You know that specific smell of movie theater popcorn that hits you the second the automatic doors slide open? That's the vibe at the Hollywood Movie Theater Morgantown. Officially known as Regal Morgantown & RPX, it sits up at University Town Centre, overlooking the sprawl of the city like a temple to overpriced snacks and massive screens. It’s basically a local landmark at this point. If you’ve lived in Monongalia County for more than a week, you’ve probably sat in those recliners.
Going to the movies has changed. Honestly, it’s expensive now. People stay home and stream stuff on Netflix or Max, so a theater really has to offer something "extra" to get us off the couch. The Hollywood—or Regal, if you’re being technical—tries to do exactly that with its RPX setup. It’s a loud, bright, and slightly chaotic hub that anchors the shopping district.
What People Actually Get Wrong About the Hollywood Movie Theater Morgantown
People often confuse the name. Look, everyone in town still calls it the "Hollywood Theater" because that was the original branding when it opened back in the day. Eventually, Regal Cinemas took over the spot. If you're searching for showtimes, you’re looking for Regal Morgantown. Don't let the old name trip you up when you're trying to book tickets on an app.
The theater is huge. It has 12 screens. That sounds like a lot until a massive Marvel movie or a sequel like Avatar drops, and then the place feels like a sardine can. But the variety is actually decent. They don’t just play the big blockbusters; you can often catch smaller horror flicks or the occasional limited release that doesn't make it to the smaller indie screens downtown.
The RPX Experience: Is It Worth the Extra Cash?
The big draw here is the RPX—Regal Premium Experience. It’s their answer to IMAX. You get a bigger screen, better speakers, and those "butt-kicker" seats that vibrate when things explode on screen. Is it worth the $3 to $5 upcharge?
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Well, it depends. If you’re watching a dialogue-heavy drama, probably not. You’re just paying for louder talking. But for something like Top Gun or a gritty sci-fi epic, the sound system in the RPX wing is genuinely impressive. It’s crisp. It’s loud enough to make your ears ring just a little bit. The screen quality is noticeably sharper than the standard digital projection in the smaller halls.
The seating is the real winner, though. Gone are the days of those stiff, upright chairs that gave you a backache by the second act. Most of the theaters here have transitioned to the king-size recliners. They are plush. They lean back almost all the way. Honestly, the biggest risk isn't the ticket price; it's falling asleep during the boring parts because you're too comfortable.
Navigation and Timing Secrets
Parking at University Town Centre is a nightmare. There’s no other way to put it. On a Friday night, the lot is shared with Target, Giant Eagle, and a dozen restaurants. It’s a mess.
- The Pro Move: Don't try to park right in front of the theater. You'll circle for twenty minutes. Park over by the side near the newer retail builds and walk the extra sixty seconds.
- The Tuesday Hack: Regal does "Value Days" on Tuesdays. If you have their Regal Crown Club card (which is free), tickets are significantly cheaper. You can usually grab a seat for around seven or eight bucks, which is a steal compared to the weekend prime-time rates.
- App Check: Use the app to buy tickets in advance. The lobby can get backed up, and the kiosks aren't always working perfectly. Having that QR code on your phone saves you from standing behind a family of six trying to decide between a medium or large ICEE.
The Food Situation (Beyond the Popcorn)
We have to talk about the concessions. It's expensive. Everyone knows this. A large popcorn and a drink will probably cost you more than the movie ticket itself. But the Hollywood Movie Theater Morgantown has stepped up the menu beyond just Raisinets and nachos.
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They’ve got hot food now—chicken tenders, burgers, mozzarella sticks. Is it five-star dining? No. It’s "theater food." But if you’re rushing from work and didn't have time to hit the Five Guys down the street, it does the job. The popcorn is consistently fresh, though. They move through enough volume that you rarely get a stale bucket. Just watch out for the "butter" pump; it's easy to overdo it and end up with a soggy mess.
Why This Place Beats Watching at Home
There’s a communal aspect to seeing a movie in a place like this. Think back to the midnight premieres or the opening night of a huge franchise. When the whole room gasps at a plot twist or cheers at a hero's entrance, you can't replicate that in your living room. The Morgantown crowd is usually pretty respectful—not too much talking, though you’ll always have that one person checking their bright phone screen in the front row.
The staff is mostly local students. They’re usually pretty fast, even when the line is out the door. If a projector fails or a light stays on during the movie, they're generally quick to fix it if someone speaks up. It’s a well-oiled machine for the most part.
Realities of the Location
University Town Centre is growing. It’s crowded. The theater sits right in the middle of this retail explosion. This means you can make a whole day of it. You can grab dinner at any of the nearby spots—Buffalo Wild Wings, Pies & Pints, or even the newer steakhouse options—and then walk over to the theater.
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One downside? The traffic leaving the hill after a 7:00 PM showing ends. Everyone is trying to get onto I-79 or back down toward Star City at the same time. If you can, stick around for a few minutes after the credits roll to let the initial wave of cars clear out.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the Hollywood Movie Theater Morgantown, here is the most efficient way to do it without losing your mind or your entire paycheck:
- Sign up for the Regal Crown Club. It’s free. You earn points for every dollar spent, which eventually leads to free popcorn or tickets. It also unlocks the Tuesday discounts.
- Arrive 20 minutes early. Regal plays a lot of pre-show content and "Regal Shorts." If you want to get your snacks and get settled before the actual trailers start, you need that buffer.
- Check the RPX schedule specifically. Sometimes a movie is listed twice—once for standard and once for RPX. Make sure you’re clicking the one you actually want.
- Bring a light jacket. No matter how hot it is outside in a West Virginia summer, the theater's A/C is usually set to "arctic tundra."
- Use the back entrance. When leaving the University Town Centre, if the main light near the interstate is backed up, use the back roads that lead toward the WVU baseball stadium to bypass the worst of the congestion.
The theater remains the go-to spot for entertainment in the area because it offers a consistent, high-quality experience. Whether you're there for a first date, a kids' birthday party, or just to escape reality for two hours, it delivers. Skip the long lines by booking ahead, grab a reclining seat, and actually enjoy the show.