It’s just a parking lot off Baptist Church Road, right? Well, not exactly. If you grew up in South County, or even if you just find yourself driving down Lindbergh Boulevard with a craving for overpriced popcorn, you know that Ronnie’s 20 movie theater—officially the Marcus Ronnie’s 20 Cine—is a landmark. It’s a beast of a building. It's the kind of place that feels like a small city dedicated entirely to the cult of the silver screen.
Cinema is changing. People stream movies on their phones while sitting on the toilet. It’s a weird time for the industry. Yet, Ronnie’s persists. It’s one of those rare places that managed to survive the tectonic shifts of the pandemic and the rise of Netflix by leaning into the "spectacle" of it all.
The Weird, Wonderful History of the Ronnie’s 20 Movie Theater
Most people don’t realize Ronnie’s started as a drive-in back in 1948. It was opened by Fred Wehrenberg. The name actually comes from his grandson, Ronnie Krueger. Imagine a single screen in a field. Now, you’ve got 20 screens, heated recliners, and a lobby that looks like a high-end hotel bar.
The transition from a gravel lot to a megaplex wasn't overnight. It was a slow evolution. The Wehrenberg family owned it for generations until Marcus Theatres bought the chain in 2016. People were worried. St. Louisans are notoriously protective of their local brands (don't even get us started on Provel cheese). But Marcus actually poured money into the place. They added the SuperScreen DLX and the IMAX, which, honestly, are the only reasons to see a Marvel movie these days.
Why the Tech Actually Matters (And Why It Doesn't)
You can talk about 4K laser projection and Dolby Atmos until you're blue in the face. Most people don't care about the specs. They care about the vibe.
At Ronnie's, the vibe is "unnecessary luxury."
Take the DreamLoungers. These are the red leather recliners that have become the standard there. They’re dangerous. If the movie is even slightly boring—looking at you, three-hour historical epics—you will fall asleep. It’s like watching a movie in your living room, but with a sound system that makes your ribcage vibrate.
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The IMAX Experience vs. SuperScreen DLX
There is a legitimate debate among regulars about which screen is better.
- The IMAX at Ronnie's is the real deal. It’s got that massive vertical scale that makes you feel like you're falling into the frame. If you're watching something shot on 70mm, this is the destination.
- The SuperScreen DLX is a different beast. It’s got the multidimensional sound of Dolby Atmos. It’s less about the height and more about the "wrap-around" feeling.
Basically, if the movie is about space, go IMAX. If it's a loud action flick with stuff exploding behind your left ear, go SuperScreen.
The Food Situation: Beyond the Popcorn
Look, the popcorn is fine. It’s movie theater popcorn. It’s salty, it’s buttery, and it costs more than a gallon of gas. But Ronnie’s does the "Take Five" lounge thing. You can actually get a burger or a pizza and bring it into the theater.
It’s a bit of a chaotic experience, though. Trying to eat a bacon cheeseburger in total darkness while Dune is playing at 120 decibels is a specific kind of sensory overload. You’re trying to find your fries by touch alone. It’s a gamble. Sometimes you end up eating a napkin.
They also have a bar. Getting a craft beer before a matinee on a Tuesday feels like a very adult, slightly rebellious thing to do. It’s part of why Ronnie’s 20 movie theater remains a hub for people who aren't just there for the kids' movies. It’s a social spot.
The Economics of a Megaplex in 2026
How does a place this big stay open? It's not just ticket sales. The margins on tickets are razor-thin because the studios take a massive cut, especially in the first two weeks of a blockbuster's release.
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Ronnie’s stays alive through:
- The Loyalty Program: The Marcus Magical Movie Rewards. If you go more than twice a year, you’re basically throwing money away if you don't sign up. You get the $5-off-Tuesday-type deals which are the only way some families can afford to go anymore.
- Events: They do Fathom Events. Opera, old movie reruns, concerts. They realized that the "20" in Ronnie's 20 means they have the space to be niche.
- Arcades and Bowling: There’s a full-on fun center in there. It’s a distraction for parents who need their kids to burn off energy before the 2:00 PM showing of whatever animated sequel is out.
What People Get Wrong About the Crowds
There’s a myth that Ronnie’s is always a zoo.
If you go on a Friday night at 7:00 PM? Yes, it’s a madhouse. You’ll be dodging teenagers and waiting in line for 20 minutes for a Coke. But if you go for a Sunday morning show or a weeknight, the place is a cathedral. It’s quiet. It’s clean. The staff actually has time to breathe.
One thing to keep in mind: the parking lot is huge, but it's designed in a way that makes exiting after a sold-out show feel like a slow-motion car chase. If you're in a rush, park further out near the back exit. Trust me on this.
How to Do Ronnie’s Right
If you’re planning a trip to Ronnie’s 20 movie theater, don't just wing it. The "buy at the window" days are mostly dead.
First, use the app. You can pick your seats. This is crucial because sitting in the front row of an IMAX screen is a great way to leave with a permanent neck cramp. Aim for the "sweet spot"—about two-thirds of the way back, dead center. That's where the audio engineers calibrated the speakers.
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Second, check the "Value Tuesday" prices. They still do them, even in an era where everything else is getting more expensive.
Third, explore the lobby. There’s a lot of Wehrenberg history hidden in the corners if you look closely enough. It’s a bridge between the old-school St. Louis cinema culture and the high-tech corporate future of movies.
The Future of the Big Screen in South County
There’s a lot of talk about theaters dying. But walking into Ronnie’s on a busy night, with the smell of the lobby and the neon lights, it doesn't feel like a dying industry. It feels like a ritual.
People want to see things that are bigger than themselves. They want to sit in a room with 300 strangers and laugh at the same joke. You can’t get that on a laptop. Ronnie’s has figured out that to keep people coming back, you have to make the theater better than the house. Heated seats, giant screens, and cold beer. It’s a simple formula, but it works.
Practical Steps for Your Next Visit:
- Download the Marcus Theatres App: Skip the kiosk lines and get your tickets sent to your phone.
- Arrive 20 Minutes Early: Especially if you’re ordering food from the lounge; it takes time to prep and deliver to your seat.
- Check the Rating: If you’re sensitive to noise, the SuperScreen DLX can be extremely loud—bring earplugs if you’re taking small children to an action movie.
- Join the Rewards Program: It’s free and usually nets you a popcorn discount or a "0% fee" on online bookings.
- Explore the Area: Baptist Church Road and Lindbergh are packed with local eats if you don't want the theater food, making it easy to do a full "dinner and a movie" night without driving more than a mile.