than The Biggest Movie Screen in Colorado
Many lists focus on the biggest, but we don’t believe the biggest movie screen in Colorado is an appropriate metric to determine the best. From beautiful architecture to gourmet menus and onsite beer, wine, and cocktail bars, these one-of-a-kind Colorado movie theaters offer much more than the standard megaplex cinema or generic shopping mall movie theater. We’ve put together this list so that you can find the best movie theater in Colorado for your taste and style.
Landmark Mayan Theater
The Landmark Mayan Theater is one of the best movie theaters in Denver for independent, international, and foreign-language films. The theater also hosts film festivals and other cinematic events, including:
- Denver Short Film Festival
- Wild and Scenic Film Festival
- Dog Film Festival
- Cat Film Festival
- Great Directors Series
- Virtual discussions with filmmakers
Located in Denver’s culture-rich Baker District, the Mayan Theater was built in 1930 and narrowly saved from demolition by local activists in the mid-1980s. In 1986, Landmark renovated the theater in its classic Art Deco Mayan Revival style.
With three screens and DLP projection and sound, the ambiance is the only thing that’s vintage at The Mayan. There’s also a full bar and cafe upstairs. Be sure to visit this iconic Denver landmark next time you’re in the mood for an indie or international film experience.
Fox Theater
Since opening in 1929, Fox Theater and its emblematic onion dome have been a landmark of Montrose. While the original Moorish/Eastern facade and interior decor have undergone several upgrades, the original dome remains intact. After over 90 years of playing great films in a family-friendly atmosphere, Fox Theater is still a family-run business.
Moviegoers can enjoy an intimate, small-town cinema vibe and catch the latest first-run releases on one of three screens. Take advantage of their weekly discount days each Wednesday, when all movie tickets are just $5.
Kimball’s Peak Three Theater
Kimball’s Peak Three Theater has been voted the best movie theater in Colorado Springs for the last 25 years, and it’s easy to see why as soon as you step inside. After opening in 1935, the cinema underwent various renovations and ownership changes before closing in 1988.
Ten years later, local entrepreneur Kimball Bayles reopened the theater to show first-run releases of the leading independent and international films, along with occasional mainstream blockbusters. The theater features three screens along with a full-service bar and coffee shop.
The Kress
Visit the historically renovated Kress building to experience Greeley’s independent art house movie theater, the Kress Cinema & Lounge. After launching in 2008, the theater has maintained an antique vintage style and added a second screen in 2019. The Kress features an impressive variety of films, including:
- Alternative
- Classic
- Cult
- Foreign
- Mainstream blockbusters
The facility is also available to rent for presentations, private parties, and community events.
Visitors can order beer, wine, cocktails, and gourmet small plates, as well as traditional movie theater concessions at the full-service bar and restaurant. Take your food and drinks into the auditoriums, which have round booth-style tables made from upcycled 35mm film reels in addition to stadium seating. Or, dine in one of the comfortable lounge areas.
Riverwalk Theater
Surrounded by some of the Vail Valley’s hippest shops and restaurants, Riverwalk Theater in Edwards is the perfect place to relax after a day of skiing, mountain biking, hiking, golfing, or any other mountain adventures that the Eagle River Valley is famous for. In addition to regular showings of new releases, Riverwalk Theater hosts community events like their Tuesday evening Sustainable Film Series. Or, celebrate the mountain spirit at a ski film screening. The space is also available to reserve for private events.
With its convenient location and family-friendly atmosphere, this is the perfect place for locals and visitors to catch the latest films. You can also grab a coffee, smoothie, or a bite to eat at the Edwards Supply Company’s Lo-Fi Cafe, located in the theater’s foyer.
The Foundry
The Foundry Cinema & Bowl has something fun for everyone. This one-of-a-kind locals’ favorite in Fraser features a movie theater, bowling alley, arcade, billiards, foosball, and more. They also serve snacks and pizza, and there’s a full bar on-site.
Catch the latest new releases on one of The Foundry’s two screens. The theaters have oversized, cushioned stadium seats with cup holders and stow-away tables, so you can enjoy your food and drinks while you watch the movie. Check their website for the latest events like special screenings and sporting events.
Historic Park Theater
Estes Park is home to the US’s oldest single house motion picture theater. The Historic Park Theater was built in 1913 and has survived various floods, wind, and lightning storms over the past century. This local landmark, which features an 80-foot tall neon tower added in 1922, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
With two screens, the Historic Park Theater plays a wide range of films and events, including:
- Cult classics
- Documentaries
- Indie films
- International films
- New releases
- Film festivals
- Live performances
- Private events
Moviegoers can also grab lunch or dinner at the onsite cafe. Stop by next time you’re in Estes Park for an exceptional cinematic and historical experience.
The Best Movie Theatres in Denver and Beyond
So which is the best movie theater in Colorado? There are too many gems to choose from, so that’s really up to you!
Whether you enjoy an intimate art house cinema or you’re searching for the biggest movie screen in Colorado, these mountain town movie theaters won’t disappoint. When you visit one of these unique Colorado movie theaters, you’ll be able to appreciate more of the regional culture and history while enjoying a recent Blockbuster hit, indie film, or your favorite cult classic.
After the Best Movie Theaters in Colorado
Once you’ve caught the latest and greatest films, try some of these other entertainment adventures in the Centennial State: