Honestly, if you'd asked me five years ago if movie theaters in slc ut would still be a "thing" in 2026, I might have hedged my bets. Streaming was supposed to kill the big screen, right? But walk into the Broadway Centre Cinemas on a Tuesday night or try to snag a weekend seat at The Gateway, and you’ll see that the Salt Lake film scene isn't just surviving—it’s actually kind of thriving.
People here don't just want to watch a movie; they want the ritual. It's the $9 popcorn that somehow tastes better than anything you make at home. It’s the collective gasp when a plot twist hits. In Salt Lake City, we have this weird, wonderful mix of massive, high-tech multiplexes and gritty, soul-filled indie houses that refuse to die.
The Megaplex Dominance and the "Luxury" Pivot
If you’re looking for the standard blockbuster experience, you’re basically living in Megaplex territory. Owned by the Larry H. Miller Company, these theaters are everywhere. But they've changed. They had to.
The Megaplex Theatres at The Gateway is the crown jewel for downtown dwellers. It’s not just about the screen anymore. We’re talking heated luxury recliners and the "Coca-Cola Freestyle" machines that give you like 100 different soda combinations. I’ve seen people spend ten minutes just deciding between Peach Sprite and Raspberry Mello Yello.
Why the "Luxury" Tag Actually Matters
It sounds like marketing fluff, but the shift to luxury seating saved these places. You used to be crammed into a squeaky flip-down chair next to a stranger’s elbow. Now? You’ve got enough personal space to practically take a nap. At the Valley Fair or Cottonwood locations, the "TremorFX" seats actually vibrate with the movie. It’s immersive, sure, but mostly it’s just fun.
Salt Lake Film Society: The Heart of the Indie Scene
Now, if the Megaplex is the shiny corporate titan, the Salt Lake Film Society (SLFS) is the cool, slightly eccentric aunt who knows everything about 1970s French noir. They run the Broadway Centre Cinemas on 300 South.
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This is where you go when you’re tired of superheroes.
The Broadway is a nonprofit. That matters because their mission isn’t just selling tickets; it’s "exhibiting, creating, and preserving" film. You’ll find the Sundance leftovers here, the weird documentaries, and the international films that don't get a wide release.
The Tower Theatre Mystery
Everyone asks about The Tower Theatre in the 9th & 9th neighborhood. It’s been closed for a while, and for a minute, we all thought it was gone for good. But the latest updates for 2026 are actually pretty wild.
The SLFS is currently in the middle of a massive "Next 100 Years" project. They aren't just "patching it up." They are literally tripling the usable space.
- Restoring the 1928 facade: They’re bringing back the original masonry and the iconic ticket booth.
- The "Ghost" Tower: They are digitally recreating a demolished west tower so cinematic images can be projected onto it at night.
- Microcinemas: They're adding three tiny theaters in the basement.
The goal is a 2028 reopening for its 100th anniversary, but throughout 2026, you’ll see the schematic designs and fundraising events keeping the hype alive.
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Where to Find the Best Tech
If you are a total tech snob (no judgment, I am too), you need to know where the "real" screens are.
- IMAX at Clark Planetarium: This is the Northrop Grumman IMAX. It’s not just for school field trips. They run 3D nature docs like T. Rex 3D or Shark Kingdom, but they also snag big Hollywood releases. The screen is massive, and the sound is enough to rattle your teeth.
- Cinemark Century 16 (South Salt Lake): Located on 3300 South, this is the go-to for XD (Extreme Digital). It’s Cinemark’s version of a premium large format. The wall-to-wall screen and custom sound system make it a solid runner-up to IMAX if you’re on the south side of town.
- Dolby Cinema at AMC: While Cinemark and Megaplex rule the valley, the Dolby Cinema experience (usually found in West Jordan or further out) is often cited by purists as having the best black levels and contrast.
The "Dinner and a Movie" Evolution
We can't talk about movie theaters in slc ut without mentioning Brewvies Cinema Pub.
Brewvies is an institution. It’s 21+ because they serve actual beer and cocktails. It’s a bit more "lived-in" than the luxury spots, but that’s the charm. You order a pitcher and some "Filmstrip Fries," sit at a table in the back of the theater, and watch a flick. It’s the antithesis of the sterile, modern multiplex.
Then you have the Alamo Drafthouse influence. While Salt Lake doesn't have a formal Alamo downtown yet, the "order-from-your-seat" model has been adopted by almost everyone. Even the Megaplex allows for pre-ordering snacks via an app so you don't have to stand in line behind a guy who can't decide which size Icee he wants.
The Cost of a Night Out
Let’s be real: it’s getting expensive.
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A "luxury" ticket in 2026 usually runs you between $14 and $19 depending on the time and the format (IMAX/XD). If you add a large popcorn and a drink, you’re looking at a $40 date before you even leave the lobby.
Pro-tip for locals: - Tuesdays are king. Almost every theater in the valley—Cinemark, Megaplex, and even the Broadway—offers discounted tickets on Tuesdays.
- The SLFS Membership: If you go to the Broadway more than twice a month, the membership pays for itself. You get 20% off tickets and concessions. Plus, you’re supporting a nonprofit.
Why We Still Go
There’s a specific vibe to Salt Lake’s movie-going public. We are a "theatre" town. Maybe it’s the long winters where you just want to be inside, or maybe it’s the strong local arts community.
I’ve sat in the Broadway and watched a 90-minute documentary about a guy who builds clocks, and the room was packed. People stayed for the Q&A. They argued about the editing in the lobby afterward.
You don't get that on Netflix.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Outing
If you're planning a night at one of the many movie theaters in slc ut, here is how to do it right:
- Check the "Special Events" listings: Don't just look at the new releases. The Salt Lake Film Society often does 35mm screenings of classics, and Megaplex does "Fan Events" with exclusive merch.
- Download the apps: Use the Cinemark or Megaplex app to reserve your seat at least 48 hours in advance for big hits. The middle-center seats (usually row F or G) go first.
- Support the Tower: Keep an eye on the SLFS website for "Tower Tours" or donor events. It's a piece of history that needs the community to actually show up.
- Mind the 21+ rules: If you’re heading to Brewvies, bring your ID. They are strict. No kids, no exceptions.
- Explore the neighborhood: If you go to the Broadway, hit up Copper Onion or Siegfried’s Delicatessen first. It makes the downtown experience feel like an actual event rather than just a chore.
Salt Lake City’s theater scene is a weird, beautiful mix of high-end tech and old-school grit. Whether you’re there for the vibrating seats or the obscure subtitles, there’s a screen for you. Just don't forget to silence your phone. Seriously. Nobody wants to hear your "Greatest Showman" ringtone in the middle of a quiet indie drama.