Going to the Movies in Aurora, Colorado

Have you just moved into Aurora, Colorado or perhaps you have decided to visit a friend who lives there? One of our most entertaining things to do on a weekday or weekend is to go to the movies. But what happens if you have a movie in mind and cannot find it at your favorite theater? As a resident of Aurora, Colorado I have a favorite movie theater, but sometimes I do not feel up for the drive, the cost of their matinees, and other times they just do not have the movie I want to see. It is a rarity that they might not get a movie because they are one of the largest movie theaters in the Aurora area, but it does happen. Due to these issues and just loving movies I decided what better way to help others out in their movie experience than to review some of the movie theaters I have visited recently.

Harkins Theaters is predominantly an Arizona movie theater chain; however, in 2006 Harkins built a theater in the new Northfield Center off of Quebec from I70. This theater is surrounded by Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Bar Louie, several shopping chains like Macy's, and Bass Pro. Harkins Theaters for matinee performances are $7.50, $7, and $6 for adult, senior, and child respectively. For an evening show the cost is $10, $7, and $6. If it is a 3D experience you can expect the rate to be $2 more. The reason I like Harkins is not only the new theater with multiple screens, but their package option. Every year you can purchase a tee shirt for $20 to wear to the theater. As long as you wear the shirt, you get a free small popcorn on every visit. Since popcorn is more than $4.00 you can save after seeing 5 movies in a year. If you visit more than 5 times you are really getting your value worth from the shirt. They also have a drink refill option. If you buy a souvenir cup at the beginning of the year you can get $1.00 refill every visit rather than paying the $4 plus. So for snacks and a movie the rest of the year I pay $8.50 each visit instead of $20 each time I go.

There are times where the drive to Harkins is not something I wish for and if I am not in the mood for snacks and a drink, Century 16 by the Town Center of Aurora can fulfill my needs. This theater charges $4.50 for matinees for all. They often have the same movies as Harkins, so for a smaller theater and a good matinee cost it can be worth a visit. Their facilities are well taken care of and they recently had a renovation, at least in the last 5 years since I had not attended the theater until recently. The point with Century 16 is that it can be a good alternative if you are at the mall or in the area.

If you want a truly interesting experience my recent visit to Movie Tavern might be ideal. Movie Tavern used to be AMC on Hampden and Tower. It was an old theater with an unattractive appearance until its renovation and its change to the Movie Tavern name. For a matinee you will be charged $6 for adults. When you walk in you will see a bar with tables and chairs, with the theater entrance in the back. You will be given menus and directed to the proper theater, where your server will explain how Movie Tavern works. In the theater are desk chairs situated at tables with a red button you can press for service. Throughout the movie you can use this button to get service. The menu items are full scale restaurant style, though a bit on the expensive side. However, the popcorn is a large refillable bucket for $5.50. You can get as many refills as you wish during the movie. The drinks are $4 which is rather high, but again refills are offered on soda as well. The Movie Tavern is like a dinner theater where you get to enjoy the show and eat anything you have a mind to.

These are my top picks for Aurora Movie Theaters, and places I have recently attended. Depending on the experience you want and your budget you can decide what is best for you. With at least three places to choose from you should be able to find that movie you want to see at a time that works for you.