If you’ve ever wandered through the oddly shaped, vertical labyrinth that is the Century Shopping Centre on Chicago’s North Side, you know the vibe. It’s a bit weird. You're walking past a gym and a Michaels craft store, riding these narrow escalators that seem to go on forever, and then—boom. You’re at the top, and there it is. Landmark's Century Centre Cinema. It feels like a secret clubhouse for people who actually care about film, tucked away above the hustle of Clark and Diversey.
It’s an institution.
But honestly, the theater industry has been through the wringer lately. Between the rise of "wait-for-streaming" culture and the post-pandemic reshuffle of cinema chains, places like the Century Centre are in a weird spot. People keep asking: is it still the go-to for indies? Does it still have that specific "cool" factor, or is it just a relic of the early 2000s mall era?
Let’s get into the weeds of what actually makes this place tick.
The Architecture of a Movie Attic
Most theaters are boxes. Big, flat, predictable boxes in the middle of a parking lot. Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema is... not that. Because the building used to be a vaudeville theater and later a shopping mall, the layout is basically a vertical puzzle.
You’ve got seven screens. They aren't all the same size. Some are intimate—kinda like watching a movie in a very high-end living room—while others have that classic stadium seating feel. It’s cozy. Sometimes it’s a little too cozy if you’re sitting next to a loud popcorn eater, but that’s part of the charm.
The lobby is where the magic starts. It’s got this sleek, slightly moody aesthetic that screams "we show movies that win at Cannes." They’ve got the standard snacks, sure, but they also have a bar. Getting a glass of wine or a craft beer and taking it into a subtitled Iranian drama is a peak Lakeview experience. It’s civilized. It makes you feel like an adult, even if you’re just there to see the latest A24 horror flick.
Why the Programming Matters More Than the Popcorn
What really separates Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema from the massive AMC blocks or the Regal down the street is the curation. They don't just dump whatever Disney is pushing this week onto every screen.
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They specialize in:
- Foreign language films that don't get wide releases.
- Small-batch documentaries about niche subcultures.
- Directorial debuts that are too "risky" for suburban multiplexes.
- The occasional high-end blockbuster that actually has some soul.
If you’re looking for a movie that makes you think—or maybe just one that makes you feel slightly smarter than you actually are—this is where you go. They’ve historically been the Chicago home for films distributed by Neon, Searchlight, and Magnolia Pictures. Think back to the buzz around Parasite or The Whale. Before those movies were household names, they were playing right here on Clark Street.
There’s a specific trust factor involved. You can basically walk into the Century Centre without checking the schedule, pick a random showtime, and there’s an 85% chance you’ll see something worth talking about over drinks afterward.
The "Mall Cinema" Stigma
Let's be real for a second. The Century Shopping Centre itself is a bit of a trip. It’s a "vertical mall," which is a concept that always feels a little bit frantic. You’re navigating shoppers and gym-goers just to get to the ticket rip.
Some people hate this. They want a standalone building with a neon marquee.
But there’s something uniquely Chicagoan about it. It’s dense. It’s urban. It’s a use of space that ignores the sprawling logic of the suburbs. Plus, the location is unbeatable if you’re trying to make a night of it. You’ve got the entire Lakeview and Lincoln Park food scenes right outside the door. You can hit Crisp for some Korean fried chicken or grab a drink at The Duke of Perth, and then walk two blocks to catch a 9:00 PM screening.
The Tech Specs: Sound and Vision
We need to talk about the projection. Look, some "art house" theaters use their vibe to distract from the fact that their equipment is ancient. Landmark doesn't really do that. They’ve stayed pretty current with 4K digital projection and solid sound systems.
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It isn't IMAX. Don't go there expecting your seat to vibrate like you’re in a space shuttle. But the color calibration is usually spot on, and for the types of films they show—character-driven dramas, visually lush indies—the setup is exactly what it needs to be. The sightlines are generally good, though if you're in one of the smaller houses, you definitely want to arrive early to snag a center seat.
The Reality of the "Landmark" Brand
Landmark Theatres as a chain has gone through some ownership changes over the years. They were owned by Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner for a long time before being sold to the Cohen Media Group.
Why does that matter to you, the person just wanting to see a movie?
Well, Cohen Media Group is run by Charles Cohen, a guy who is obsessed with film preservation and high-end cinema. This has mostly been a win for the Century Centre. It means the theater hasn't been "corporatized" into oblivion. It still feels like a neighborhood spot, even though it’s part of a larger network that stretches from New York to LA.
They also have a pretty decent loyalty program. If you’re a regular, the "Film Circle" thing is actually worth signing up for. It’s not a scam; it’s basically just free popcorn and discounted tickets for people who show up once a week.
Addressing the "Streaming" Elephant in the Room
Is Landmark's Century Centre Cinema dying?
People have been predicting the death of indie cinema since VCRs were invented. Then it was DVDs. Then it was Netflix. Now it's the fact that everyone has a 65-inch OLED in their living room.
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But here’s the thing: you can’t replicate the collective experience of a small, packed theater at the Century Centre. When a comedy hits, and the whole room is laughing, or when a tense thriller has everyone holding their breath, that’s a physical sensation you don't get on your couch.
The theater has survived by leaning into the "event" of it all. They do Q&As. They do limited runs. They create an environment where the movie is the main event, not just something playing in the background while you scroll on your phone.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you're heading out to a show, there are a few things that will make your life significantly easier.
- The Parking Situation: It sucks. Let’s just be honest. There is a garage attached to the mall, and the theater usually validates, which brings the price down to something reasonable. But the garage is tight. If you have a giant SUV, you’re going to be sweating bullets in those turns. If you can, take the 22 or 36 bus, or walk from the Wellington Brown Line.
- The "Best" Seats: In the larger auditoriums, aim for the middle of the stadium section. In the smaller "jewel box" theaters, try to stay about three or four rows back. Being too close in the small rooms can feel a bit overwhelming because of the screen angle.
- The Bar: It’s actually good. They don't just have cheap swill. The wine list is curated, and the beer selection usually features some local Chicago staples.
- The Crowds: Friday and Saturday nights get busy, especially for buzzy Oscar-season releases. Use the Landmark app to buy tickets ahead of time. It saves you the heartbreak of walking up to the counter and seeing "SOLD OUT" for the only showtime that works for you.
The Verdict on Landmark's Century Centre Cinema
It isn't perfect. The escalators are slow, the mall atmosphere is a little jarring, and the popcorn prices are... well, they're movie theater prices.
But it remains the heart of the Chicago indie film scene for a reason. It’s a place that respects the medium. It’s a place where the staff actually knows what’s playing and can tell you if it’s any good. In a world where everything is becoming a homogenized, algorithm-driven mess, the Century Centre feels intentional.
It’s a theater for people who love movies. Plain and simple.
Actionable Next Steps for Film Lovers
- Check the "Coming Soon" Tab: Landmark often gets exclusive runs of films weeks before they hit other Chicago theaters. Check their site on Tuesday evenings when the new Friday schedules usually drop.
- Validate Your Parking: If you do drive, do not forget to bring your parking ticket to the box office or the concessions stand. It’s the difference between a $5-10 charge and a $30+ nightmare.
- Join the Landmark Film Circle: It’s free to join the basic tier. You get points for every dollar spent, and they actually add up surprisingly fast if you’re a semi-regular viewer.
- Explore the Neighborhood: Turn your movie trip into a full evening. Check out The Wieners Circle for a post-movie hot dog (and some "verbal abuse" if it’s late enough) or head to Rotofugi nearby if you’re into designer toys and art.