Here’s where Denver and Boulder film buffs go to see movies

A list of Denver-area cineplexes and art houses can be crucial when you’re making movie-going plans. But so is a curated look at Denver’s favorite movie theaters, especially if you’re new to town and searching for in-the-know spots.

Some of the Front Range’s biggest arts and culture leaders offer their opinions on their favorite theaters. Visit denverpost.com/things-to-do/movies for the latest movie news and reviews.

Donald Zuckerman
Colorado film commissioner
“My favorite theatrical venue is the Sie FilmCenter, a haven for independent film. I love the special presentations, the Henderson-Withey Bar, three theaters, easy parking, and the opportunity to see films meant for the screen that never get wide distribution. For the blockbusters, the ‘must see on the screen’ films, I like the AMC 9 + CO 10 on Albion Street. Convenient, modern with all the comforts, free parking, etc.” denverfilm.org/about/sie-filmcenter

Keith Garcia
Artistic director, Sie FilmCenter
“When I’m looking to see films outside of the Sie I go for the shiny new toy (and the sparkle is still on), the AMC 9+ CO 10 (and that name is still funny to me). The screens are big and crisp and loud, lots of room to move around, and the seats have cooling and heating for all your temperature needs. Somehow, hot buns feel good in a place like this.” amctheatres.com

Wende Curtis
Owner, Comedy Works clubs
“My favorite movie theater is the Mayan. It’s been my favorite since moving to Cap Hill after college. I’ve sat in every one of those seats dozens of times and seen many films. I love looking at the architecture when I’m waiting for a film to start and almost always run into someone I know there.” landmarktheatres.com

Walter Chaw
Film critic, author
“I love the family-owned Park Theater in Estes Park. Built in 1913, you can see its tower at night, lit up with the only neon allowed in the city. It’s unique in other ways, too. The lobby, renovated in 1968, is a time capsule, as is the auditorium that seats 223 and holds screenings of stuff like ‘Casablanca,’ ‘Hitchcock,’ ‘Grease’ and ‘The Big Lebowski.’ It’s the longest continuously operating single-screen theater in the country, and you can catch me there a few times a year.” historicparktheatre.com

tara jae
Founder and executive director, Youth Seen
“My favorite is Sie FilmCenter and when (Sie owner/operator) Denver Film is doing events. The other is Westminster Promenade.” amctheatres.com

Bobby LeFebre
Writer, 2019 Colorado poet laureate
“When I experience any type of art, I crave spaces that are bold and intentional about curating interesting aesthetics and vibes. I love the Arts Decoratifs Mayan Revival style that the Mayan Theatre embodies, making the space a destination where the moviegoing experience is enhanced and transformed by unique design. Pre-Columbian art, architecture, and cultures are global crowning achievements and it is cool to have a nod to the  grandeur nature of those indigenous civilizations showcased in our city.” landmarktheatres.com

Robin Beeck
Executive director, Boulder International Film Festival
“Our first jobs (Beeck is including her sister and film-fest director, Kathy) were as popcorn girls in different theaters around, back when there were seven or eight big theaters in Boulder. Now there are only a few theaters. But we think the intimate Boedecker Theater (at the Dairy Arts Center) has great programming, and they bring in speakers from the community who are super knowledgeable about film, which adds a great interactive element.” thedairy.org

Lisa Kennedy
Denver Post contributor, former staff film critic
“The Clasen Screening Room in the Sie FilmCenter. Love the popcorn. Dig the bartenders. The programing betters my brain cells. Love the location — can’t believe it’s across from East High, my alma mater. I cut my teeth on revival fare at the Ogden west on Colfax (‘Oh, no, not Meatloaf again’). And, If you’ve ever wondered what a screening room in New York is like, this intimate house provides an answer. Only it’s better.” denverfilm.org/about/sie-filmcenter

Tony Garcia
Executive artistic director, Su Teatro
“I like two spaces that we have here at the Teatro where we screen films for the XicanIndie Film Fest. One is the 250-seat theater, which is still intimate and has exits in the rear of the theater as well as the front. That allows you to duck out, and then sneak in without disturbing anyone. Our smaller space is more intimate, and can be set up with a table. So you can eat and kick back, even  doze if you need to. Students in my film class really like the space.” sueteatro.org

Christie Buchele
Comedian, Rise Theater instructor
“The Alamo Drafthouse Sloans Lake is my favorite for a big movie, and the Sie also still brings cool indie things you can’t see anywhere else, which I love.” drafthouse.com/theater/sloans-lake

Jami Duffy
Executive director, Youth on Record, and co-manager of The UMS
“The Mayan Theater. Love the vibe, the architecture, the film selection, and love our Broadway businesses!” landmarktheatres.com

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