You know that feeling when you step off the N/Q/R/W or the 4/5/6 into the humidity of the Union Square subway station? It’s a mess. But for movie lovers, that chaos is the preamble to one of the most specific, high-energy cinematic experiences in Manhattan. Cinema at Union Square basically begins and ends with the massive Regal Union Square (formerly the Regal Union Square Stadium 14), a behemoth of a multiplex that sits right on Broadway and 13th Street. It’s not just a place to see a blockbuster. It’s a cultural intersection.
Honestly, people love to hate on big chain theaters, but the Regal Union Square is different. It’s survived the death of the nearby UA Court Street and the gentrification of pretty much everything else in the neighborhood. It’s still there. Massive. Multi-leveled. Screens tucked away in the basement and others soaring high above the street level.
If you're looking for that curated, quiet, "pre-war indie" vibe, you go to the Quad Cinema or the IFC Center nearby. But when you want the floor to shake because a 4DX chair is mimicking a car crash? You go to Union Square.
The Evolution of the Regal Union Square Experience
It’s weird to think about how much this specific theater has changed. Back in the day, it felt a little grittier. Now? It’s had a massive face-lift. Regal poured a ton of money into this flagship location to keep it relevant against the rise of streaming. They added the 4DX theater, which, if you haven’t tried it, is basically a theme park ride where they spray water in your face and punch you in the kidneys during action scenes. Some people find it distracting. I think it’s the only way to watch a Fast & Furious movie.
But there’s also the ScreenX. This is where they project the movie onto the side walls, giving you a 270-degree panoramic view. It doesn’t work for every film—mostly just the big spectacles—but it’s a flex that shows how cinema at Union Square is trying to provide something your 65-inch OLED at home simply can’t.
The lobby is huge. It’s usually packed with NYU students, tourists who got lost looking for the Strand Bookstore, and locals who just want a large popcorn. The ticket kiosks are usually faster than the human-manned counters, but the concession line is a legendary test of patience.
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Why Location is Everything for Union Square Movies
Union Square is the heart of the city’s transit. That matters. Because the theater is located at 850 Broadway, it draws a crowd that is significantly more diverse than the posh audiences at the Upper West Side’s AMC Lincoln Square. You get everyone. The energy in a Friday night screening here is loud. People react. They talk back to the screen sometimes. It’s a communal experience that reminds you why we go to the movies in the first place.
Also, can we talk about the escalators?
If you’ve been, you know. The Regal Union Square has these seemingly endless escalators. You go up, and up, and up. It feels like you’re ascending to a different plane of existence just to see a Marvel sequel. Then, after the movie, the descent back down to the chaotic reality of 14th Street is a vibe in itself.
Beyond the Big Multiplex: The Independent Soul of the Area
While the Regal is the primary destination for cinema at Union Square, the neighborhood acts as a gateway to some of the most important independent houses in the world.
Just a few blocks west, you hit the Village East by Angelika. It’s technically in the East Village, but it’s part of that Union Square orbit. This is where you go for the 70mm screenings. The Jaffe Art Deco Theater inside is a Moorish-style masterpiece. It’s one of the most beautiful places to watch a movie in the entire country, let alone the city.
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Then there’s the Quad Cinema on 13th Street.
It’s sleek.
It’s modern.
It’s where you see the restored 4K version of a French New Wave film you’ve never heard of.
The contrast is wild. You can see a $200 million explosion at the Regal and then walk five minutes to watch a silent film at the Quad. This density is why Union Square remains the "main character" of New York's film scene. It isn't just about one building; it's about the fact that within a half-mile radius, you have access to every single type of moving image ever created.
The Survival of Cinema in the Post-Pandemic Era
There was a moment in 2020 and 2021 where everyone thought these big Manhattan theaters were toast. Regal’s parent company, Cineworld, went through a massive Chapter 11 bankruptcy. There were rumors that the Union Square location might close its doors forever.
Thankfully, that didn't happen.
Instead, the theater doubled down on premium formats. They realized that to get New Yorkers out of their tiny apartments, they had to offer "The Big Experience." This is a trend we're seeing across the industry, but it’s hyper-visible here. The seats are plusher. The sound systems are louder. The coffee in the lobby is actually drinkable.
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Real Advice for Navigating Cinema at Union Square
Look, if you're going to see a movie here, don't just wing it. This isn't the suburbs.
- Check the Screen Number: This is crucial. Some screens at Regal Union Square are massive. Others are... not. If you’re paying full price, you want the big rooms. Usually, the higher-numbered screens are smaller. If it's in 4DX or ScreenX, you're good, but for standard digital, it's a roll of the dice.
- The "Hidden" Food Spots: Don't eat the $15 hot dog at the theater. You’re in Union Square. Go to Joe's Pizza on 14th Street for a quick slice before the trailers start. Or, if you have time, hit Vanessa’s Dumpling House. Bringing outside food is "technically" not allowed, but if you have a bag and you're discreet, nobody is doing a TSA-level pat-down.
- The Tuesday Deal: Regal has a value day (usually Tuesdays) for Regal Crown Club members. It’s free to join the club. If you’re a student or just on a budget, this is the only way to avoid the $20+ ticket price.
- The Midnight Factor: This theater used to be famous for its midnight premieres. While those have mostly moved to 7:00 PM Thursday previews, the energy is still there for big horror releases or "event" films.
The Nuance of the Audience
One thing experts note about cinema at Union Square is the "testing ground" nature of the audience. Studios often look at the performance of films at this specific location to gauge how they will play in urban markets. The audience here is younger and more culturally "online" than almost anywhere else in the city. If a movie bombs at Union Square, it's usually a bad sign for its longevity with the Gen Z and Millennial demographics.
Common Misconceptions About the Union Square Movie Scene
People think it’s just for tourists.
Wrong.
The tourists are in Times Square at the AMC Empire 25. People at Union Square are locals, students from The New School and NYU, and film buffs who live in the East Village or Chelsea. It’s a much more "New York" crowd.
Another misconception is that the theater is "dirty."
It had a rough patch about a decade ago, but the recent renovations have actually made it one of the cleaner big-box theaters in the city. Is it pristine? No. It’s a high-traffic building in the middle of Manhattan. But the seats are relatively new and the projection quality is generally high-tier.
What’s Next for the Neighborhood?
We're seeing a shift toward more "event-ized" cinema. The Regal Union Square is likely to continue adding more experiential tech. There’s a lot of talk in the industry about VR integrations or more "dine-in" options, though the Union Square location is currently focused more on the "ride" aspect of cinema (the 4DX).
The real challenge will be the rising rent in the area. But given the foot traffic and the proximity to the L train (which brings in the Brooklyn crowd), the cinema at Union Square is probably the safest bet in the city's theatrical landscape.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Download the App: Use the Regal app to book your seats in advance. The good ones (center-middle) go fast for opening weekends.
- Arrive Early for 4DX: If you’re doing the 4DX experience, you need to put your stuff in the lockers or make sure your bags are zipped tight. Those chairs move a lot more than you think they will.
- The Exit Strategy: When the movie ends, don't follow the crowd to the main elevators. Use the stairs if you're able; it's much faster than waiting for the lift with 300 other people.
- Explore the Perimeter: If the Regal is sold out, check the showtimes at Village East or the Quad immediately. They are within walking distance and often have tickets for the "prestige" films that the Regal also carries.
- Validate Your Parking? Just don't. Don't drive to Union Square. Take the subway. The 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains all drop you right there. It’s the most accessible theater in the city.
The state of cinema at Union Square is a reflection of the city itself: loud, slightly overwhelming, expensive, but ultimately irreplaceable. You go for the movie, but you stay for the feeling of being in the middle of everything.