The Best Movie Theaters in and Around Tampa Bay

These days, with the price of a movie theater ticket, it is almost a special treat to see a movie in a theater. However, that shouldn't discourage us from visiting some of the more popular theaters as it really can be a truly entertaining evening if you pick the right one.

The Cobb Theatres newest addition in our area is located in Wesley Chapel just off of I-75 which makes for a pretty easy drive from most parts of Tampa. To mapquest this location the address is 6333 Wesley Grove Boulevard, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544. Visit their website to easily view the movie choices for the day and all showing times. The cost for an adult is $9.50, children ages 2-11 are $6.50 and seniors over the age of 60 receive a discounted ticket for $7.00. Matinee prices are $7.50. They also offer a 3-D cinema which prices are a little higher than the regular theaters with tickets for adults at $11.75, children $8.75, seniors $9.25 and matinees for $9.75. All theaters are equipped with all digital DLP projection, dolby digital 7.1 surround sound, stadium seating cafeteria style concessions with a cafe. The Cinebistro in-theater dining is certainly something you should experience. For adults only, you can definitely make the typical movie and dinner date an exceptional experience. There is also the restaurant which is open to under 21, but don't expect any alcohol. It is really nice to enjoy a great meal while sitting in ultra-luxurious high back leather rocking chairs. Visit their website to see what's playing so you can plan a great evening, or afternoon, at the movies.

Channelside Cinema 10 and Imax Theater is another great movie experience. Located at Channelside in Downtown Tampa you can plan to spend the day shopping and dining and then move on into the theater to end the evening. There are ten regular movie theaters and the incredible experience of a Imax theater which offers a full 14,000 watts of power from their digital surround sound, not to mention the enormous screen you'll be viewing the movie on. Imagine nearly eight stories of visual ecstasy, especially if you're lucky enough to view a 3-D Imax film. Matinees in the regular theaters cost $7.50 for adults and $6.50 for children and go up to $9.00 for adults for evening times. The Imax theater tickets run approximately $12.00 for adults and of course less for children. Visit their website and click on the link to view ticket prices for all showings.

Centro Ybor Muvico Theaters located at 1600 E. 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605 is another option for a great movie experience. The theaters offer dolby digital sound and stadium seating. You have the general theaters for all ages and the tickets cost pretty much the same as all the larger theaters. Adults can pay $9.00 for evening movies and $7.50 for matinees. They also offer a premier theater selection for adults only which offers a full service cocktail bar in the lobby. You can visit their website to see what's playing this weekend and also purchase your tickets in advance if you desire.

If you're feeling a little nostalgic for a drive-in movie, then you should visit Fun Lan Drive-In located at 2302 E. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610. During the day you can enjoy the flea market there and then stay for a flick on one of the four screens offered. They show current movies that you'll find in theaters. After you arrive and find your favorite spot, visit the snack bar and load up on all sorts of goodies from piping hot pizza to hot dogs, nachos to meatball sandwiches and of course, all the usual popcorn, candies and soda you want. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. Visit their website to see the great choice of first-run movies playing this week.

Last, but not least, you can always plan to take in a movie at the Tampa Theater which is more of a treat for the setting than the movie. Here I would suggest a great classic such as Casablanca. My husband took me there a few years ago to see it and what a treat that was. We enjoyed the music of a huge organ prior to the movie and were able to sip wine while we waited in our seats. The price of a regular film showing is $9.00 for adults and the matinees are $7.00. It is certainly the most elegant theater you will see a movie in and the seating is still exceptional considering the age of this historic film house. It is located at 711 N. Franklin Street in Downtown Tampa. Check out their website to see what movies they have to offer and the times of the showing.