If you’ve lived in the southwest suburbs of Chicago for a while, you probably just call it "The Quarry." Technically, it’s the AMC Quarry Cinemas 14, but a lot of us still have "Loews" burned into our brains from when those big yellow letters dominated the facade. Located at 9201 W. 63rd Street, this place is basically a landmark for anyone in Hodgkins, Countryside, or La Grange.
Honestly, movie theaters today are in a weird spot. You've got these massive "luxury" spots with heated seats that cost a fortune, and then you've got the old-school gems. AMC Loews Hodgkins IL sits right in the middle. It’s got that nostalgic, late-90s vibe—it opened back in 1997—but it's still packing modern tech like Laser at AMC and a full IMAX setup.
The Local Vibe at AMC Loews Hodgkins IL
What most people get wrong about this theater is thinking it's just another cookie-cutter multiplex. It’s not. There is something specifically "Chicago suburban" about parking in that massive lot near the Target and walking past the old water tank to get inside. It feels huge. With nearly 2,800 seats across 14 screens, it’s built for those massive opening nights.
You know that smell? That specific mix of buttery popcorn and slightly over-chilled air conditioning? It hits you the second you walk through the doors.
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Why People Keep Coming Back
I’ve talked to people who drive past three other theaters just to come here. Why? Because it's often cheaper. While the "boutique" theaters in the city might charge you an arm and a leg, the AMC Quarry Cinemas 14 keeps its ticket prices pretty competitive. Plus, they do the Discount Tuesdays thing where members of their Stubs program get 50% off tickets. It’s a steal.
- IMAX at AMC: If you're seeing something like Avatar: Fire and Ash or a Lord of the Rings re-release, you want the big screen. The IMAX here is legit.
- The Snacks: They’ve got the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, which are basically a science experiment in a cup.
- MacGuffins Bar: Yeah, you can get a beer or a cocktail. Honestly, sometimes a glass of wine is the only way to get through a three-hour blockbuster.
The Reality of the Seating (Let’s Be Real)
Here is where I have to be a bit of a critic. If you’re expecting those plush, motorized, "lay down and take a nap" recliners in every single auditorium, you might be disappointed. A lot of the theaters here still use the traditional stadium seating.
Some people hate it. They want to be horizontal while they watch Zootopia 2. Others—myself included—kinda dig the old-school rockers. It feels more like a communal experience and less like you’re sitting in your living room. Just a heads-up though: if you have a bad back, check the seating chart online before you book to see if that specific screen has been upgraded to the AMC Signature Recliners.
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Technical Upgrades You Might Not Notice
Even if the seats feel vintage, the projection isn't. AMC has been rolling out Laser by Barco across the circuit. This basically means the colors are brighter and the contrast is way sharper than the old bulb-based projectors. It makes a massive difference in dark scenes where everything used to just look like a grey smudge.
Pro Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning a trip to AMC Loews Hodgkins IL, don't just wing it.
- Order ahead on the app. The concession line here can get absolutely wild on Friday nights. You can order your popcorn and "Impossible Nuggets" (yes, they have those) on your phone and just pick them up at a designated counter.
- The 4 PM Rule. All matinee tickets before 4:00 PM are 20% off. If you’re a budget-conscious moviegoer, this is the play.
- Accessibility is solid. They have great wheelchair-accessible seating and offer assistive listening devices. They even do Sensory Friendly Films for families who need the lights up a bit and the sound down a notch.
What’s the Current Status?
As of early 2026, the theater is fully operational and busier than ever. They’ve leaned heavily into "event" cinema. For instance, right now they are running a massive Lord of the Rings marathon. Seeing The Return of the King on a screen that big is a whole different beast than watching it on your couch.
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Actionable Next Steps for Moviegoers
If you haven't been to the Hodgkins location in a while, here is how to make the most of it:
- Check the Format: When booking online, look for the "Laser at AMC" or "IMAX" labels. If it just says "Digital," it’s a standard screen.
- Join Stubs Insider: It’s free. Even the lowest tier gets you points and access to the Tuesday discounts.
- Timing is Everything: Aim for a weeknight if you want to avoid the crowds of teenagers that descend on the Quarry shopping center during the weekends.
- Explore Nearby: If you’re making a night of it, there are plenty of spots within walking distance for a post-movie debrief. Most people head over to the nearby restaurants in the Quarry mall area to talk about whether the sequel lived up to the hype.
Whether you call it the Quarry or AMC Loews Hodgkins IL, this theater remains a staple of the local community. It might not be the fanciest place in the world, but it’s got heart, great popcorn, and screens big enough to make you forget about the real world for a couple of hours.