If you’ve lived in Columbus for more than a week, you know Easton isn’t just a mall. It’s basically its own ecosystem. And at the heart of that ecosystem is the AMC Easton Town Center 30. Honestly, people have some pretty strong opinions about it. Some love the sheer scale of the place, while others get a little overwhelmed by the crowds on a Friday night. But if you’re looking for movies in Easton Mall, this is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the region. It’s massive. Like, thirty-screens-massive.
Most people don't realize that this specific theater consistently ranks as one of the busiest in the entire country. It’s not just about seeing a flick; it's about the fact that if a movie is playing anywhere in Ohio, it’s playing here. Whether it's a tiny indie darling or a massive Marvel blockbuster that needs four different IMAX showtimes, Easton is usually the first place to get it.
The IMAX and Dolby Cinema Difference at Easton
You’ve probably seen the signs for IMAX and Dolby Cinema and wondered if the extra five or six bucks is actually worth it.
The short answer? Yeah, usually.
But there’s a catch. The IMAX at AMC Easton is what some enthusiasts call "LieMAX." It’s not the massive, seven-story screen you’ll find at the Air and Space Museum, but it’s still significantly better than a standard digital projector. The real gem here, though, is the Dolby Cinema. It uses dual 4K laser projectors and has these subwoofers built into the seats. You don't just hear the explosions; you feel them in your spine. If you’re seeing something like the latest Dune or a high-octane action movie, the Dolby theater is almost always the superior choice over the IMAX screen.
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I’ve spent way too much time comparing these formats. The Dolby seats actually recline fully, whereas the IMAX seats at Easton are more of a traditional rocker style. That’s a dealbreaker for some people. If you want to nap through the boring parts of a three-hour epic, go Dolby.
Navigating the Chaos of the Easton Movie Experience
Parking. We have to talk about parking.
It's the number one reason people avoid movies in Easton Mall on the weekends. If you try to park in the garage right next to the theater at 7:00 PM on a Saturday, you’re going to have a bad time. You'll spend twenty minutes circling like a vulture. Pro tip: park in the newer Fenlon Square area or the garages near Macy's and just walk the five minutes. It’ll save your sanity.
Also, the security at Easton has changed a lot over the last couple of years. They have a pretty strict parental escort policy now. After 4:00 PM, anyone under 18 has to be with an adult who is at least 21. They check IDs at the door. It has definitely made the atmosphere a bit calmer in the evenings, which is a plus if you’re trying to have a nice date night without a hundred middle schoolers running through the lobby.
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What About the Food?
Look, movie theater popcorn is movie theater popcorn. It’s salty, it’s buttery, and it’s overpriced. We all know this. But the AMC at Easton has the "MacGuffins Bar." It’s kind of funny to see a full-service bar in the middle of a cinema, but being able to grab a local craft beer or a cocktail to take into the movie is a legitimate perk.
If you aren't feeling the typical nachos or hot dogs, you’re literally steps away from some of the best food in Columbus. You've got The Cheesecake Factory right there, or Flip Side if you want a burger that actually tastes like something. Just don't try to sneak a whole pizza in. They're onto that.
Why the AMC Stubs A-List is a Cheat Code
If you find yourself looking for movies in Easton Mall more than twice a month, you are losing money if you don't have A-List.
I’m serious.
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It’s about $22 a month. A single IMAX ticket at Easton can run you $18 or $19. With A-List, you get three movies a week. You can see the same movie three times if you want, or catch three different ones. It also lets you skip the massive lines at the concessions stand, which, at a high-volume theater like Easton, is worth the price of admission alone.
Hidden Gems and Alternative Options
While the AMC 30 is the main event, don't forget that Easton is constantly evolving. Sometimes they do outdoor movie screenings in the Town Square during the summer. These are usually family-friendly classics—think The Goonies or Toy Story. It’s a totally different vibe from the dark, air-conditioned theaters. You bring a blanket, grab some ice cream from Jeni’s nearby, and just hang out on the grass.
There's also the "Dine-In" concept which AMC used to push heavily at this location. While they’ve moved toward a more traditional model with expanded "Feature Fare" menus, you can still get more substantial food than just candy. The flatbreads aren't half bad, honestly.
Common Misconceptions About Movies in Easton Mall
- "It’s always too crowded." Not true. If you go on a Tuesday morning or a Wednesday afternoon, the place is a ghost town. You’ll have a 300-seat theater to yourself.
- "The sound is too loud." Okay, this one might be true. The Dolby Cinema is calibrated to be intense. If you have sensitive ears, maybe stick to the traditional digital screens.
- "You can’t get tickets at the door." For big openings like Star Wars or Avatar, yeah, you need to book online. For everything else, the kiosks in the lobby work just fine.
Practical Steps for Your Next Trip
If you're planning to catch a show this weekend, here is how you actually do it right without losing your mind.
- Download the AMC app before you leave the house. Don't be the person standing at the kiosk trying to figure out which seats are left. The app lets you see the exact layout.
- Aim for the "Prime" or "Dolby" screenings if they're available. The standard screens are fine, but the technology in the premium houses is significantly more modern.
- Give yourself a 30-minute buffer. If the movie starts at 7:00, the "trailers" will run until 7:20. But between parking and the security check, you want to be walking toward the theater doors by 6:45.
- Check the Parental Escort Policy. If you're bringing teenagers, make sure you have your ID and plan to stay with them if it’s after 4:00 PM.
- Validate your parking? Actually, you don't need to. Most of the parking at Easton is free, which is a rarity for such a high-end shopping area. Just avoid the valet if you're trying to save money for the $10 ICEE.
Easton is a weird, wonderful, busy place. The movie theater reflects that perfectly. It’s big, it’s loud, and it’s arguably the best place in Central Ohio to see a film the way it was intended to be seen. Whether you're there for a blockbuster or a quiet indie film, the experience is what you make of it. Just remember to park far away and wear comfortable shoes.