Movie theaters are dying. Or so they say. But if you’ve actually spent a Friday night trying to find a parking spot near the Viking Plaza Mall, you know that’s not exactly the whole story. Cinema 9 in Alexandria MN isn't just a building with sticky floors and overpriced popcorn; it’s basically the heartbeat of Douglas County entertainment.
CEC Theatres (Cinema Entertainment Corporation) runs the show here. They’ve been at it for a while. Honestly, in a world where everyone is rotting on their couches with Netflix, there’s something weirdly refreshing about sitting in a dark room with a hundred strangers. It’s about the shared gasp when the twist happens. It’s about the smell of that "butter" that we all know isn't really butter but we eat it anyway.
Alexandria is a lake town. We get it. In the summer, everyone is on the water. But when the sun goes down or—more likely—when a random Minnesota thunderstorm rolls through and ruins your boat plans, Cinema 9 is the fallback plan that usually ends up being the highlight of the day.
What Actually Makes Cinema 9 in Alexandria MN Worth the Trip?
Let’s be real for a second. You aren’t going there for a "boutique cinema experience" with artisanal kale chips and reclining heated leather thrones that massage your lower back. You go because it’s consistent.
The theater is located at 3015 Highway 29 South. It’s right there by the mall. It features nine screens, which is actually a lot for a town of this size. Because they have nine theaters, they can actually pull in the big blockbusters and still have room for that one random indie flick or a kids' movie that’s been out for six weeks.
The Luxury Loungers Situation
A few years back, CEC did something smart. They realized that if they wanted people to leave their living rooms, they had to make the theater seats better than the ones at home. They installed the Luxury Loungers. These things are basically motorized recliners. You can kick your feet up, lean back, and genuinely fall asleep if the movie is boring enough.
🔗 Read more: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
The legroom is massive. You don't have to do that awkward "sorry, excuse me" dance where you grind your knees against the back of someone's head just to go get a refill on your Sprite.
Pricing and How to Not Get Robbed
Movies are expensive. We know this. But Cinema 9 is surprisingly reasonable compared to the metro prices in the Twin Cities.
- Matinees: If you go before 6:00 PM, you’re saving a chunk of change.
- Tuesday Specials: This is the big one. CEC usually runs a "Discount Tuesday" where tickets are dirt cheap. Sometimes they even throw in a deal on popcorn. It gets crowded, though. If you hate teenagers, maybe avoid Tuesday nights.
- Senior and Child Discounts: Standard stuff, but they actually enforce it, which helps keep things affordable for families.
Most people don't realize that you can join their rewards program. It’s called CEC Rewards. You spend money, you get points, eventually you get a free popcorn or a ticket. It’s not a scam; it’s just a way to reward people who actually show up every time a new Marvel movie drops.
The Concession Stand Strategy
The food. Let's talk about it.
The popcorn is the main event. It’s salty. It’s oily. It’s perfect. They have the self-serve butter stations usually, which is a dangerous game. People go way too hard on the butter pump. Pro tip: layer it. Fill the bag halfway, hit the butter, then finish the fill.
💡 You might also like: Why Grand Funk’s Bad Time is Secretly the Best Pop Song of the 1970s
They also do the standard hot dogs, nachos with that neon yellow cheese, and pretzels. It’s classic cinema food. Don't expect a five-course meal, but it hits the spot when you've skipped dinner to catch a 7:10 PM showing.
Dealing with the "Alexandria Crowd"
Alexandria is a mix of locals, "lake people" who come up from the cities, and tourists.
In the winter, the theater is a sanctuary. When it’s -20°F outside, there isn't much else to do in Alex. The theater stays packed during the holidays. If you're planning to see a big release on Christmas or New Year's, you must buy your tickets online in advance.
They use the Fandango or the CEC Theatres website for booking. Since the seats are reserved (because of the loungers), you can't just show up and hope for the best anymore. If you want the "sweet spot" in the middle of the theater, book it two days early.
Sound and Picture Quality
It’s all digital now. The days of film reels and "cigarette burns" in the corner of the screen are gone. The sound systems in Cinema 9 are punchy. They use Dolby Digital 7.1 in most of the houses. When a plane flies across the screen in Top Gun or whatever the latest action flick is, you feel it in your chest.
📖 Related: Why La Mera Mera Radio is Actually Dominating Local Airwaves Right Now
Frequent Misconceptions About Cinema 9
People think because it’s attached to a mall, it’s "old" or "run down."
Actually, the interior has been updated pretty significantly over the last decade. It doesn't have that 1990s basement vibe anymore. The lobby is bright, the staff is usually local high school kids who are actually pretty nice, and the bathrooms are generally clean—which is a high bar for a movie theater.
Another myth? That you can’t bring your own snacks. Okay, technically you aren't supposed to. But we’ve all seen the giant purses and the suspicious bulging pockets. Just don't be loud with your wrappers. And for the love of everything, don't leave your trash on the floor.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading to Cinema 9 in Alexandria MN this weekend, here is how you do it right:
- Check the website first. Showtimes change. Sometimes they have special screenings or Fathom Events (like old classic movies or concerts) that aren't on the regular schedule.
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Even with reserved seating, the concession line can be a nightmare if a Disney movie and a horror movie are starting at the same time.
- Use the App. Download the CEC Theatres app. It’s the easiest way to show your ticket at the podium without fumbling with emails.
- Parking. If the mall side is full, park around the back by the theater entrance. People always forget there’s a direct door that doesn't require walking through the entire mall.
- The "Middle Row" Hack. In these nine-screen layouts, the best sound and visual perspective is usually about 2/3 of the way back, dead center. Aim for Rows E or F in the larger auditoriums.
Cinema 9 remains the go-to spot for a reason. It’s one of the few places in Alexandria where you can actually escape reality for two hours without spending a fortune on a boat rental or a fancy dinner. It’s simple. It’s classic. It works.
Next time you're bored on a Tuesday, just go. Get the large popcorn. Lean the seat back. Forget about your phone for a while.