Thinking about taking your family to the movies soon? Columbia, SC is home to several movie theaters that offer a range of experiences for moviegoers. Whether you’re looking for a large, modern theater, a drive-in movie experience, or even a smaller, independent cinema, there’s something for everyone! We’ve even got helpful tips for making your family movie outing a more budget-friendly one! So, let’s get started. Here are the 7 best movie theaters in Columbia, SC
Best Movie Theaters: Columbia, SC
Nickelodeon Theatre
This Nickelodeon Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Columbia and offers a unique movie experience for all. In business for more than 40 years, locals love to go here for the cozy, nostalgic vibes. The theater showcases a wide variety of movies including new releases, documentaries, shorts, and classics in an intimate space that seats just over 100 people. They offer both matinee and evening showtimes.
Be aware that “The Nick” offers membership deals starting at just $25. Depending on the membership package you decide on, this could include benefits such as complimentary and discounted tickets.
Address: 1607 Main Street, Columbia
Regal Cinemas Columbiana Grande 14
Located in the Columbiana Mall, Regal Cinemas theater offers comfortable seating and all the modern-day amenities. It also features an IMAX screen for a larger-than-life movie experience!
Address: 1250 Bower Parkway, Columbia
AMC Classic Harbison 14
The AMC Classic Harbison 14 theater offers amenities such as a MacGuffins Bar, which serves beer, wine, and cocktails. There is also a concession stand with a wide variety of snacks and drinks.
The theater is located near the Harbison shopping district, making it a convenient destination for shopping and entertainment.
Address: 122 Afton Court, Columbia
BTM Cinemas Dutch Square 14
Located in the Dutch Square Mall, the BTM Cinemas Dutch Square theater features all of the modern-day amenities: large concession stand, comfy seating, big screens, and more!
Address: 421 Bush River Road, Columbia
Regal Sandhill Stadium 16
Located in the Sandhill shopping district, this theater features IMAX, IMAX 3D, and Regal Premium Experience (RPX) screens. RPX offers a larger screen, custom sound, and luxury seating. The Regal Sandhill Stadium 16 theater also offers a range of concessions, including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
Address: 450 Town Center Place, Columbia
Regal Northlake Village
Regal Northlake Village has both regular and 3D movie options! They also feature very comfortable reclining seats, a full concession stand, and a clean environment. A great place to go see a new movie!
Address: 929 North Lake Drive, Lexington
Discounted Movies: Columbia, SC
Spotlight Cinemas
Let’s face it, taking your whole family out to the movies isn’t super budget-friendly. However, Spotlight Cinemas makes going to the movies with littles a bit more cost-efficient. This is a “second run” theater offering movies with a HUGE discounted price! As in they have tickets for just $3!
Even better news, there are two locations in Columbia – one in West Columbia and the other in Northeast Columbia!
Address: 527 St. Andrews Road, Columbia
Address: 201 Columbia Mall Boulevard, Suite 211, Columbia
Summer Movie Discounts
Don’t forget that additional theaters in Columbia offer discounts on summer movies for families. Find all that info in our post on summer movie theater deals in Columbia. SC.
Outdoor Movie Theater Near Columbia, SC
The Big Mo
The Big Mo began in 1951 as a single-screen drive-in theater. It is now home to three movie screens and is a popular place to enjoy a fun evening with your family and friends!
They’ve got a full concession stand offering things such as hot dogs, pizza, sweet treats, drinks, and much more. Within about an hour’s drive from Columbia, this should definitely be added to your family’s bucket list!
The Big Mo will open on March 3 for its 2023 season!
Address: 5822 Columbia Highway North, Monetta, SC
The Big Mo Facebook Page
How To Save Money at the Movies
As a child, I can remember going to the movie theater was such an exciting treat! It was so much fun deciding which movie to go to, picking out our favorite candy, and loading up on buttery popcorn. While going out to the theaters is much less popular these days, there is still something so thrilling about it that keeps us going back time and time again. Let’s be honest, however, sometimes taking your whole family out to the movies can feel like an overly expensive task. Here are some ways you can save money at the theaters:
- Join the Regal Crown Club
- Monday – 25% off candy
- Tuesday – discounted tickets
- Wednesday – extra credit points added onto your card for bigger discounts
- AMC Theaters – save 30% off ticket prices when you go to the movies before 4 pm, daily
- Ask about student, military, and/or senior citizen discounts
- Eat a meal before going, share popcorn, limit kiddos to just 1 snack
- Skip on IMAX or 3D options
- Purchase tickets at the box office – sometimes buying online will add a few dollars for “site charges”
- Always double-check promos before heading out
- Promos can often be found on the theater’s website and usually include special meal deals or ultra-discounted kids movies
- With summer just around the corner, be sure to keep an eye out for summer movie programs
Where is your favorite place to go see a movie?
What? There’s More Fun?
Don’t forget, we have more indoor fun! It’s not quite a movie, but if you’ve never been we highly suggest giving the Columbia Marionette Theater a try!
In fact, we have lots more indoor fun.
Check out our full guide to Indoor Places to Play and Things to Do in Columbia, SC
And, if that’s not enough. Head over to our huge list of things to do in Columbia, SC. It has over 50 ideas about things to do and places to visit in the Columbia area. Fun in Columbia starts right there.
