Honestly, the death of the cinema has been predicted more times than a slasher movie villain comes back for a sequel. People keep saying that because we have 70-inch screens in our living rooms, nobody wants to drive to the Seacoast to sit in a dark room with strangers. They’re wrong. If you’ve spent any time looking for a movie theater Newington NH offers, you know that the Regal Fox Run is basically the last titan standing in a landscape that has changed a ton over the last decade. It isn't just about the popcorn; it's about that specific Seacoast vibe where you grab dinner at the mall or a nearby spot and actually make an evening of it.
The Reality of the Regal Fox Run Experience
The big player here is Regal Fox Run & RPX. It’s located right off Woodbury Ave, nestled into the Fox Run Mall ecosystem. For a while, there was a bit of a "theater war" in the area, but things have consolidated. This isn't some boutique indie house with velvet curtains from the 1920s. It’s a modern powerhouse. You get the RPX—Regal Premium Experience—which is basically their answer to IMAX. It’s loud. The bass hits you in the chest. The screen is massive. If you’re seeing something like a Christopher Nolan flick or the latest Marvel entry, seeing it on a standard screen feels like a waste of time once you’ve done the RPX thing.
Some people complain about mall theaters. I get it. Parking can be a nightmare during the holidays, and the walk from the lot in a New Hampshire winter is basically a survival trek. But there is something nostalgic about it. You see the neon signs, you smell that specific "theater butter" (which we all know is mostly coconut oil and salt, but who cares?), and you’re instantly ten years old again.
The seating has been upgraded over the years to the luxury recliner style. This was a game-changer. Remember the old days of Newington cinema where you’d leave with a literal backache because the seats were basically plywood covered in itchy fabric? Those days are dead. Now, you can practically nap in these things. Just don’t actually nap—tickets are way too expensive for a power nap.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
Newington is in this weird, perfect geographic bubble. It serves Portsmouth, Dover, Durham, and even people coming down from Eliot or Kittery, Maine. If you’re a UNH student, you’re probably heading here because the Durham options are... limited, to say the least.
The proximity to the Fox Run Mall and the Newington Commons means the movie theater Newington NH residents frequent is part of a larger ritual. You hit the Trader Joe's across the street, maybe grab a burger at Five Guys, and then head to the show. It’s one of the few places in the Seacoast where you don't have to fight for downtown Portsmouth parking, which is a massive win. Have you ever tried to park a SUV in a Portsmouth parking garage on a Friday night? It's a nightmare. Newington gives you those wide-open suburban lots. It’s easy.
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What about the competition?
Look, there’s the Music Hall in Portsmouth if you want high art and historical architecture. There’s the Cinemagic (now Apple Cinemas) over in Westbrook or Hooksett if you’re traveling. But for the core Seacoast area, Newington is the hub.
- Regal Fox Run & RPX: 15 screens, meaning they usually have the niche stuff alongside the blockbusters.
- The Vibe: High-energy, big crowds on Friday nights, very "suburban cool."
- Tech: RPX is the standout here for sound quality.
The Cost of a Night Out
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price. It isn't cheap. By the time you buy a ticket, a large popcorn, and a drink, you’ve basically spent the equivalent of a monthly car payment. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but you’re looking at $20 to $30 per person.
This is why the "Regal Unlimited" pass actually makes sense if you go more than twice a month. Most locals I talk to who are film buffs have switched to the subscription model. It’s the only way to make moviegoing sustainable in 2026. If you’re just a casual viewer, you have to hunt for those "Value Tuesdays."
Honestly, the concessions are where they get you. But there’s a nuance to the Newington Regal—the staff is usually pretty chill. It’s a lot of local high school and UNH kids working there. They aren't corporate robots. They’re just trying to get through the shift, and that gives the place a bit of a neighborhood feel despite being a massive chain.
Technology and the "Big Screen" Fallacy
A lot of tech-bro types argue that VR and 8K home theaters make the movie theater Newington NH offers obsolete. They’re missing the point. Cinema is a communal experience. There is a psychological phenomenon called "social facilitation" where we feel emotions more intensely when we're in a group. When everyone in the theater gasps at the same time, or when the whole room is silent during a tense scene, you can’t recreate that at home. Not even with the most expensive Sonos setup.
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The RPX technology in Newington uses a specific uncompressed audio format. It’s not just "loud." It’s clear. You hear the rustle of leaves in the surround speakers and the roar of an engine in the subwoofers.
Hidden Gems and Tips for the Local Moviegoer
If you want the best experience at the Newington theater, you have to be smart about it.
- Don't sit too close in RPX. The screen is so big that if you’re in the first four rows, you’ll leave with a literal neck cramp. Aim for the "sweet spot" about two-thirds of the way back, dead center. That’s where the sound engineers calibrate the room.
- The Woodbury Ave Traffic. If a big movie is letting out at the same time a holiday sale is happening at the mall, Woodbury Ave becomes a parking lot. Use the back exits toward the Arboretum if you need to escape toward Dover without losing your mind.
- Check the matinees. Newington is one of the few places where the midday crowd is actually pretty quiet. If you want to avoid teenagers on dates or crying babies, a 1:00 PM Tuesday showing is your best friend.
The Future of Cinema in the Seacoast
We saw a lot of theaters close over the last few years. The fact that the Newington location is still thriving says something about the Seacoast community. We like getting out of the house. We like the big, loud, messy experience of a blockbuster.
There’s also been talk of further renovations. As the mall evolves—and malls are definitely evolving into "lifestyle centers" rather than just rows of clothing stores—the theater becomes an anchor. It’s the reason people still go there. You can buy jeans online, but you can’t buy the feeling of a 40-foot tall screen online.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To really nail your trip to the movie theater Newington NH style, stop thinking of it as just "seeing a movie." Make it a Seacoast circuit.
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Start with a walk at Pease (the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is right there). It’s beautiful, quiet, and a great way to clear your head. Then, hit Newington for the flick. After the movie, if it's not too late, head into Portsmouth for a drink at one of the spots on Congress Street. That’s how you do it like a local.
The theater itself is reliable. Is it perfect? No. Sometimes the floors are a little sticky after a Saturday matinee. Sometimes the line for the 7:00 PM show is annoyingly long. But it’s our theater. It’s the place where local kids saw their first movies and where couples had their first dates.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
If you're planning to head to the Newington theater this weekend, here is the move:
- Download the App: Don't be the person waiting in the box office line. Buy your tickets on the Regal app, scan the QR code at the kiosk, and walk straight to the concession stand.
- Check the RPX Schedule: If the movie wasn't filmed with high-end cameras, don't bother paying the extra $5 for RPX. But if it’s an action epic or a sci-fi masterpiece, pay the premium. It's worth it.
- Join the Rewards Program: Even if you don't do the "Unlimited" pass, the basic Crown Club is free and you get enough points for a free popcorn surprisingly fast.
- Arrive 20 Minutes Early: Not for the "Noovie" pre-show (unless you love trivia), but because the Newington location gets busy fast, and navigating the lobby with a tray of snacks is a high-stakes sport.
Cinema in New Hampshire isn't going anywhere. As long as there are stories to tell and popcorn to overprice, we'll keep showing up in Newington.