Times Square is a fever dream. Between the costumed Elmos and the neon billboards that could probably be seen from the moon, it’s easy to feel like you’re trapped in a tourist trap that never ends. But for movie lovers, there is one specific sanctuary that actually delivers on the hype. Regal Cinemas 42nd Street Times Square, officially known as Regal E-Walk, isn't just another multiplex. It’s a massive, multi-story behemoth that manages to feel like the true center of the cinematic universe, even when the world outside is total chaos.
You’ve likely walked past it a dozen times. It sits right on the 42nd Street strip, competing for eye contact with Madame Tussauds and the New Amsterdam Theatre.
Honestly? It's huge.
While many neighborhood theaters in New York City are shrinking or turning into luxury condos, the Regal E-Walk has doubled down on scale. We’re talking about 13 screens, multiple floors, and some of the most advanced projection tech in the country. It’s the kind of place where you go when you don’t just want to watch a movie—you want the movie to swallow you whole.
The RPX and 4DX Experience at 42nd Street
If you’re going to pay Times Square prices, you better be getting something special. The Regal Cinemas 42nd Street Times Square location is famous for its RPX (Regal Premium Experience) and 4DX theaters.
Let's talk about 4DX for a second because it’s polarizing. Some people hate it. Others won't watch an action movie any other way. In this specific theater, the 4DX seats don't just vibrate; they pitch, roll, and heave. If there’s a storm on screen, you’re getting misted with water. If there’s a car chase, you’re feeling the G-force. It’s basically a theme park ride that happens to play a feature-length film. For a blockbuster like Top Gun: Maverick or the latest Spider-Man, it’s genuinely a blast, though maybe don't bring a large, lidless soda.
RPX is the more "sophisticated" sibling. It’s Regal’s answer to IMAX. The screen is massive, the sound system is custom-built to shake your bones, and the seating is a step up from the standard stalls. When people search for the best screen in Midtown, they’re usually debating between this RPX setup and the AMC Empire 25 across the street.
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The rivalry is real.
The AMC Empire 25 is often criticized for its confusing layout and endless escalators. Regal E-Walk feels a bit more streamlined, even though you're still heading up several levels to reach the top houses. The lobby is wide, the kiosks actually work most of the time, and there’s a certain "newness" to the renovations that keeps it feeling fresh compared to some of the older, grittier theaters in the borough.
Navigating the Chaos of 8th Avenue and Broadway
Getting to Regal Cinemas 42nd Street Times Square is half the battle. You have the Port Authority Bus Terminal right there, which brings in a specific kind of frantic energy. Then you have the A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains all converging within a two-block radius.
It’s loud. It’s crowded.
But once you pass through those glass doors and scan your digital ticket, the noise of the city just... stops. The soundproofing in this building is surprisingly elite. You could have a literal parade happening on 42nd Street and you wouldn’t hear a peep during a quiet dialogue scene in a prestige indie flick.
Why the "E-Walk" Branding Matters
The "E-Walk" part of the name refers to the entertainment complex it anchors. This area was part of the massive 42nd Street revitalization project that started decades ago. Before it was a polished Regal, this stretch of land was, well, a lot rougher. Now, it’s a high-tech hub. This history matters because it explains why the theater is designed the way it is—it was built to be a flagship, a statement piece for New York City’s tourism comeback.
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Is Regal Unlimited Worth It Here?
New Yorkers are savvy. We don't like overpaying. If you find yourself at Regal Cinemas 42nd Street Times Square more than twice a month, you’re a fool if you aren't using Regal Unlimited.
Because this is a "top tier" location in a high-rent district, the subscription price is usually at the highest bracket (the "All Access" tier). However, considering a single prime-time ticket in Manhattan can push $20 or more, the math checks out almost immediately. You get the discount on concessions, too, which is helpful because, let’s be real, $8 for popcorn is a crime, even if it is delicious.
The concession stand here is a beast. They’ve got the standard stuff, but they also have expanded hot food menus. Think chicken tenders, fries, and mozzarella sticks that are actually edible. There’s also a bar. Having a beer or a cocktail before a three-hour epic is a very specific kind of Midtown luxury that makes the tourist crowds outside feel much more manageable.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you show up on a Friday night for a 7:00 PM showing of a Marvel movie without a reservation, you’re going to be sitting in the very front row, straining your neck at a 90-degree angle.
- Book the Recliners Early: Not every screen has the full luxury recliners, so check the seating map on the app before you buy. If it looks like a standard grid, it's probably the older (but still comfy) rocking chairs.
- The Bathroom Situation: Pro tip—use the restrooms on the upper levels. The ones near the main lobby get hit hard by the initial crowds and can get a bit "Times Square-ish" by the end of the night.
- Arrival Time: Give yourself at least 15 minutes to get from the street level to your actual seat. Between the security bag check and the multiple escalators, it takes longer than you think.
- Validation: If you’re one of the brave souls driving into Manhattan, check for parking validations. Most people take the subway, but some nearby garages offer a slight discount if you have a theater stub.
The Reality of the Crowd
Look, it’s Times Square. You’re going to get tourists. You’re going to get teenagers. You’re going to get people who think it’s okay to talk during the trailers.
But you also get the superfans.
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There is something electric about seeing a massive opening-night screening at Regal Cinemas 42nd Street Times Square. When the crowd gasps or cheers in unison, it reminds you why movie theaters still exist in the age of Netflix. The energy in that building during a cultural moment—like an Avengers premiere or a major horror release—is something you just can't replicate at home. It’s loud, it’s rowdy, and it’s quintessentially New York.
Final Logistics and Actionable Steps
If you are planning a trip to the Regal E-Walk, here is exactly how to handle it for the best possible experience.
First, download the Regal app. Don't bother with the physical box office; the lines are a mess and the kiosks are much faster. Select your seats in the back third of the theater for the best viewing angles, especially in the RPX house.
Second, check the "promotions" tab. Regal often does "Value Tuesdays" where tickets are significantly cheaper. If you’re a local or a student on a budget, this is the only day to go.
Third, plan your exit. 42nd Street is a bottleneck. If you’re heading to the subway, use the entrance on 42nd and 8th rather than walking all the way back to the main 7/S/1/2/3 hub if you can avoid it. It’ll save you five minutes of dodging slow-walking sightseers.
Regal Cinemas 42nd Street Times Square remains a cornerstone of Manhattan entertainment because it balances modern tech with that old-school "big night out" feeling. It isn't a quiet, boutique cinema with curated wine lists and silent ushers. It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s exactly what a movie theater in the middle of the world’s most famous intersection should be.
Go for the RPX, stay for the air conditioning, and enjoy the show.