If you grew up anywhere near the Portland area, you probably have a memory of the Cinemagic Westbrook Maine movie theater. Maybe it was a first date where you both were too nervous to eat the popcorn, or that midnight premiere of a Marvel flick where the line stretched nearly to the street. It wasn’t just a building with sticky floors; it was the heartbeat of a Friday night.
Honestly, the news of its closure hit the community like a ton of bricks. We’re talking about a place that had been a staple for over two decades. People were gutted. One former employee even described it as "losing a childhood home." That’s a heavy sentiment for a cinema, but it speaks to how much these spaces matter.
But here’s the thing. Most people think it just vanished into thin air during the pandemic. The reality of what happened to the Cinemagic Westbrook Maine movie theater—and what’s standing in its place today—is a bit more of a rollercoaster.
The Day the Screens Went Dark
It started in March 2020. We all remember that weird, quiet spring. Like every other theater chain, Cinemagic suspended operations, hoping to reopen by April. That didn't happen. They tried a "hibernation" strategy, waiting for the vaccine rollout and for Hollywood to finally release the blockbusters they were hoarding.
Then came February 2021.
The parent company, Zyacorp Entertainment, dropped the bombshell. They weren't just "pausing" anymore. They were done. Permanently. Eight locations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts—including the massive Westbrook site and the Saco IMAX—shuttered their doors for good.
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It felt final. The signs stayed up, but the parking lots were empty, save for the occasional seagull. For a while, it looked like Westbrook was going to have a massive, hollow shell of a building sitting on County Road indefinitely.
The Rebirth: Apple Cinemas and the Legal Drama
Fortunately, the "hollow shell" phase didn't last forever. In late 2021, a Massachusetts-based chain called Apple Cinemas stepped in to save the day. They didn't just take over Westbrook; they grabbed the Saco location too.
It was a total relief. We got our recliners back. We got the big screens back.
But, because this is the 2020s, nothing is ever simple. You might have noticed that "Apple Cinemas" sounds... familiar. Tech giant Apple Inc. certainly thought so. In 2025, they actually filed a lawsuit against the theater chain, claiming the name caused consumer confusion.
I mean, let’s be real. Is anyone actually walking into the Westbrook theater trying to buy an iPhone 16? Probably not. But the legal battle added a weird layer of "will they stay or will they go" to a place that had already seen enough drama. As of right now, in early 2026, the theater is still humming along, though the branding landscape for the chain is definitely under some heat.
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Why We Still Miss the Original Cinemagic
Even though the theater is back open under a different name, people still search for the Cinemagic Westbrook Maine movie theater specifically. Why?
- The Vibe: Cinemagic had a specific, local feel. It didn't feel like a giant, soulless corporate machine (even though it was a chain).
- The Rewards: Their loyalty program was actually decent.
- The Layout: 16 screens meant you could almost always find a seat for a niche indie film that the bigger malls wouldn't touch.
The new management has kept the "premium" feel, though. If you head there today, you're getting the ACX (Apple Cinematic Experience), which basically means Dolby Atmos sound and seats that are more comfortable than my actual living room couch.
Looking Ahead: Rock Row and Competition
The Westbrook movie scene isn't just about the old Cinemagic site anymore. Things are getting crowded—in a good way.
Just down the road, the Rock Row development is massive. It’s changing the whole skyline of Westbrook. There’s been a lot of buzz about Cinemark (a different "C" name, I know) moving in there. The latest word is that we’re looking at a 2026 opening for a brand new Cinemark at Rock Row.
This is huge. It means the old Cinemagic location—now Apple Cinemas—is going to have some serious competition. For us, the viewers? It’s a win-win. Better tech, more options, and hopefully, better snack deals.
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What You Should Do Now
If you haven't been back to the old Cinemagic spot since the changeover, it's worth the trip just to see how they've polished it up.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit:
- Check the Premium Screens: If you’re seeing a big-budget flick, specifically look for the ACX screenings. The sound system in those specific auditoriums is a noticeable step up from the standard rooms.
- Verify the Name: If you’re using GPS, search for "Apple Cinemas Westbrook" instead of Cinemagic to make sure you get the right entrance.
- Support Local Food: Since the theater is right on the edge of the Portland/Westbrook line, hit up Guidi’s Diner or Bamboo Bistro nearby before your show. It’s a classic Westbrook move.
The era of the Cinemagic Westbrook Maine movie theater as we knew it is technically over, but the "magic" part is still very much alive on County Road. It's just wearing a different hat these days.
To keep your movie-going experience smooth, always book tickets in advance through their mobile app, especially on weekends when the Rock Row construction traffic can make timing your arrival a bit of a gamble.