If you’ve driven past the corner of Lake Cook Road and Skokie Boulevard lately, you know the vibe is... a little weird. Northbrook Court used to be the crown jewel of the North Shore, a place where you’d grab a pretzel, hit Neiman Marcus, and inevitably end up at the cinema. Now? It feels like it’s holding its breath. But despite the boarded-up storefronts and the massive "redevelopment" signs, the movies northbrook court il scene is actually thriving.
Honestly, the AMC DINE-IN Northbrook 14 is the only reason many people still set foot in the mall. It’s a survivor. While the rest of the 1,000,000-square-foot facility is basically a construction zone in waiting, the theater remains a high-tech oasis of leather recliners and overpriced—but delicious—flatbreads.
The Current State of AMC Northbrook 14
Right now, as of early 2026, the theater is fully operational. It hasn't been shuttered like the old Macy's or the Lord & Taylor. In fact, Brookfield Properties and the Village of Northbrook have made it pretty clear that keeping the entertainment anchor alive is vital for the mall’s "Business District" survival.
You've got 14 screens here. They aren't the dusty, popcorn-scented rooms of the 90s. We're talking the "Dine-In" model, which means you’re getting a full menu delivered to your seat. It’s kinda the gold standard for movie-going now, especially when you consider the competition from streaming. If you’re going to spend $20 on a ticket, you want a seat that feels like a bed and a waiter who brings you a cocktail mid-film.
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What’s Playing and What’s New
The lineup right now is heavy on the big-budget spectacles. We’re seeing massive crowds for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Avatar: Fire and Ash. There’s also a weirdly high demand for the Lord of the Rings 2026 anniversary events. It seems the North Shore has a thing for Hobbits.
- Dine-In Menu: They’ve updated the kitchen recently. The "Royal Burger" is still the heavy hitter, but the honey sriracha wings are the sleeper hit.
- The Bar: MacGuffins Bar is still the go-to for a pre-show drink. They actually have a decent craft beer selection for a mall theater.
- Discounts: If you’re a local, you’ve gotta use the 20% off matinee deal before 4:00 PM. It’s the only way to make the "dinner and a movie" price tag feel reasonable.
The $750 Million Elephant in the Room
Let's talk about why the parking lot looks like a desert. The Northbrook Court redevelopment is one of the most ambitious projects in Illinois. The plan involves tearing down a huge chunk of the existing structure to build a "Great Lawn," a high-end grocery store, and over 300 luxury apartments.
Basically, they want to turn the mall into a "live-work-play" neighborhood.
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There was a lot of talk about whether the theater would survive the wrecking ball. The good news? The current master plan, which the Village Board amended in March 2025, keeps the AMC as a focal point. They realized that without the movies northbrook court il traffic, the new restaurants and retail wouldn't have enough foot traffic to survive the winter months.
Why It Matters for Your Friday Night
The construction means access is a pain. You might have to walk past some "dead zones" or empty wings of the mall to get to the theater entrance. It’s sorta eerie, but once you step inside the AMC lobby, the atmosphere shifts completely. It’s loud, bright, and smells like truffle fries.
Is It Better Than the Competition?
People always ask if they should just go to the Landmark at The Glen or the Cinergy in Wheeling. It’s a fair question.
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The Glen is great if you want that "boutique" feel and maybe a walk around a prettier outdoor area. Cinergy has the bowling and the games. But for pure cinematic comfort, the Northbrook 14 recliners are still some of the best in the Chicago suburbs. They have more "pitch" (that's the distance between rows), so even when the guy in front of you fully reclines, he isn't in your lap.
Practical Tips for Visiting in 2026
- Order Early: The "Dine-In" service can get backed up during the Friday night rush. If you wait until the trailers start to order your pizza, you might not see it until the climax of the movie.
- Park Near the Theater: Don't park by the old Neiman Marcus side. The walk is longer than it looks, especially if it’s snowing. Use the North entrance closest to the AMC signage.
- The Popcorn Pass: If you’re a frequent flyer, the 2026 AMC Popcorn Pass (the one that gives you 50% off large tubs) pays for itself in about three visits.
The Future of Cinema in Northbrook
Most people get this wrong: they think movie theaters are dying because of Netflix. In reality, theaters in places like Northbrook are evolving. They aren't just "screens" anymore; they're destination hubs.
As the redevelopment progresses through 2026, expect the theater to feel less like it's attached to a mall and more like it's the anchor of a new downtown district. The Village is betting millions that you’ll want to walk out of your luxury apartment, grab a coffee at the new "Great Lawn," and catch a matinee.
It’s a gamble, sure. But for now, the screen is still lit, the seats are still plush, and the movies at Northbrook Court are still the best show in town.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the specific "Open Caption" showtimes if you have hearing difficulties or just prefer subtitles; AMC Northbrook is one of the few local theaters that offers these daily for major releases like Zootopia 2.
- Join AMC Stubs (the free tier is fine) before you go; they’ve started doing member-only "Midweek Plot Twist" discounts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays that drop ticket prices by 50%.
- Verify your entry point on the mall's digital map before arriving, as interior hallway closures due to the ongoing renovation change frequently.