You’re driving through Claremont, maybe just grabbed a burger at Tremont House of Pizza, and you’re thinking about catching a movie. It’s a classic New England vibe. But here is the thing about finding a movie theatre in Claremont NH—it’s actually a bit of a trick question depending on who you ask and how far you’re willing to drive.
Claremont is the only city in Sullivan County. You’d think it would be packed with multiplexes, right? Not exactly. The local entertainment scene has shifted a lot over the last decade. If you are looking for that big-screen experience, you basically have one primary local option and then a few "neighborly" choices that require a quick hop over the river or a cruise down the highway.
The Claremont Cinema 6 Experience
Let's talk about the main player. The Claremont Cinema 6, located on Washington Street, is the heartbeat of movies in this town. It’s tucked into the Claremont Shopping Center, right near the Hobby Lobby and T.J. Maxx. Honestly, it’s exactly what a local theater should be. It isn't a massive, soul-sucking 20-screen megaplex with talking robots. It’s a six-screen house that smells like real butter.
People go here because it's convenient. You don't have to fight traffic in Lebanon or Keene.
The seats? They’ve been upgraded to those power-reclining luxury loungers that everyone expects now. If you haven't been in a few years, you might remember the old, slightly squeaky folding chairs. Those are gone. Now, you can basically nap through the trailers.
Pricing is actually pretty fair compared to what you’d pay in a place like Boston or even Manchester. They usually do matinee pricing for shows before 6:00 PM, which is the move if you’re trying to save a few bucks for an extra-large popcorn. They participate in the standard big-studio releases, so if Marvel is dropping a new flick or there’s a Pixar sequel everyone is screaming about, it’ll be here.
What Happened to the Old Theaters?
Claremont has a deep history with cinema that most newcomers don't realize. There was the Latchis Theatre, a gorgeous old-school spot that once stood as a monument to Art Deco style. It’s a bit of a tragedy that these grand old houses didn't survive the shift to malls and streaming.
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The Latchis was part of a chain across Vermont and New Hampshire. Some of them, like the one in Brattleboro, are still iconic landmarks. In Claremont, though, the town’s footprint changed. The focus moved from the historic downtown core toward the "strip" on Washington Street (Route 11). That’s where the commerce is now.
Why the Location Matters
Being on Washington Street means the movie theatre in Claremont NH is surrounded by every errand you need to run. You can hit the grocery store, grab some hardware at Lowe’s, and then disappear into a dark room for two hours. It’s practical. It's New Hampshire.
The "Over the River" Alternatives
Sometimes, Cinema 6 doesn't have the specific indie film or the 70mm IMAX experience you’re craving. When that happens, Claremont residents usually look toward the border.
Just a short drive across the Connecticut River is the Springfield Cinemas 3 in Springfield, Vermont. It’s smaller. It’s a bit more "vintage," shall we say? But it has a local charm that some people prefer. It’s usually a bit cheaper, and the drive through the woods is actually pretty nice in the fall.
Then there’s the Nugget Theaters up in Hanover. That’s a different vibe entirely. Since it’s right by Dartmouth College, they get a lot of the high-brow stuff—documentaries, foreign films, things that won't necessarily play at a standard shopping center cinema. If you want to feel smart while eating your popcorn, head north.
The Reality of Running a Small-Town Theatre
It isn't easy.
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Streaming services like Netflix and Max have gutted the "casual" moviegoer market. For a movie theatre in Claremont NH to stay alive, it has to offer something the couch can't. That’s why the investment in reclining seats was so huge. It's about the "event."
The Claremont Cinema 6 is owned by the Great Escape Theatres group, which is under the Regal Cinemas umbrella. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get the corporate rewards programs (Regal Crown Club is actually worth it if you go more than once a month). On the other hand, it loses some of that "mom and pop" flavor. But hey, it keeps the lights on and the projectors running.
The Best Way to Plan Your Trip
If you’re heading to the movies in Claremont, don't just wing it.
- Check the Website Directly: Don't rely on third-party scrapers that might show old showtimes. Go to the Regal website and search for the Claremont location specifically.
- Tuesday is the Secret: Usually, Regal does a "Value Tuesday" for rewards members. You can get tickets for a fraction of the weekend price.
- The Popcorn Situation: It’s expensive. We all know it. But in a town like Claremont, that concession revenue is literally what keeps the theater from turning into another empty storefront. Support the snack bar.
Beyond the Big Screen: The Claremont Opera House
We can't talk about movies without mentioning the Claremont Opera House. While it’s primarily a performing arts venue for live music and theater, they do occasionally host film screenings, especially historic ones or community-led projects.
It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the state. Built in 1897, it has that classic horseshoe balcony and incredible acoustics. If you see a "Movie Night" listed on their marquee, go. Even if the movie is something you’ve seen a dozen times, seeing it in a 19th-century opera house is a totally different animal.
Technical Details You Might Care About
The Claremont Cinema 6 uses digital projection. The days of 35mm film reels are mostly gone in rural New Hampshire, unless you're at a specialty house. The sound systems are modern Dolby setups. It’s loud. It’s clear. You won't miss a whisper in a horror movie.
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- Accessibility: The theater is fully ADA-compliant. They have those "closed caption" glasses and assistive listening devices for folks who need them.
- Parking: It’s a massive plaza lot. You will never, ever struggle to find a spot.
- Safety: It’s Claremont. It’s generally very chill.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think that because Claremont is a smaller city, the theater will be "behind the times." That’s a mistake. The tech inside Cinema 6 is the same stuff you’d find in a theater in Manchester or Concord.
Another misconception? That it's always packed. Unless it’s the opening night of a massive blockbuster, you can usually walk in 10 minutes before the trailers and get a great seat. It’s one of the perks of living in the Upper Valley area.
Actionable Tips for Your Movie Night
If you want the best experience at the movie theatre in Claremont NH, do this:
- Join the Regal Crown Club. It’s free. You rack up points for every dollar spent. Eventually, you get free popcorn or tickets. If you're going anyway, you might as well get the kickback.
- Download the App. You can buy your tickets on the drive over (not while driving, obviously) and just scan your phone at the kiosk. It saves you from standing in the ticket line if there’s a rush.
- Eat Local First. Don't just eat at the theater. Hit up The Common Man or Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza nearby. Support the local food scene, then walk or drive the two minutes over to the cinema.
- Check for Special Events. Sometimes they do Fathom Events—think Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, old movie anniversaries, or anime screenings. These usually only play for one or two nights.
Claremont might not be Hollywood, but having a reliable, comfortable place to see a movie is a cornerstone of the community. Whether you’re taking the kids to a Saturday matinee or hiding out on a rainy Tuesday night, the cinema on Washington Street is the place to be.
Check the current schedule before you head out, as showtimes in smaller markets can shift based on seasonal demand. Grab the reclining seat, kick your boots off, and enjoy the show.