If you grew up anywhere near the South Shore of Massachusetts, you probably have a very specific memory of the Patriot Cinemas Hanover Mall. Maybe it was the smell of that popcorn—which, let’s be real, was better than it had any right to be—or the slightly cramped but cozy seats in those ten auditoriums. It wasn't the fanciest place in the world. It didn't have heated recliners or robot servers. Honestly, it was a bit of a time capsule.
But for decades, it was the spot. It was where you went on a rainy Tuesday because the matinee prices were actually affordable. It was where local teenagers had their first awkward dates. And then, seemingly overnight, it was just... gone.
People still search for "Patriot Cinemas Hanover Mall" looking for showtimes, only to realize that the entire landscape of 1775 Washington Street has changed. If you haven't been back to Hanover in a few years, you’re in for a massive shock. The mall is gone. The theater is gone. The giant parking lot that felt like a desert? Mostly gone too.
The Quiet End of an Era
The story of how Patriot Cinemas at the Hanover Mall closed isn't some dramatic corporate scandal. It’s actually a bit sadder than that because it was so quiet. The theater officially shuttered its doors in January 2020.
Timing is everything. They closed just months before the COVID-19 pandemic would have forced them to anyway, but the reason wasn't a virus. It was a bulldozer. The owners of the Hanover Mall, PREP Property Group, had already decided to scrap the "indoor mall" concept entirely. They wanted to build Hanover Crossing, one of those trendy open-air lifestyle centers with high-end grocery stores and outdoor seating.
Patriot Cinemas was a victim of progress. By April 2020, while the rest of the world was stuck at home, the demolition crews were tearing down the walls where Star Wars and The Avengers once played.
👉 See also: Kate Moss Family Guy: What Most People Get Wrong About That Cutaway
Why did we love a "dated" theater?
Look, even the regulars admitted it: the place was getting old. By the time 2019 rolled around, the reviews on TripAdvisor were... mixed. People complained about the "old chairs" and the "atmosphere." But there’s something about a local independent chain like Patriot Cinemas that just feels different than a massive AMC.
- The tickets didn't cost a whole paycheck.
- You could usually find a seat without booking three weeks in advance.
- The staff actually lived in the town and didn't act like corporate drones.
The Gap: Life Without a Movie Theater in Hanover
For about two years, there was a massive hole in the community. If you wanted to see a movie, you had to trek down to Kingston or up to Braintree. It sucked. For a town like Hanover, which has always been a commercial hub for the South Shore, not having a cinema felt wrong.
During that "dark period," there were endless rumors. People kept asking if the theater would ever come back. The developers promised a "premium" experience was coming, but after the old mall was leveled, it was hard to imagine where it would go.
The Replacement: Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing
If you go to the old site of Patriot Cinemas today, you won't find a trace of the old building. Instead, you'll see the Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing, which opened in late 2022.
It’s basically the polar opposite of the old Patriot Cinemas. We're talking:
✨ Don't miss: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
- XPlus Laser Premium Large Format screens (basically giant, super-crisp TVs).
- Power recliners that heat up (perfect for those 20-minute trailers).
- A full bar where you can grab a cocktail before the movie.
- Modern concessions that go way beyond just "extra butter."
It's objectively a "better" theater. It's cleaner, the sound is incredible, and you don't leave with a sore back. But for those of us who remember the Hanover Mall in its prime—with the neon lights and the slightly sticky floors of the 90s—there’s still a bit of nostalgia for the Patriot days.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Closing
There is a common misconception that the theater failed because people stopped going to movies. That’s not really the case. While streaming definitely hurt ticket sales across the board, the Hanover location stayed relatively busy until the very end.
The closure was entirely a real estate play. The mall itself was dying. Anchors like Sears and Walmart had bailed. When the mall's death warrant was signed, every tenant, including the theater, had to go. Patriot Cinemas actually still operates other locations—like the Hingham Shipyard—so the company didn't go under; they just lost their lease to a lifestyle center.
Comparing the "Then" and "Now"
| Feature | Patriot Cinemas (Old) | Showcase de Lux (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Standard folding theater chairs | Power recliners with heat |
| Vibe | Local, slightly dated, nostalgic | Modern, high-end, luxury |
| Technology | Digital, but older sound systems | 4K Laser Projection, Dolby Atmos |
| Food/Drink | Popcorn, soda, candy | Full bar, gourmet snacks |
| Price Point | Low to Moderate | Premium |
How to Get the Best Experience in Hanover Now
Since we can't go back in time to 2005 and watch a movie at the mall, you have to make the most of the new setup at Hanover Crossing.
First, download the Starpass app if you’re going to the new Showcase. It’s their loyalty program, and it actually saves you a decent amount of money if you go more than once a month. Second, parking is way different now. Gone are the days of parking in that weird, hidden lot "behind" the mall. Now you’re parking in a busy retail center next to a Market Basket. It gets crowded on Friday nights, so give yourself an extra ten minutes just to find a spot.
🔗 Read more: Why Grand Funk’s Bad Time is Secretly the Best Pop Song of the 1970s
If you’re looking for that old-school Patriot Cinemas feel, your best bet is to head over to their Hingham Shipyard location. It’s got a similar local vibe, though it’s much newer than the Hanover Mall version was. It’s the closest thing left to that specific brand of South Shore movie-going.
Actionable Tips for South Shore Movie-Goers
If you're heading out to see a flick in the Hanover area, keep these things in mind to avoid the headaches:
- Check the Location Twice: If your GPS still says "Patriot Cinemas 1775 Washington St," it's outdated. Set it for Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing.
- Matinee Savings: The new theater is expensive. If you want those old Patriot-style prices, look for "Bargain Tuesdays" or early matinee sets before 1:00 PM.
- Eat Nearby: One perk of the new development is that you aren't stuck with mall food. There are actual restaurants within walking distance of the theater doors now.
- Support Local: If you miss the independent feel, consider visiting the Reel Harbor Theater in Scituate or the East Bridgewater Cinemas. Both offer a more "hometown" feel than the massive corporate chains.
The loss of the Patriot Cinemas at the Hanover Mall marks the end of a very specific era of suburban life in Massachusetts. We traded nostalgia for luxury, and while the heated seats are nice, those of us who spent our childhoods in the old mall will always miss the humble ten-screen theater that started it all.
To get the most out of your next movie night, check the current showtimes at the new Hanover Crossing location through the official Showcase Cinemas website to ensure you get the specific seats you want.