You know that feeling when you just want a movie to be a movie? No over-the-top gimmicks, just a massive screen, a bucket of popcorn that costs more than your first car, and a dark room where you can actually forget your phone exists for two hours. That is basically the vibe at Century 16 Cedar Hills. It isn't the newest theater in the Portland metro area. It definitely isn't the flashiest. But honestly, there is a reason the parking lot is still a nightmare on Friday nights even with all the streaming services we have at home.
Century 16 Cedar Hills sits right off Highway 26 and SW Cedar Hills Blvd, acting as a sort of gateway to Beaverton. It has been a staple of the Cedar Hills Crossing mall for years. While other theaters have tried to reinvent themselves as high-end bistros that happen to show films, this Cinemark location keeps things relatively grounded. You get the XD screens, you get the heated recliners, and you get that specific "movie theater smell" that scientists should probably study because it is incredibly nostalgic.
What is the Deal with the XD Screen?
People always ask if the XD upcharge is actually worth it at Century 16 Cedar Hills. If you are watching a quiet indie drama where people just talk in kitchens, then no, don't waste the five bucks. But if you are there for the latest Marvel flick or a massive sci-fi epic, the "Extreme Digital" auditorium is kind of a game-changer.
The screen is wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor. It's huge. Plus, the sound system uses a custom JBL setup that basically vibrates your teeth. It’s loud. Really loud. Some people find it overwhelming, but if you want that "wall of sound" experience, this is where you go. The projector system in the XD hall also handles high-frame-rate content better than the standard rooms, so you don't get that weird motion blur during fast action sequences.
The Recliner Situation
Let’s talk about the seats because, let’s be real, that’s half the reason anyone goes to the theater anymore. A few years back, Cinemark went through and gutted the old stadium seating to put in the Luxury Loungers. They are electric. They heat up. They have enough room that you aren't accidentally touching elbows with the stranger next to you.
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The downside? Capacity dropped.
Because the seats are so much bigger, there are fewer of them per room. This means that for big premieres, Century 16 Cedar Hills sells out way faster than it used to back in the 2000s. If you’re planning to see a blockbuster on opening weekend, you basically have to use the Cinemark app to reserve seats a few days in advance. Don't be that person who shows up twenty minutes before showtime expecting a middle-row seat. You will end up in the front row, staring at the protagonist's nostrils for three hours. It’s a literal pain in the neck.
Why the Location is a Blessing and a Curse
Location is everything. Century 16 Cedar Hills is anchored in the massive Cedar Hills Crossing expansion. This is great because you can hit up New Seasons for snacks you aren't supposed to sneak in (we've all done it) or grab dinner at Shake Shack or Dave’s Hot Chicken before your movie.
But.
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The parking. Oh man, the parking is a whole ordeal. Because the theater shares a lot with a dozen high-traffic restaurants and a WinCo nearby, finding a spot on a Saturday at 7:00 PM is basically a competitive sport. Pro tip: don't even bother looking for a spot right in front of the theater doors. Just head toward the back of the lot near the mall entrance and walk the extra two minutes. Your blood pressure will thank you.
Real Talk: The Concessions and Pricing
Cinemark has their "Movie Rewards" program, and if you go more than once a month, you’re kind of a sucker if you don’t sign up. It’s the "Movie Club" tier specifically. You pay a monthly fee, get a "free" ticket that rolls over, and—this is the big one—you get a significant discount on concessions.
The popcorn here is standard Cinemark fare. It’s salty, it’s buttery, and it’s consistently fresh because they move through so much volume. They also have the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, which are great unless you’re stuck behind someone who takes five minutes to decide which of the 127 flavors of Sprite they want.
Prices? They’re high. It's a movie theater. Expect to pay $15-$20 for a large popcorn and soda combo. That’s just the reality of the business model where the theater makes almost zero profit on the ticket sales and keeps the lights on by selling corn and syrup.
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How It Compares to Other Portland Theaters
Portland has a weirdly great theater scene. You have the high-end luxury of the Living Room Theaters downtown, the indie charm of the Hollywood Theatre, and the "dinner and a movie" vibe of McMenamins. So, where does Century 16 Cedar Hills fit in?
It is the "reliable workhorse."
It’s cleaner than the Regal at Lloyd Center used to be and more modern than many of the aging suburban multiplexes. It doesn't have the personality of the Bagdad, but it has the technical specs (like 4K projection and 7.1 surround sound) that the smaller historical theaters lack. If you want the most technically accurate version of a film, you go here or the IMAX over at Bridgeport.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Tuesday is the Day: Like most Cinemark locations, Century 16 Cedar Hills does "Discount Tuesdays." Tickets are significantly cheaper. It’s the busiest day of the week outside of Friday/Saturday, so book early.
- The App is Mandatory: Don't wait in the box office line. Use the app to get your QR code and just walk straight to the ticket taker. It saves so much time.
- The Entrance Confusion: People often get confused because there are two "sides" to the theater layout once you pass the lobby. Pay attention to the signage for theaters 1-8 versus 9-16. If you go the wrong way, you're walking a long circle.
- The Temperature: They keep the AC cranked. Even in the summer, bring a hoodie. Those heated seats are nice, but they only heat your back, not your freezing arms.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
To get the most out of a trip to Century 16 Cedar Hills, skip the impulse move. Check the Cinemark website or app exactly 24 hours before you plan to go to see the seating chart. If the middle section is full, pick a different showtime—the extreme angle in the smaller auditoriums can distort the image if you're too far to the side.
If you're bringing kids, arrive 30 minutes early. The lobby gets chaotic, and the bathroom lines at this specific location are notoriously long during the "intermission" between sets of trailers.
Finally, check the "Early Bird" times. The first matinee of the day is often half the price of a prime-time ticket. If you can handle a movie at 11:00 AM on a Sunday, you’ll save enough money to actually afford the large popcorn without feeling like you need a second mortgage.