If you’ve lived anywhere near the Seacoast of New Hampshire in the last decade, you’ve probably spent a Friday night navigating the sprawl of the Fox Run Mall area. It’s a retail labyrinth. But tucked right there at Regal Fox Run on Gosling Road in Newington, there is a cinema that has managed to survive the "death of the movie theater" narrative that everyone’s been pushing since 2020.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a local landmark.
You know the feeling of pulling off Spaulding Turnpike, hitting that Gosling Road traffic, and seeing the glow of the Regal sign. It isn't just a place to watch a flick. For people in Portsmouth, Newington, and even over the border in Maine, it’s the go-to spot. While smaller boutique cinemas have their charm, there’s something about the sheer scale of a 15-screen megaplex that hits differently when a massive blockbuster drops.
The Reality of Seeing a Movie at Regal Fox Run
People complain about prices. They always do. But when you walk into the lobby of the Regal Fox Run on Gosling Road in Newington, you’re paying for the specific experience of "bigness." We are talking about the Regal King Size Recliners. If you haven’t sat in one, you’re missing out on the primary reason people still leave their couches.
They’re motorized. They’re plush. You can basically nap in them, though I wouldn't recommend it if you paid fifteen bucks for a ticket.
The theater has undergone some serious shifts. Regal, owned by Cineworld, went through a massive restructuring globally, and there were whispers for a while about which locations would make the cut. Fox Run stayed. Why? Because it’s the anchor of the Newington shopping district. It pulls from a huge demographic.
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Why the Location on Gosling Road Matters
Location is everything in real estate, and it’s everything for a theater too. Being situated right next to the Fox Run Mall and the Crossings at Fox Run means this theater isn't a destination you have to go out of your way for. You’re already there. You’re buying shoes at Dick’s Sporting Goods or grabbing dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse, and suddenly, a 7:15 PM showing of the latest Marvel movie sounds like a great idea.
It’s convenient.
Newington itself is a weird, interesting town. It has a tiny residential population but a massive commercial footprint. Because of the tax structure in NH, it’s a shopping mecca. The Regal Fox Run on Gosling Road in Newington benefits from that "no sales tax" draw that brings people in from Massachusetts and Maine.
Screen Tech and What to Expect
Let’s talk tech for a second because that's usually why people choose one theater over another. This isn’t just a "screen and some chairs" setup.
- RPX (Regal Premium Experience): This is Regal’s answer to IMAX. It features uncompressed digital surround sound and high-gain screens. Is it worth the extra few dollars? If you’re watching a visual masterpiece like Dune or a high-octane Top Gun sequel, probably. The sound system in the RPX auditorium at Fox Run is designed to vibrate your actual ribcage.
- Standard Screens: Even the non-RPX rooms are solid. They’ve mostly been retrofitted with the luxury seating, which was the smartest move Regal ever made.
- The Concessions: Look, the popcorn is expensive. We all know it. But the Fox Run location has a fairly streamlined mobile ordering system now. You can buy your tub of buttered salt on the app and pick it up without standing in a twenty-person deep line while the trailers are already playing.
The lobby is spacious. It’s got that classic, slightly neon, slightly corporate cinema vibe that feels nostalgic now. It's a far cry from the tiny, cramped theaters of the 90s.
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The "Newington Factor" and Competition
There is competition, for sure. You’ve got the Music Hall in downtown Portsmouth for the indie crowd and the Cinemark over in Somersworth. But the Regal Fox Run on Gosling Road in Newington occupies a middle ground. It’s the "everything" theater.
It gets the niche Fathom Events. It gets the live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera. It gets the Thursday night previews that the die-hard fans crave.
One thing people get wrong is thinking that the mall’s struggles affect the theater. In reality, the theater is often what's keeping that side of Gosling Road alive. When a big movie opens, that parking lot is jammed. It’s a symbiotic relationship. The theater brings the foot traffic that the surrounding restaurants and shops desperately need.
Understanding the Regal Unlimited Move
If you’re a local and you’re going more than twice a month, you’re kind of a sucker if you aren't using Regal Unlimited. It’s their subscription service. For a flat monthly fee, you see as many movies as you want. At the Newington location, it pays for itself in basically two visits.
I’ve talked to people who use it as a "third space." They don't want to stay home, so they go to the movies. It’s cheaper than a bar and more comfortable than a library.
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Tips for a Better Visit
If you're heading to Regal Fox Run on Gosling Road in Newington, here is the "insider" way to do it without losing your mind.
- Don’t park right in front. The main entrance is always a disaster. Park a little further down toward the mall side and walk. It’ll save you ten minutes of frustration when you’re trying to leave.
- Join the Crown Club. Even if you don't do the "Unlimited" paid tier, the free rewards program earns you points for things like free popcorn or ticket upgrades. It’s a no-brainer.
- Check the 20/20 rule. Most movies at this location start about 20 minutes after the posted showtime due to trailers and "The 20" (Regal’s pre-show content). If the ticket says 7:00, the movie is starting at 7:22. Plan your popcorn run accordingly.
- Tuesday is the day. Regal typically offers discounted tickets on Tuesdays for Crown Club members. If you're on a budget, that's your window.
The Future of Cinema in Newington
Is the theater going anywhere? Doubtful.
Despite the rise of streaming, the Regal Fox Run on Gosling Road in Newington has proven that people still want a communal experience. They want the big sound. They want the dark room where they can't check their phones (well, where they shouldn't check their phones).
The theater has survived bankruptcy filings from its parent company and a global pandemic. It remains a cornerstone of Seacoast entertainment because it adapted. It traded more seats for better seats. It traded a generic menu for hot food and booze. Yes, you can get a beer or a glass of wine there now, which definitely helps with the longer runtimes of modern movies.
Final Takeaway for Moviegoers
The next time you’re debating whether to stay on the couch or head out, remember that the Regal Fox Run on Gosling Road in Newington offers something your living room doesn't: scale. There is a specific magic to hearing a crowd gasp at a plot twist or laugh in unison at a joke.
Check the showtimes on the Regal app before you head out, specifically looking for the "RPX" tag if you want the best possible screen. If you're bringing kids, the matinees are usually pretty manageable, but for the big opening nights, book those recliners at least 24 hours in advance. The center-back rows are the sweet spot for both sightlines and audio balance.
Head to the box office or use the kiosks to avoid the long concession lines for tickets. Grab your seat, kick the recliner back, and actually enjoy the show. It’s still one of the best ways to kill a few hours on the Seacoast.