Major Theater Chains and Screens in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has one of the highest concentrations of movie screens in the United States, with major chains including AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, and Alamo Drafthouse operating dozens of locations across the metro area. AMC operates the largest single-location multiplex in the country at The Grove, with over 30 screens and premium large-format options such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema. Regal operates multiple locations including the Regal LA Live Stadium 14 near L.A. Live, which features recliner seats and RPX screens. Cinemark operates locations in Westfield Century City and other major malls, offering XD auditoriums with wall-to-wall screens. Alamo Drafthouse operates locations in Los Feliz and Pasadena, combining dining with film screenings. According to the National Association of Theatre Owners, the United States had approximately 40,000 screens across 33,000 locations as of the latest available public data, with Los Angeles County accounting for a significant share of total screens nationwide source.
AMC Theatres remains the largest movie exhibition company in the United States by number of screens, operating over 600 locations globally. In Los Angeles, AMC locations include AMC Century City 15, AMC Santa Anita 16 in nearby Arcadia, and AMC The Grove 14. Ticket prices at AMC locations in Los Angeles typically range from $12 to $20 for standard showings, with premium formats such as IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and ScreenX costing $5 to $10 more. Regal Cinemax tickets in Los Angeles generally range from $13 to $18 depending on format and time of day. Cinemark XD tickets in Los Angeles typically cost between $14 and $19. Alamo Drafthouse ticket prices in Los Angeles start around $16 for standard screenings and include food and beverage service. Subscription services such as AMC Stubs A-List and Regal Unlimited offer monthly plans that allow multiple movies per week, with AMC Stubs A-List costing $24.95 per month and Regal Unlimited costing $18 per month source.
How to Watch Films in Theaters in Los Angeles
Watching a film in a Los Angeles theater requires purchasing tickets, which can be done online through theater websites, mobile apps, or third-party platforms such as Atom Tickets and Fandango. Fandango, owned by NBCUniversal, is the largest online movie ticketing platform in the United States, with over 60% market share for advance ticket sales. Most Los Angeles theaters offer reserved seating, allowing viewers to select specific seats in advance. Premium large-format experiences such as IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and ScreenX require higher ticket prices but offer enhanced audio and visual quality. IMAX theaters in Los Angeles include AMC Burbank 16 IMAX and AMC Century City 15 IMAX. Dolby Cinema locations include AMC Burbank 16 and AMC Santa Anita 16. Some Los Angeles theaters offer VIP and luxury seating options with assigned recliners, dine-in service, and bars, such as the VIP Cinemas at AMC The Grove and the Alamo Drafthouse locations source.
Showtimes for films in Los Angeles theaters vary by location and day of the week, with most theaters offering screenings from early morning until after midnight. Weekday matinee showings typically have lower ticket prices, while weekend and evening screenings are priced higher. 3D and premium format screenings are available at select locations