Ranking the 7 Best Movie Theaters in San Antonio

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best movie theaters san antonio

Ready to catch the latest flick? San Antonio has an impressive number of movie theaters, including some really unique spots.

You’ll find more than your garden-variety AMCs in San Antonio. Whether you want to eat gourmet food while you catch a movie or you want to enjoy the comfort of reclining seats, the Alamo City’s got it all!

If you’re trying to decide between different movie theaters, here are my 7 favorite movie theaters in San Antonio.

Map of the Best Movie Theaters in San Antonio

Best Movie Theater With Drinks: Alamo Drafthouse Park North

The first time I saw a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, I was blown away. Not only does the Drafthouse have comfy seats, but you can order beer and mixed drinks here, too. And don’t even get me started on the food: you can order bar food right from your seat, which includes a table for chowing down.

The Drafthouse is 18+, but kids can go if they’re with an adult. They also screen cult favorite movies like The Big Lebowski, Studio Ghibli, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Selena, and a lot more.

Don’t forget to sign up for the rewards program! You’ll get free movie tickets on your birthday and you can score sweet perks like free popcorn.

P.S. Drafthouse also has sensory-friendly movie showing times for people who are on the spectrum. I know that because I accidentally bought a ticket to one of the showings. #Oops

Best Downtown San Antonio Movie Theater: AMC Rivercenter 11 IMAX

If you’re spending the day in downtown San Antonio, swing by the AMC in Rivercenter Mall. They recently renovated the movie theater to include plush reclining leather seats—no more holey cloth seats from the nineties.

You can catch all of the latest movies here, but the best thing about AMC is its IMAX shows. If you’re in San Antonio as a tourist, check out the IMAX Alamo special to learn about the Battle of the Alamo.

AMC Rivercenter also does $5 Fan Fave shows, which include classics like The Godfather. Check out what’s showing before you swing by so you don’t miss out!

Most Luxurious Movie Theater: Santikos Palladium

Yes, the Palladium looks more like a palace or Las Vegas casino, but it’s a movie theater! This is definitely one of the more high-end places to see a movie in San Antonio.

Stop by for an IMAX show or enjoy The Mezz, an adults-only theater that’s available every day after 3:30 PM. These tickets are more expensive, but they come with luxe recliners and walls between every two seats. You’ll never have to worry about bumping elbows with your neighbor again.

Plus, there’s a giant arcade here! While the Palladium is kid-friendly, their adult-only showtimes make for a romantic date spot, too.

  • Address: 17703 W Interstate 10 Frontage Rd, San Antonio, TX 78257
  • Website: Palladium

Best Movie Theater for Independent Movies: Santikos Bijou

Located in Wonderland of the Americas, the Bijou looks a little dated from the outside, but it’s a newly renovated theater that’s a must-see when you’re at the mall.

Like Alamo Drafthouse, you can order a full meal at the Bijou and enjoy it in the comfort of your reclining seat. It’s run by the same company that operates the Palladium, although the Bijou is smaller and less fancy.

With that said, the best thing about the Bijou is its film selection. My mother-in-law goes there at least once a month to watch independent films, which are hard to find anywhere else in town.

  • Address: 4522 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201
  • Website: The Bijou

Best Mall Theater: Regal Alamo Quarry

The Alamo Quarry movie theater has a special place in my heart: it was the first movie theater I ever visited in San Antonio. I was a prospective student at Trinity University and a gaggle of students took me there to show me the town. That’s when I decided to move, and after living in San Antonio for the last 12+ years later, I can say it was a good move.

But I digress! Nostalgia aside, the Quarry movie theater is a great spot to catch a flick. It’s less luxurious than the other options on this list, but its location in the Quarry mall makes it a must-see. The funky, industrial architecture of this place makes it look like a Batman villain’s hideout or something.

By the way, if you catch a movie at Regal, go around the corner for a scoop of Amy’s Ice Cream to round out the trip!

Cleanest Movie Theater: Santikos Mayan Palace

True to its name, the Mayan Palace does indeed look like a piece of Mayan architecture on the San Antonio skyline. The inside is impeccably modern, making it a great place to grab a pint of beer before the next Spiderman movie.

This place has plenty of concessions, too. My family LOVES the DIY Coca-Cola machines where you can blend your own sodas. With comfy new seats, plenty of space, and regular cleaning, the Mayan Palace is one of the neatest movie theaters in town.

Best Themed Movie Theater: Santikos Silverado

Located off of Loop 1604, the Silverado is yet another Santikos theater. It’s actually around the corner from my favorite bar, and for the longest time, I thought it was a huge rodeo bar or something. Nope! It’s a country western-themed movie theater.

I mean, from the portraits of John Wayne to the cattle skulls to the warm wooden paneling, this place oozes country spirit. The Silverado does have plush velveteen seats, although they don’t recline, so they might not be as comfy as Santikos’ other locations.

  • Address: 11505 W Loop 1604 N, San Antonio, TX 78250
  • Website: The Silverado