New Orleans movie theaters blend historic charm with modern comfort, giving locals and visitors an engaging night out. From French Quarter art houses to family friendly suburban complexes, the city offers a wide range of cinematic experiences.
Whether you are tracking new releases, indie premieres, or special screenings, knowing the local theater landscape helps you choose the best venue for your movie going needs.
| Theater | Neighborhood | Screen Count | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ArcLight Canal Place | Central Business District | 12 | Premium large format, comfortable reserved seating |
| Bengies Famous Movie Grill Metairie | Metairie | 17 | Dinner and a movie, full bar, bowling |
| The Joy Center | Marigny | 2 | Art house films, intimate setting, bar service |
| Screenland at Canal Place | Central Business District | 8 | First run releases, stadium seating, concessions |
| Paragon 12 | Lakeview | 12 | Luxury loungers, dine in options, premium sound |
Current Movie Releases in New Orleans
What Is Playing This Week
Theaters across New Orleans showcase major studio blockbusters alongside regional independent productions. Popular chains and boutique venues update their schedules weekly to reflect new openings and limited runs.
Check theater websites or app platforms for exact showtimes, as locations near the French Quarter and Lakefront may feature exclusive premieres.
Independent Cinema and Special Screenings
Art House and Revival Theaters
Independent venues in the Marigny and Bywater districts focus on curated selections, foreign language films, and director led events. These spaces often host Q and A sessions and small scale festivals.
The Joy Center exemplifies this niche, offering minimal advertising distraction and a focus on storytelling that appeals to dedicated cinephiles.
Family Friendly Movie Outings
Theaters with Play Areas and Dining
Families appreciate locations that combine movies with dinner and supervised play. Many suburban venues provide colorful lobbies, interactive games, and menu options for younger guests.
Bengies Famous Movie Grill Metairie is a prominent example, pairing first run films with a full restaurant, arcade, and weekend bowling for a complete evening out.
Planning Your Visit to New Orleans Movie Theaters
- Check current showtimes online or via theater apps before heading out, as schedules vary by location and film.
- Reserve premium seats in advance for large format screenings, especially on weekends and holiday evenings.
- Consider family friendly venues for dinner and a movie if you are visiting with children or hosting a group.
- Look out for special events hosted by art house theaters, including director talks and film festivals.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do New Orleans movie theaters offer reserved seating?
Yes, most major theater chains and several independent venues in New Orleans provide reserved seating, especially at premium large format locations such as ArcLight Canal Place and Paragon 12.
Are there 3D and IMAX options available in the city?
Yes, numerous theaters including ArcLight Canal Place and Screenland at Canal Place offer 3D screenings, while select locations support IMAX or other large format presentations on a rotating basis.
Can I dine at the theater during a movie in New Orleans?
Yes, dinner and movie venues like Bengies Famous Movie Grill allow you to order food and drinks directly to your seat, creating a convenient all in one experience for guests.
Are there discounted matinee tickets available near the French Quarter?
Yes, many theaters close to the French Quarter provide matinee pricing and loyalty programs, helping regular visitors and tourists enjoy lower ticket rates for afternoon screenings.