If you've spent any time in Myrtle Beach lately, you've probably noticed that the local movie scene is shifting. Specifically, the talk around the grand cinema 14 market common has reached a bit of a fever pitch because, well, the name on the door changed. For years, everybody just called it "The Grand." It was the Stone Theatres flagship. Now? It’s officially under the Georgia Theatre Company (GTC) banner.
Change is weird. People get protective over their favorite popcorn spots.
Honestly, the transition caught some locals off guard. In late 2025, news broke that Stone Theatres was handing over the keys. If you show up today at 4002 DeVille St, you’re technically walking into a GTC Cinema. But don't panic—the 14 wall-to-wall screens and those massive high-back rockers aren't going anywhere. It’s still the same massive 2,600-seat anchor of the Market Common district.
Why the Grand Cinema 14 Market Common Change Actually Matters
It’s not just about who signs the paychecks for the ushers. When a fourth-generation, family-owned business like GTC takes over, the "vibe" of a place usually shifts. Stone Theatres built a reputation on a very specific type of luxury—retractable armrests and stadium seating that felt more like a living room than a sterile multiplex.
The big question: what stayed?
Basically, everything that made it good. You still have the massive Digital Dolby and DTS sound systems. You still have the D-BOX seats for people who want their chairs to kick them during explosions. And yes, the "Discount Tuesday" deals are still the lifeblood of the local community. If you aren't going on Tuesdays for the $6 tickets, you're kinda doing it wrong.
Breaking Down the Theater Experience
Walking into the grand cinema 14 market common is a different experience than hitting the AMC at the mall. It’s part of a lifestyle center. You can’t just talk about the movie; you have to talk about the context.
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Most people park in the deck right behind the theater. Pro tip: that deck is currently undergoing some long-term maintenance (as of early 2026), so give yourself an extra ten minutes to find a spot. There’s nothing worse than sprinting past the fountains at Valor Park because you’re missing the trailers.
The Tech and the Comfort
The rooms are big. Really big. We're talking 14 screens that all feel like "the big one."
- Luxury Seating: They use high-back rockers. Not the full power-recliners that some modern boutique theaters have, but they are wide and the armrests move.
- Audio: They’re running Dolby Atmos and DTS. In a room like Theater 1 or 7, the sound is physical.
- Visuals: It’s all 4K digital projection. They still do 3D releases, though that's become a bit of a niche thing lately.
One thing that’s genuinely great? The sightlines. Because of the stadium rake, you never have to worry about a tall guy in a trucker hat blocking your view of the latest blockbuster.
The "Secret" Perks Nobody Mentions
If you're a local, you know the grand cinema 14 market common isn't just for Friday night dates.
Flashback Cinema is a huge deal here. They regularly bring back classics like Jaws or The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Seeing those on a screen that large—not your 55-inch TV at home—is a reminder of why movie theaters still exist. Plus, they’ve been leaning heavily into local premieres. Recently, there’s been buzz around The Grand Strand, a locally produced coming-of-age film that actually used the area as a backdrop.
And then there's the food.
It’s expensive. Obviously. It’s a movie theater. But the "Tuesday Combo" (small drink and popcorn) is actually a decent hedge against inflation if you're trying to see a movie on a budget.
Managing the Crowd
On a rainy Saturday in Myrtle Beach? Forget about it. The theater becomes the unofficial headquarters for every tourist within a 20-mile radius. If you want a peaceful experience, you hit the 1:00 PM matinee on a Wednesday.
A Word on the GTC Transition
A lot of people are worried about their old Stone Theatres gift cards. This is a valid concern. Usually, during these buyouts, there’s a grace period, but GTC has been pretty proactive about integrating their own GTC Rewards program. If you have old credit, go to the box office sooner rather than later.
The new management has kept the "Community-Centric" approach, which is a relief. They still host sensory-friendly screenings and active military discounts, which is non-negotiable in a town with as much military history as Myrtle Beach.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
Don't just buy a ticket and leave. The Market Common is designed to be a "stay and play" kind of place.
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- The Pre-Game: Grab a beer at 810 Billiards & Bowling or a quick bite at Zardin.
- The Timing: Use the GTC app to reserve your seats. The "old way" of showing up and hoping for the best is dead.
- The Parking: If the deck is full, there’s street parking on DeVille, but it’s strictly monitored. Don’t get a ticket for a $15 movie.
The grand cinema 14 market common remains the most "polished" theater in the area. It feels cleaner than the mall theaters and more professional than the smaller indie spots. Whether it’s GTC or Stone, the building itself is a masterpiece of cinema design.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
- Check the App: Download the GTC Movies app. It’s the only way to guarantee a seat in the D-BOX section or the center-row sweet spots.
- Tuesday is King: If you're looking for the $6 deal, remember it applies all day, not just the matinee.
- Validate Your Visit: Walk around the shops afterward. The theater is the anchor, but the surrounding district is what makes the trip worth the drive.
- Sign up for Rewards: If you’re a regular, the GTC points add up faster than the Stone ones used to, mostly because of how they structure their concession points.
The theater is still the heart of the Market Common, and despite the name change, the popcorn still smells exactly the same when you walk through those glass doors.