There’s nothing like the thrill of counting down to the release of the next movie blockbuster and heading out on opening night to watch it on the big screen. You sit down with your giant tub of popcorn and your large beverage, lean back in your chair, and watch the flick with your friends or family. If you’re in the Panama City, Florida, area, and want to catch a movie, make sure to check out one of these theaters.
The Grand 16 – Pier Park Theatre
Image via Flickr by ToastyKen
Located on Pier Park Drive, The Grand 16 – Pier Park Theatre offers reserved seating so you can select your seat before you enter. Purchase your tickets online and get them instantly on your phone, print them at home and redeem at the theater, or pick them up at the self-service kiosk once you arrive. Keep in mind that all sales are final since you choose a specific seat when you buy your ticket.
The stadium seating ensures you get the best view in the house wherever you sit. If you feel like dressing up like your favorite movie character, you can do so at this theater as long as you don’t have a mask, helmet, face paint, or simulated or real weapons.
Children under the age of 2 are free, while children’s tickets are available for those ages 3 through 12. Seniors aged 60 and older receive discounted tickets. Also, children 17 and younger are not allowed into the theater after 6 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult.
Join the theater’s Reel Rewards program for just $10, and you’ll receive a free small popcorn and a small fountain drink on your first visit. For every $100 you spend, you receive $10 toward tickets or concessions. Also, you gain free concession upgrades and a birthday bonus.
For a limited time, you can rent out a private auditorium for up to 20 friends and family members to watch a movie. The fee is $100, and you can watch one of the pre-selected films including “Pitch Perfect,” “Bridesmaids,” “Jurassic Park,” “Billy Madison,” and “Minions.” The theater opens the concession stand and bar for your private screening as well, so you can still get your favorite movie theater treats.
During the summer, check out the list of summer kids’ flicks. With a $4 ticket, you receive a free kid’s popcorn and soda.
Martin Theatre
If you’re looking to catch a classic movie in a historic venue, the Martin Theatre is a perfect choice. Opened during Hollywood’s Golden Age, this Panama City cinema once hosted movie stars like Clark Gable, Bill Elliott, and Constance Bennett. This venue was originally called the Ritz Theatre. The Martin family purchased and renamed the establishment in the early 1950s.
The landmark theater underwent a massive renovation in the late 1980s, turning it into a state-of-the-art 450-seat facility, complete with a 1,500-square-foot reception area called the Green Room. The viewing experience matches many modern movie theaters since the seats are on a steep incline.
Since 1990 when it reopened its doors after a temporary vacancy, the theater has presented more than 300 shows, produced more than 120 musicals and plays, and screened more than 150 different movies. During the summer, the theater hosts Monster Movie Mondays where it shows such films as “Teenage Zombies” and “The House of Frankenstein.” It also usually produces two live performances per year on select weekends. Go on opening night to meet and greet the cast, or you can get tickets for the special Sunday brunch performance.
PC Cinemas
Located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in the Panama City Mall, PC Cinemas opened its doors to the public in 1976 under the AMC Theater name. Since then, it has endured several acquisitions and name changes, eventually landing on its current name. There are four screens available, all of which offer plenty of space between the rows of seats.
The best part about PC Cinemas is its discounted ticket prices. Movies shown before noon are $4.99, matinee shows between noon and 6 p.m. are $5.99, and evening shows after 6 p.m. are $5.99 for children, seniors, and members of the military, while adult tickets are $7.99. What’s more, every admission gets a free small popcorn, and seniors can get discounts on concessions. When purchasing tickets online, you can have them conveniently sent to your mobile device.
Regal Regency – Panama City
The Regal Regency – Panama City, found on West 23rd Street, was rebuilt from the ground up after Hurricane Michael. The new theater features 11 auditoriums, and some screens are 4DX, ScreenX, or RPX. You can also enjoy a coffee bar and a full-service bar.
Children under the age of 3 are free except for those sitting in recliners and reserved seating locations, while children’s tickets are available for kids from 3 to 11 years old. Those aged 60 and older can get discounted tickets. If you’re a student and bring your school ID to the box office, you qualify for student pricing. You also get discounted tickets if you’re active or retired military personnel and have your ID.
At this theater, you can join the free rewards club known as the Regal Crown Club. You earn 100 credits for every dollar spent on tickets and concessions. It also offers a bonus Crown Jewel program that gives you extra credits for each visit. The more you visit, the more you earn. You can spend your credits on tickets or concessions whenever you want.
Regal also offers the Regal Unlimited movie subscription pass. For a monthly fee, you can see as many movies as you want, get discounts on concessions, and get access to advance tickets. With the highest subscription, you can use your Unlimited Pass at any Regal theater in the U.S.
At Panama City Toyota, we love going out to see a movie or show. We’ve just listed some of the best theaters in the city for you to check out. Did we miss a favorite spot of yours or one that not many others know about? If we did, drop us a line so we can add it to our list.
